5 Easy Marshmallow Substitutes for Your Recipes

Marshmallows (confections made from sugar, gelatin, and air). 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.

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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 (with a glossy, vanilla‑forward sweetness). 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 (about 10-12 ounces of mini 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 (a Russian-style fruit purée and egg-white meringue confection).

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! (using unflavored, bloomed gelatin) 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; see demi‑glace substitution and homemade recipe ideas.

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 (often made with sugar alcohols like erythritol instead of sucrose).

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.