Fluffernutter Sandwich Recipe

Fluffernutter sandwiches are a New England favorite, combining salty peanut butter with gooey marshmallow fluff. The flavor alone is delicious, and the gooey texture makes it even more of a treat. 

History of the Fluffernutter

The Fluffernutter Sandwich is not just any ordinary sandwich, it's a New England classic that has been around for over a century, so of course we had to include it in our Massachusetts state dinner!. It consists of layers of creamy peanut butter and sweet marshmallow fluff, sandwiched between two slices of soft white bread. 

The Fluffernutter sandwich has a fascinating history too. It was originally called the Liberty Sandwich and was popularized during World War 1. However, it wasn't until 1960 that an advertising agency marketed the sandwich as the Fluffernutter, as a way to promote Marshmallow Fluff. And now, it has become a beloved classic that is enjoyed by people of all ages.

It's such an important sandwich in the Northeast that in 2006 Massachusetts legislature declared October 8th as National Fluffernutter Day. So mark your calendar and make sure you set aside that day to enjoy this iconic treat!

Fluffernutter Sandwich Ingredients

Three simple, but very specific ingredients make up our Fluffernutter Sandwich.

• Creamy Peanut Butter - Don't go for the chunky stuff here. A fluffernutter sandwich is all about texture. Creamy, sticky, gooey texture.
• Marshmallow Fluff - My friends in Boston tell me that the only way to make a true Fluffernutter sandwich is with Fluff. That's the jar with a red lid that says "Fluff" in big words across the front. I have a friend who has moved away from Boston and she has her family ship her cases of fluff! If you don't have family in New England then you can order it from Amazon for just a few dollars. (Though marshmallow cream has very similar ingredients, taste, and texture, and can be used in a pinch.)
• White Bread - This is not the time to go on a health kick. White Wonder bread is the way to go!

Who Invented Marshmallow Fluff?

The origins of Marshmallow Fluff can be traced back to small-time confectioners Amory and Emma Curtis, who created Snowflake Marshmallow Creme in their home kitchen in Melrose in the early 20th century.

Meanwhile, in a nearby town of Somerville, another candy maker named Archibald Query had his own marshmallow cream recipe that he was selling door-to-door. 

It wasn't until later, during a sugar shortage in World War I, that Query sold his formula to businessmen H. Allen Durkee and Fred L. Mower. They rebranded the product as Toot Sweet Marshmallow Fluff and began to mass-produce it, eventually becoming the Marshmallow Fluff that we know and love today. 

It's amazing how a homemade treat created over a century ago by two small-time confectioners became a childhood staple in homes all across New England.

How to Make a Fluffernutter Sandwich

1) Lay Out the Bread Slices

• Two slices of white bread, Wonder bread preferred. Nice and simple.

2) Spread Peanut Butter

• Take a knife and spread about 2 tablespoons of peanut butter evenly on one slice of bread. 
• Make sure to spread it all the way to the edges.

3) Spread Marshmallow Fluff 

• Now it's time to add the star ingredient: Marshmallow fluff. 
• Take the other slice of bread and spread a generous amount of fluff on it, making sure to cover the entire slice.

4) Put the Sandwich Together

• Line up the two slices of bread, peanut butter, and fluff sides facing each other, and gently press them together.
• Slice the sandwich in half, or keep it whole.

Serving Suggestions

The better question is "What doesn't go well with a Fluffernutter sandwich?" You can enjoy it with just about anything. But our kid-friendly favorites include:

• Chips
• Fruit
• Carrots, celery, and other easy-to-eat vegetables
• Fluffernutter Sandwiches are also delicious on their own, as an afternoon snack!
• Many will argue that it is best enjoyed with a big glass of milk

Fluffernutter Variations

• Nutella: One of the most popular variations is using Nutella in place of peanut butter.
• Banana Slices: Slice one half of a banana and place the slices on in a single layer on top of the peanut butter.
• The Elvis Presley: This twist on Elvis Presley's favorite sandwich (peanut butter and bacon, drizzled with honey) puts 3 slices of crisp bacon between the sticky layers.
• Potato Chip: If you love a sweet and salty combination, try potato chips in the middle of the sandwich.
• Grilled Fluffernutter Sandwich: You can also grill your fluffernutter sandwich. Simply spread melted butter on the outside of each slice of bread, and grill over medium heat for 3-4 minutes until the bread is golden brown.

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