Fluffy Seagull Latte

The Fluffy Seagull Latte recipe has quickly risen from a playful café experiment in Cape Cod to a global coffee sensation. Known for its whimsical name and indulgent layers of Marshmallow Fluff, peanut butter syrup, milk, and espresso, this viral drink has captivated coffee lovers across TikTok, Instagram, and Pinterest. More than just a passing trend, the Fluffy Seagull Latte blends nostalgia with modern creativity, making it one of the most unique coffee recipes of recent years.

I first discovered it in my aunt Lucia’s sunlit kitchen, while scrolling through a wave of TikTok reels. She looked over and laughed, “What on earth is a seagull doing in a latte?” That curiosity led us to recreate the drink at home, swirling marshmallow fluff inside tall glasses and pouring espresso over ice. To our surprise, this quirky experiment tasted as comforting as it looked — instantly becoming one of my favorite homemade indulgences.

In this guide, I will share everything you need to know: the origin story of the Fluffy Seagull Latte, why it became a viral phenomenon, and most importantly, a step-by-step recipe to make it at home with creative variations. Whether you are here for the story, the flavor, or the trend, this article will show you why this whimsical latte is more than just a coffee — it is a cultural icon.

What Is the Fluffy Seagull Latte?

Origins of the Fluffy Seagull Latte

The fluffy seagull latte was first introduced in 2023 by a small, coastal café named Lighthouse Keeper’s Pantry, nestled in Yarmouth, Cape Cod, Massachusetts. This local gem, previously known for its gourmet foods and artisan preserves, unintentionally set off a viral trend.

The latte gained massive popularity in the summer of 2025, with visitors lining up to try what many described as “dessert in a cup.” Its coastal setting and quirky name gave it a storybook feel, and the café’s founder, Kelly O’Connell, leaned into its novelty. What started as an experiment quickly became a signature item, drawing crowds not just for its taste but for the entire sensory experience it offered.

Breaking Down the “Fluffy Seagull” Name

The unusual name left many puzzled. There were, of course, no birds involved. The “seagull” is a playful nod to Cape Cod’s coastal charm, where seagulls are as much a part of the scenery as sand and salt air. The “fluffy” part refers to the standout ingredient: Marshmallow Fluff.

This thick, sticky, snowy-white spread lines the interior of the cup, creating a feathered, ethereal look that mimics a seagull’s plumage. Together, the name evokes both visual delight and a strong sense of place — a combination that would prove irresistible to coffee lovers and social media users alike.

What’s in a Fluffy Seagull Latte? Key Ingredients

At its core, this latte is a creamy, sweet, and lightly caffeinated drink that blends:

• Marshmallow Fluff: Spread generously inside the cup.
• Peanut Butter Syrup: Offers a nutty contrast to the fluff’s sweetness.
• Iced Milk: Typically whole or 2%, but alternatives like oat or almond work too.
• Espresso: A bold shot to anchor the flavors.

This combination creates a beverage that is layered, rich, and comforting — almost like sipping a fluffernutter sandwich.

Why the Internet (and Coffee Lovers) Are Obsessed with the Fluffy Seagull Latte

The Aesthetic Appeal of the Fluffy Seagull Latte

There is something inherently Instagrammable about the fluffy seagull latte. I remember the first photo I snapped of it at home, the fluff clinging to the glass like snow drifts, the peanut butter swirls, the creamy milk offset by a dark espresso ripple.

It was a feast for the eyes before it ever touched the tongue. On social media, especially TikTok and Instagram, the drink quickly became a star. Videos showed the fluff being spooned into glasses, espresso cascading over ice, and reactions that ranged from delight to disbelief.

Nostalgia Factor: Fluffernutter & New England Roots

Part of the drink’s charm lies in nostalgia. The marshmallow fluff latte pays homage to the legendary Fluffernutter sandwich — a staple in many New England childhoods. This sticky-sweet sandwich, composed of peanut butter and Marshmallow Fluff on white bread, has long been celebrated in Massachusetts, where Marshmallow Fluff was invented.

Much like the nostalgic Bariatric Seed Recipe, the Fluffy Seagull Latte carries emotional weight while being fun and creative. For locals, the latte became a modern-day tribute to a cherished classic. For outsiders, it offered a taste of regional identity, something quirky and uniquely American.

Social Media Catalysts: From Cape Cod to Everywhere

The latte’s explosion in popularity is inseparable from the internet. Lighthouse Keeper’s Pantry began selling up to 400 lattes a day during the summer rush. They reportedly went through over 40 pounds of Marshmallow Fluff daily. It only took one viral TikTok, filmed over Memorial Day weekend, to spark the latte’s meteoric rise. The drink’s visual spectacle and sentimental flavor made it a perfect storm for online success.

How to Make a Fluffy Seagull Latte at Home

Ingredient Breakdown: Marshmallow Fluff, Peanut Butter Syrup & Espresso

Replicating the fluffy seagull latte at home requires thoughtful attention to ingredients. I initially made the mistake of adding plain peanut butter to my iced coffee, a lumpy disaster. What you need instead is a peanut butter syrup latte base. Brands like Torani make a version, or you can easily create one with equal parts water, sugar, and peanut butter gently simmered and strained.

