HenryMarshmallows and marshmallow creme are two sweet treats that share a similar flavor but have different textures and uses. If you’ve ever wondered if you can use marshmallows in place of marshmallow creme, you’re not alone. Maybe you’re in the middle of a recipe, and you realize you only have marshmallows when the recipe calls for marshmallow creme. It’s helpful to know whether one can take the place of the other and, if so, how to make it work properly.
Marshmallow creme is often used in recipes because of its smooth, spreadable consistency. It’s great for making fluffier desserts, toppings, and candies. On the other hand, marshmallows are firmer, and they are best known for roasting over campfires or adding to hot cocoa.
In this post, we will go through everything you need to know about substituting marshmallows for marshmallow creme. We’ll discuss the differences, how to make the swap, and tips to get the best results.
What Are Marshmallows and Marshmallow Creme?
Marshmallows are small, pillow-like candies made from sugar, water, and gelatin. They are firm enough to hold their shape, yet soft and airy. Marshmallows are often used in snacks, desserts, and for roasting over a fire. Their soft and spongy texture makes them great for eating on their own or melting in a hot drink.
Marshmallow creme, also known as marshmallow fluff, is a spreadable, gooey version of marshmallow. It doesn’t have the same firm structure as marshmallows because it doesn’t contain gelatin. This makes it very smooth and easy to spread, which is perfect for certain desserts like fudge, cakes, and cookies where you need a light, fluffy texture.
Can You Substitute Marshmallows for Marshmallow Creme?
Yes, you can substitute marshmallows for marshmallow creme, but it takes a bit of extra work. Since marshmallows are solid and marshmallow creme is soft and spreadable, you will need to melt the marshmallows first. This will help you achieve a texture closer to marshmallow creme.
For most recipes, you can melt marshmallows with a little bit of corn syrup to create a mixture that’s similar to marshmallow creme. The melting process breaks down the marshmallows, making them gooey and smooth, which helps to replace the marshmallow creme in many desserts.
10 Best Substitute For Marshmallow Creme
1. Melted Marshmallows
One of the easiest substitutes for marshmallow creme is melted marshmallows. Since marshmallows and marshmallow creme have similar ingredients, this is a natural alternative. To make melted marshmallows resemble marshmallow creme, you’ll need to add a bit of liquid to create a spreadable texture.
To make melted marshmallows, take about 8-10 large marshmallows or 1 cup of mini marshmallows and add 2 teaspoons of corn syrup. Heat them in the microwave for about 15-20 seconds or until they become soft and gooey. Stir the mixture until smooth, and you’ll have something close to marshmallow creme. You can use this substitute in recipes for fudge, cookies, or as a frosting.
2. Marshmallow Fluff
Marshmallow fluff is another substitute that’s often confused with marshmallow creme, but they have slight differences in ingredients and texture. Marshmallow fluff is made in a similar way to marshmallow creme, but it is whipped for a longer time, which gives it a thicker and fluffier texture. If your recipe calls for marshmallow creme and you only have marshmallow fluff, you can use it without much adjustment.
Marshmallow fluff is great for spreading on cakes, cookies, or mixing into a dessert to add sweetness and lightness. Since marshmallow fluff has a similar sweetness and texture to marshmallow creme, you can use it in a 1:1 ratio in almost any recipe. Just keep in mind that fluff may be a bit thicker, so you may need to stir it well to ensure it mixes evenly with other ingredients.
3. Honey and Peanut Butter
For some recipes, especially those involving candies or cookies, a combination of honey and peanut butter can work as a substitute for marshmallow creme. The sticky and smooth nature of this combination mimics the texture of marshmallow creme while adding a unique flavor.
To make this substitute, mix equal parts honey and peanut butter until smooth. This mixture will be thicker than marshmallow creme but will still provide a similar sticky consistency. It’s best used in recipes like no-bake cookies or bars, where the sweetness and nuttiness can enhance the flavor.
Read also, Can I Substitute Marshmallow Creme For Marshmallows, All You Need to Know
4. Corn Syrup and Egg Whites
A homemade marshmallow creme substitute can be made using corn syrup and egg whites. This method requires a bit more effort, but it comes very close to the consistency and flavor of store-bought marshmallow creme.
