SaurabhEven though marshmallows have small nutritional value they are a favorite type of confectionery similar to candy but not candy.
They are fluffy, chewy, and squishy and you can add them in your hot cup of cocoa or chocolate, roast over the campfire, or mix them into your favorite desserts and snacks.
Marshmallows are usually made with corn syrup, sugar, gelatin, water, and corn starch. But some colorings and flavors are also added to the marshmallows.
The sugar, corn syrup, and water are boiled until they reach the desired temperature, and when the gelatin is added the mixture is whipped until thick.
However, what if you don’t have marshmallows at hand? Is there a substitute for marshmallows? The short answer is yes! And which substitute you are going to use depends on that what recipe you are going to prepare.
The best substitutes for marshmallows are marshmallow fluff, marshmallow cream, sugar-free marshmallows, gelatin-free marshmallows, or some of the following products.
Substitutes for Marshmallows
Marshmallows make a good filling in many baked goods. However, you can also mold them into different shapes and coat them with corn starch.
These soft, fluffy sweet treats have a very specific texture. Therefore, it is very difficult to find any suitable substitutes. If you want to try something similar but also different you can use any of the substitutes below.
If you are looking for a substitute for marshmallows you can use some of these ingredients. Few of them are also suitable for vegans. However, anyone who wants a healthier replacement for marshmallows can also use them.
1. Marshmallow fluff
Marshmallow fluff and marshmallows are two similar products. Marshmallow fluff is usually made of sugar, corn syrup, vanillin, a pinch of salt, and egg whites.
It is used as a topping for various desserts and cookies. You can use ½ cup of marshmallow fluff to substitute 1cup or 8 regular marshmallows. However, if you are vegan or allergic to eggs this is not the right substitute for marshmallows you can use in your recipes.
2. Marshmallow cream
Marshmallow cream is made of corn syrup, sugar, cream of tartar, xanthan gum, and egg whites. It has a similar flavor to marshmallows but a different texture.
Marshmallows have a light, airy, and soft texture whereas marshmallow cream is stretchy with a texture similar to the texture of melted marshmallows.
So, you can use it as a substitute in cakes, pies, cupcakes, and other recipes. You can use ½ cup of marshmallow cream to substitute 1cup or 8 regular marshmallows.
3. Sugar-free marshmallows
Sugar-free marshmallows usually consist of water, gelatin, vanilla, and sweeteners such as isomalt, lactitol, and maltitol.
They have a smooth and soft texture and it is better to use them as they are because if you heat them, they will not melt like the regular marshmallows.
4. Gelatin free marshmallows
Gelatin-free marshmallows are a good choice if you are a vegan or don’t want to use any animal products. You can buy marshmallows made with agar-agar instead of gelatin, or make them at home.
They have a similar texture and flavor to regular marshmallows and you can use them the same way you use marshmallows.
5. Zephyr-Russian marshmallow
Zephyr is a Russian treat with a similar texture and flavor to marshmallows. They consist of egg whites, sugar, apple puree, and agar or gelatin. And thanks to the fluffy texture, you can use them in the same way as marshmallows.
6. Honey and peanut butter
You can mix honey and peanut butter as a replacement for marshmallows in Rice Krispie treats. Just put the honey in a pan to boil at low heat. And when it is runny add the peanut butter and a pinch of salt. Mix well until they combine and use them in your Rice Krispie treats.
7. Chocolate and peanut butter
Chocolate and peanut butter are other substitutes for marshmallows in Rice Krispie treats. Just mix the same amounts of chocolate and peanut butter and add honey. Put the mixture in a microwave, stir it and it is ready to use.
8. Grilled pineapple and peaches
Grilled pineapple and peaches are a healthy alternative to marshmallows. The sweet treats known as smores are made with roasted marshmallows, graham crackers, and chocolate.
They are known as campfire treats because they are mostly prepared at camping. You can’t get the same sweet flavor and soft texture as when you are using marshmallows but at least you will eat something healthy.
If you want sweeter peaches and pineapple you can add some maple syrup or sugar. They will caramelize and give a beautiful flavor to your treat.
9. Grilled brie cheese and apple
Grilled brie cheese and apple are a good combination. Just use a piece of brie cheese and a slice of apple and grill them together. Then you can make a sandwich with graham crackers and enjoy the mixed flavors.
For an even better flavor, you can add a bit of chocolate on top of the roasted cheese. You will get a sweet-salty flavor mixed with the fresh taste of the apple. Perhaps this is not a smores flavor but it is a new flavor.
10. Homemade marshmallows from scratch
And as a final suggestion, make your marshmallows. You will need the following ingredients.
Ingredients:
- ¾ cup cold water
- 40 grams sheet gelatin
- ¾ cup cornstarch
- 2 ½ cups granulated sugar
- ¾ cup water
- 2 teaspoons light corn syrup
- ¾ cup powdered sugar
- 2 large egg whites
- 2 teaspoons vanilla bean paste
Instructions
Place the gelatin sheets in ¾ cup of cold water and let it soak for about 5 minutes or until it is softened. Put the gelatin to melt at medium heat. While the gelatin is melting sift the cornstarch and the powder sugar and mix them.
Mix the water with the corn syrup and granulated sugar in a saucepan and boil the mixture until it reaches 200°F. Beat the egg whites at high speed in another bowl.
When the sugar syrup reaches 238°F you can remove it from the heat and add the melted gelatin. Stir the mixture and when the foam is set pour the syrup slowly into the egg whites with constant beating on high speed.
When you poured all the syrup beat the mixture until it gets fluffy. Add the vanilla bean paste to the mixture and stir it until it is combined.
Put a parchment paper onto a sheet tray and cover it with a thin layer of the sifted mixture of corn starch and powdered sugar. Pour the mixture on the tray and flatten the surface.
Put another layer of sifted cornstarch and powdered sugar on the top of the marshmallow mix and let it cool. When it is set you can cut it into cubes and toss them into the powder sugar and cornstarch mixture. Your marshmallows are ready.
FAQs
What is the substitute for 1 cup marshmallow?
To substitute 1 cup of regular marshmallows, use ½ cup of marshmallow cream or marshmallow fluff.
What can I use instead of marshmallows in Rice Krispies?
Instead of marshmallows in Rice Krispies, you can use honey and peanut butter. Or chocolate and peanut butter.
Can you substitute fluff for marshmallows?
You can substitute fluff for marshmallows because it has a similar flavor to marshmallows. Use ½ cup of fluff to substitute 1 cup of marshmallows.
Final Thoughts
Marshmallows are a soft, fluffy treat. It’s a common ingredient in desserts and snacks. Or eaten on their own. You can add them to your cup of hot chocolate, top a cake with the super-soft marshmallow squares, or roast them in a campfire and make smores.
No matter how you like to enjoy the flavor and texture of the marshmallows, we have to admit that they are one-of-a-kind treats. But if for some reason you can’t use them in your diet in this article you will find some healthy alternatives for marshmallows.
