A number of holiday recipes call for the use of marshmallow creme, and some call for marshmallow fluff, but you may be wondering whether or not they’re the same, or if they can be used interchangeably.
Marshmallow fluff and marshmallow creme are two different products containing different ingredients. The primary difference is that marshmallow creme contains creme of tartar and xanthan gum, while marshmallow fluff does not.
Marshmallow Creme vs Marshmallow Fluff
Marshmallow Creme is frequently called for in No-Fail candy recipes such as no-fail fudge, or fantasy fudge. The reason is, that unlike marshmallow fluff, marshmallow creme contains cream of tartar.
Experienced cooks use cream of tartar to help the fudge set properly. Cream of tartar breaks down sucrose into fructose and glucose, reducing the possibility of recrystallization of the sugar.
In layman’s terms, it ensures the fudge remains smooth, soft, and chewy, versus grainy or gritty and hard.
Glucose, Sucrose, Fructose- Why does it Matter
Sugar is sugar, right? Wrong. Regular table sugar, also known as sucrose, can recrystallize. Essentially what that means is that when you’re cooking candy and a couple of granules of sugar remain on the side of the pan, if those grains fall back into the candy, the sugar hardens. You may have had rock candy as a kid, same concept.
Both marshmallow creme and marshmallow fluff contain corn syrup, which is glucose, a non-sucrose form of sugar. Glucose helps prevent large crystals of sucrose from forming. This means the finished candy will be smoother and not have a gritty or grainy texture. This is why glucose is commonly used to make lollipops and gummy bears, rather than regular table sugar.
Can I use Marshmallow Fluff in place of Marshmallow Creme?
While you can use marshmallow fluff in place of marshmallow creme, the end product will not have the same texture. If you prefer a silky smooth fudge, use marshmallow creme. If you prefer a more toothsome version, a bit heavier with more texture, use marshmallow fluff.
Can I use Marshmallows instead of Marshmallow Fluff
Technically speaking you can use marshmallows in place of marshmallow fluff but the texture will be considerably different. Marshmallows do not contain eggs or egg whites, as marshmallow fluff does. In addition, they contain cornstarch, which can alter the texture of your finished candy.
How To Substitute Marshmallows for Marshmallow Creme
Approximately one and a half cups of marshmallow creme weigh 7 ounces. To make your own Marshmallow Creme substitute from marshmallows, combine one 16oz bag of marshmallows, 3 1/2 Tbs of Corn Syrup, and 1/8th tsp cream of tartar in a double boiler. Melt until smooth, stirring constantly.
Conversions for Marshmallows and Marshmallow Creme
If you’re in the middle of a recipe and need to substitute one type or size of marshmallow for another, here’s a handy conversion guide. For example, 30 Large marshmallows equal about 7 1/2 ounces or 3 2/3 cups of miniature marshmallows.
Marshmallows are so easy to make at home and the taste is incredible. If you want to make your own, here’s the step by step recipe.
Marshmallow Creme Conversions:
7 oz Marshmallow Creme = approximately 1-1/2 cups
13 oz Marshmallow Creme = approximately 3 cups
18 oz Fluff = 3 1/2 cups.
Marshmallow Conversions:
1 Regular Marshmallow = 13 Miniature Marshmallows = .25 ounce
8 Regular Marshmallows = 1 cup of Miniature Marshmallows = 1/2 cup Fluff
16 Regular Marshmallows = 2 cups of Miniature Marshmallows = 1 cup Fluff
30 Regular Marshmallows = 3 2/3 cup Miniature Marshmallows
4 Regular Marshmallows = 1/2 cup = 1 Jumbo Marshmallow – 1/2 c. Mini Marshmallows
64 Regular Marshmallows = 16 oz bag
16 oz bag Miniature Marshmallows = 8 1/2 cups
10.5 oz bag Miniature Marshmallows = 5-1/2 cups = 40 Regular Marshmallows
50 Miniature Marshmallows = 1/2 cup Miniature Marshmallows
Try a No-Fail Fudge Recipe:
- Candied Bacon Maple Walnut Fudge
- Maple Walnut Fudge
- No Fail Chocolate Fantasy Fudge (with or without nuts)
- Peanut Butter Fudge
- Penuche Fudge (traditional & no-fail versions, both delicious!)
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