Marshmallows. We always think we have some, and then poof—they’re gone. Who’s been secretly snacking? Probably us.
One time, we grabbed the bag for s’mores prep, only to realize half of it had mysteriously disappeared. (Not pointing fingers, but it was definitely a team effort.)
Still, you don’t hit pause on dessert plans when marshmallows are MIA. There are so many fun substitutes that work just as well. Some might already be chilling in your pantry.
Others? A quick store run away. Whether it’s for fluffing up a dessert or holding together a gooey creation, we’ve got ideas to keep the sweet stuff flowing.
Let’s swap stories and share solutions.
5 Quick Substitutes for Marshmallows
Here are our top 5 favorite marshmallow substitutes. Keep these on hand and you’ll never be left with a s’mores-less summer!
1 – Marshmallow Fluff
Marshmallow Fluff feels like the friend who’s always hanging out in the background but suddenly saves the day. It’s sweet, sticky, and spreads like a dream. We’ve swapped it for marshmallows in recipes more times than we can count.
The best part? One cup of Marshmallow Fluff equals about 16 regular marshmallows. No melting needed, which is a win for lazy days. It works great in no-bake treats or as filling because it holds everything together like a champ.
It’s not quite as firm when cooled, though, so skip it for recipes needing marshmallows to set firmly.
2 – Honey and Peanut Butter Mixture
Who knew honey and peanut butter could team up like this? They’re sticky, sweet, and hold everything together like champs. We’ve used this combo in place of marshmallows, and it works like a charm—well, for recipes that don’t need a firm set.
Use about 1 cup of honey and 1 cup of peanut butter to replace a bag of marshmallows. Warm them gently, mix, and you’re set. It’s especially great in cereal bars or no-bake treats because it adds flavor and stickiness.
The downside? It’s a little heavier than marshmallows, but still a solid substitute for gooey creations.
3 – Zephyr
Zephyr feels like marshmallows’ classy cousin. It’s soft, fluffy, and just sweet enough to work in most recipes. We tried it as a swap, and it held up surprisingly well for treats like s’mores or dessert toppings.
Use about one Zephyr for every two marshmallows. Its lighter texture melts faster, so watch it closely when heating. It’s great for adding sweetness and structure, though it might not give you that gooey stretch you expect from marshmallows.
The flavor is a little more subtle, so it blends in perfectly without overshadowing the other ingredients in your recipe.
4 – Homemade Marshmallows
This is more of an “in case of emergency” kind of substitute, but it’s definitely worth trying. If you have gelatin and sugar on hand, you can make your own marshmallows in less than an hour! They’re softer and fluffier than store-bought ones, with a hint of vanilla flavor.
There are tons of recipes available online for homemade marshmallows in all shapes and sizes. Just keep in mind that they may not hold up as well in baked goods or when heated.
5 – Sugar-Free Marshmallows
Last but not least, for those looking to cut back on sugar or with dietary restrictions, there are now sugar-free marshmallow options available. They may have a slightly different texture and taste compared to traditional marshmallows, but they can still work as a substitute in many recipes.
Some popular brands include Smashmallow and Lily’s Sweets.
And if you’re feeling adventurous, you can also try making your own sugar-free marshmallows using alternative sweeteners like erythritol or stevia.
Andrew Gray is a seasoned food writer and blogger with a wealth of experience in the restaurant and catering industries. With a passion for all things delicious, Andrew has honed his culinary expertise through his work as a personal chef and caterer.
His love for food led him to venture into food writing, where he has contributed to various online publications, sharing his knowledge and insights on the culinary world. As the proud owner of CooksCrafter.com, Andrew covers a wide range of topics, including recipes, restaurant reviews, product recommendations, and culinary tips.
Through his website, he aims to inspire and educate fellow food enthusiasts, offering a comprehensive resource for all things food-related.