To make it, combine 1 cup of corn syrup with 1 egg white in a mixing bowl. Beat them together with an electric mixer until the mixture becomes thick, fluffy, and glossy, similar to marshmallow creme. You can also add a teaspoon of vanilla extract to give it that marshmallow flavor.
5. Cream Cheese and Sugar
If you’re looking for a substitute for marshmallow creme that’s less sweet and more creamy, consider using cream cheese and powdered sugar. This combination won’t taste exactly like marshmallows, but it provides a similar creamy texture that can be used in desserts and frostings.
To make this substitute, beat 4 ounces of softened cream cheese with 1 cup of powdered sugar until smooth. You can also add a bit of vanilla extract for extra flavor. This mixture is great for spreading on cakes or using as a filling in cookies. It won’t be as light and airy as marshmallow creme, but it provides a rich, creamy texture that works well in many recipes.
6. Sugar and Egg Whites
Another option for creating a marshmallow creme substitute at home involves sugar and egg whites. This version is a bit simpler than the corn syrup version but still gives a fluffy, sweet result.
To make it, whisk 2 egg whites until they form stiff peaks. Gradually add in 1 cup of granulated sugar while continuing to whisk until the mixture is glossy and stiff. This substitute has a similar texture to marshmallow creme and can be used in recipes that require fluffiness, like frostings or fillings.
7. Greek Yogurt and Honey
If you’re looking for a healthier option, Greek yogurt mixed with honey can be a good substitute for marshmallow creme. This combination won’t provide the same sweetness level or texture, but it works well in recipes where you need a creamy, smooth element.
To make this substitute, mix 1 cup of Greek yogurt with 2-3 tablespoons of honey until well combined. This mixture is best used in recipes like parfaits, fruit dips, or as a topping for pancakes and waffles.
8. Whipped Cream
Whipped cream is another option for substituting marshmallow creme, especially in recipes that don’t require the stickiness of marshmallow. Whipped cream is light, fluffy, and easy to make at home.
To make whipped cream, beat 1 cup of heavy cream until it forms soft peaks. You can also add a tablespoon of sugar and a bit of vanilla extract for flavor. This substitute works well in desserts that need a light, fluffy topping or filling, such as cakes, pies, or fruit salads.
9. Agar Agar and Sugar
If you’re looking for a vegetarian substitute, agar agar and sugar can be used to create a texture similar to marshmallow creme. Agar agar is a gelatin-like substance derived from seaweed, and it can be used as a thickening agent.
To make this substitute, dissolve 1 tablespoon of agar agar powder in 1/4 cup of water. Heat the mixture until the agar is completely dissolved. In a separate bowl, beat 1/2 cup of sugar with 1/4 cup of hot water until the sugar dissolves. Combine the two mixtures and beat until it becomes thick and fluffy.
Read also, Can I Substitute Marshmallows For Marshmallow Creme? All You Need to Know
10. Marshmallow Root Powder and Sugar
The marshmallow root powder is derived from the marshmallow plant and can be used to create a marshmallow-like consistency when mixed with sugar. This substitute is not commonly found in stores, but it can be purchased online or at health food stores.
To make this substitute, combine 1 tablespoon of marshmallow root powder with 1 cup of sugar and 1/4 cup of water. Heat the mixture until it becomes thick and gooey. This substitute works well in recipes that require a marshmallow-like consistency, and it provides a natural alternative to store-bought marshmallow creme.
Conclusion
Substituting marshmallows for marshmallow creme is possible and can work well in many recipes if you melt them and add a bit of corn syrup. While the texture won’t be identical, the flavor will be similar, and you can still create delicious treats. Remember to melt the marshmallows slowly, add corn syrup for smoothness, and work quickly before they set.
Whether you’re making fudge, no-bake cookies, or a sweet frosting, knowing how to make this substitution can be handy when you’re in a pinch. Just keep in mind the differences between marshmallows and marshmallow creme, and adjust your recipe as needed to get the best results. With a little practice, you’ll be able to use marshmallows in place of marshmallow creme and create tasty desserts that everyone will love.
Emmanuel
Henry