Your main ingredients include:

• Marshmallow Fluff (or any marshmallow creme)
• Peanut Butter Syrup (store-bought or homemade)
• Milk (2%, whole, oat, or almond)
• Ice
• Espresso or Cold Brew

Step-by-Step: DIY Fluffy Seagull Coffee Tutorial

Here is how I recreate the viral drink at home:

1. Line the Glass: Use a spoon or spatula to coat the inside of a tall glass with Marshmallow Fluff. Rotate the glass to spread it evenly.
2. Add Ice: Fill the glass about three-quarters full.
3. Pour in Peanut Butter Syrup: Add 1 to 2 tablespoons, depending on your sweetness preference.
4. Add Milk: Pour your milk of choice until the glass is nearly full.
5. Top with Espresso: Slowly pour 1 shot of freshly brewed espresso over the milk. The darker coffee will drift through the lighter layers.

Tips & Variations: Milk Types, Syrup Options, Espresso or Cold Brew

• Milk Alternatives: Almond milk creates a slightly nuttier finish, while oat milk enhances the creaminess.
• Syrup Enhancements: Add a touch of vanilla or cinnamon to your peanut butter syrup for extra complexity.
• Espresso vs. Cold Brew: Espresso gives the drink its signature richness, but cold brew offers a smoother, less acidic alternative.
• Garnish Ideas: Try a toasted marshmallow on top or a peanut butter rim for presentation.

This marshmallow fluff iced coffee is as fun to make as it is to drink. With a bit of care, you can replicate the café experience in your own kitchen.

The Café Behind It All: Lighthouse Keeper’s Pantry & the Fluffy Seagull

From Small Food Shop to Viral Sensation

When I finally visited Lighthouse Keeper’s Pantry during a coastal road trip, I was struck by how unassuming it looked. Nestled between a gift shop and a weathered post office, it hardly screamed internet fame. Yet the line spilled onto the sidewalk, and inside, the staff was crafting creative coffee drinks with the efficiency of a beehive. Owner Kelly O’Connell greeted each customer with a smile. She started the café as a way to sell her preserves and small-batch snacks. The latte, she told me, began as a playful addition to her menu — she never expected it to go viral.

Lines, Sales & Branding: The Latte That Made Waves

By July 2025, Lighthouse Keeper’s Pantry was selling hundreds of lattes daily. Locals came for the charm; tourists came for the viral drink. Kelly trademarked the Cape Cod latte sensation, ensuring no other café could replicate the name “Fluffy Seagull Latte”. Merchandise followed: mugs, T-shirts, even a tote bag featuring a fluffy seagull drawn by a local artist. This strategic branding turned the latte into more than a drink — it became an experience.

Spin-Offs & Seasonal Variants: From Scones to Fluffy Penguin

The menu now includes seasonal variations. During winter, customers flock to the Fluffy Penguin, a peppermint twist on the original. There are even talks of a peanut butter scone filled with fluff. Kelly shared that a toasted fluff ice cream sandwich is in the works, expanding the brand beyond beverages. From a single drink, a mini coffee empire has taken flight, all built on creativity, nostalgia, and regional flair.

Cultural & Marketing Lessons from the Fluffy Seagull Latte Phenomenon

The Power of Regional Identity in Trends

In my experience, the success of the fluffy seagull latte offers a masterclass in the power of place-based storytelling. Cape Cod is already steeped in iconic imagery: lighthouses, seagulls, boardwalks, and breezy beachside afternoons. When a product emerges that ties itself so clearly to that sense of place, it gains a unique cultural advantage.

The latte’s blend of marshmallow fluff and peanut butter syrup nods unapologetically to New England staples like the Fluffernutter sandwich. This specificity does not limit its appeal — it enhances it. Regional identity gives consumers something to connect to emotionally. It becomes more than a drink; it becomes a narrative. Businesses everywhere can learn from this. Rather than chasing broad appeal, sometimes the most successful trends come from proudly embracing the local and letting the story do the heavy lifting.

Aesthetic Meets Flavor: Why Looks Drive Food Trends

Before I ever tasted my first viral iced latte, I was enchanted by how it looked. Social media platforms have become unofficial marketing arms for cafés and creators. A product’s visual appeal is now just as important as taste — sometimes even more so. The fluffy seagull latte stands out because of its layered colors, its frothy cream textures, and its theatrical presentation.

When people see a drink that looks like a cloud kissed by coffee, they want to share it. This is what makes the drink Instagrammable. But it also shows the importance of investing in design, lighting, and user-generated content. When you create something that people cannot help but post, you win free exposure across thousands of feeds.

From TikTok to Trademark: Turning Trends into Business Strategy

The rapid success of this TikTok latte recipe is not just luck. Kelly O’Connell’s decision to trademark the drink name and expand into merchandise illustrates how to smartly monetize virality. It is one thing to go viral; it is another to sustain momentum. From cross-promotions to seasonal editions, the brand behind the fluffy seagull latte shows how to build an enduring brand from a single product. Viral moments are fleeting — but smart branding turns them into legacy.

Final Thoughts on the Fluffy Seagull Latte

The Fluffy Seagull Latte is more than a viral coffee trend. Its mix of marshmallow fluff, peanut butter syrup, and espresso blends nostalgia with creativity, making it both comforting and visually irresistible. What began in Cape Cod has grown into a symbol of community and storytelling, shared in cafés, homes, and social feeds worldwide.

If you have not tried it yet, recreate this whimsical latte at home and share your version online. A single sip captures why some drinks rise above trends, they leave behind not only flavor but memory.

FAQs — People Also Ask (PAA)

Disclaimer: This article is intended for informational purposes only. It should not be considered medical or nutritional advice. Please consult a qualified healthcare or nutrition professional before making any dietary changes or health-related decisions.

Written by Armand Juliette, coffee enthusiast and recipe creator at MakeEasyYummy, with personal experience testing café-inspired drinks at home.