Homemade Marshmallow Fluff (recipe with or without corn syrup) (2024)

FAQs

Why do marshmallows need corn syrup? ›

Corn syrup pulls double duty in a marshmallow. It doesn't crystallize like sugar does, plus it actually reduces the amount of dissolved sugar that crystallizes.

At least it's not high fructose corn syrup. But it is a fluffy whipped concoction of sugar and chemicals. Now the fluff brand, I've never actually tried. I'll give them credit, the ingredient list is admirably short and sweet: Corn Syrup, Sugar Syrup, Dried Egg Whites And Vanillin.

The key to getting the perfect marshmallow consistency is in the mixing. As you mix all the hot ingredients together, you inherently add air to the recipe. This air gives your marshmallow its fluff. And as more and more air enters the mix, the gelatin and sugar cool and set.

While they have similar consistencies and flavor there is one notable difference between creme and fluff. Creme contains cream of tartar while fluff does not, making it ideal for use in fudge. What is a substitute for marshmallow cream? You can make marshmallow cream by melting down marshmallows with corn syrup.

Alternatives to corn syrup

The advantage corn syrup has is its neutral flavor, but it's not the only invert sugar you can use. Honey, maple syrup, and molasses can stand in for corn syrup, with slight adjustments up or down for their sweetness levels.

Corn syrup is used as a sweetener, particularly when a recipe calls for a smooth texture. It is sometimes referred to as an 'invert sugar', because unlike table sugar and even some other syrups, it won't form large, grainy crystals when left to cool.

“The difference in formulation between something like a Circus Peanut and a Jet Puffed [marshmallow] is the ratio of sucrose to corn syrup,” Hartel says. A Circus Peanut has more sugar and less corn syrup, while in marshmallows it's the other way around.

Increases appetite, promotes obesity

“High fructose corn syrup also contributes to diabetes, inflammation, high triglycerides and something we call non-alcoholic fatty liver disease,” says Dr. Hyman, adding that it increases all the fat in the liver, which now affects over 90 million Americans.

Air bubbles make marshmallows light and fluffy

That's because marshmallows are a foam. They contain a lot of tiny air bubbles which are surrounded and stabilized by sugar and proteins from egg whites and gelatin. Since air doesn't weigh much, adding it into a product decreases its density.

But first, it's interesting to note that most marshmallow recipes contain corn syrup and/or raw egg whites which makes them soft and fluffy.

Can I use expired marshmallow fluff? ›

Best before means after that date, the product may not taste as good as if it had been consumed within that time. It doesn't mean do not consume. The best thing to do is smell it, taste it, and if tastes fine , it probably is fine.

Archibald Query (1873–1964) was a Canadian-born American confectioner, who invented Marshmallow Fluff, a special formula of marshmallow cream, in 1917.

The answer to the question “What are marshmallows made of?” is surprisingly simple. You can even make homemade marshmallows with just a little bit of effort. The gelatin is probably the most important ingredient. It's the thing that gives marshmallows their gooey, stretchy, elastic, puffy, bouncy properties.

The best corn syrup substitutes for baking are brown rice syrup, maple syrup, agave, tapioca syrup, honey, golden syrup, and black treacle. Whether you're avoiding using corn syrup, are allergic to corn, or don't have it on hand, there are a ton of substitutes for corn syrup to try instead.

HFCS was widely embraced by food formulators, and its use grew between the mid-1970s and mid-1990s, principally as a replacement for sucrose. This was primarily because of its sweetness comparable with that of sucrose, improved stability and functionality, and ease of use.

The cornstarch aids in removing the stickiness of the marshmallow by adsorbing moisture, so thoroughly coating them is key. And to ensure that they stay in the shapes you cut, it's a good idea to store them in layers.

Foods like jellybeans, marshmallows, and other gelatin-based foods also typically contain pork byproducts and are not considered Halal. Even products like vanilla extract and toothpaste can contain alcohol! Muslims will generally not eat meat that has also come in contact with pork.