Discover Keto Marshmallow Fluff: The Ultimate Guilt-Free Sweet Treat!

Who hasn't ever lost themselves in a jar of marshmallow fluff? For those on a ketogenic diet or simply avoiding sugar, the allure of this sweet treat might seem like a distant memory. However, there's a way to create your own sugar-free, low-carb keto marshmallow fluff at home, offering a guilt-free indulgence that can satisfy your sweet cravings.

The Challenge of Traditional Marshmallow Fluff

The primary obstacle in creating a keto-friendly marshmallow fluff lies in the traditional recipe's reliance on corn syrup, a sweetener that's off-limits for those avoiding sugar. While some alternatives suggest different versions of glucose, these aren't suitable for a ketogenic lifestyle either.

Ingredients and Considerations

Creating a keto marshmallow fluff requires careful selection of ingredients to replicate the texture and sweetness of the original while maintaining a low-carb profile.

Sugar Alternatives

Choosing the right sugar alternative is crucial. Specific sugar alternatives are not given in the recipes presented on this site. Only suggestions are given as to the 'kind' of alternative to use. It is up to you to select the alternative to use that suits your needs best. For best results in heated or cooked recipes, opt for an alternative that can withstand high temperatures. Allulose and Xylitol are often recommended. Allulose is a keto-approved sweetener that melts smoothly and doesn’t crystallize, resulting in a fluffier marshmallow without any cooling sensation. Xylitol also yields good results, creating a slightly denser, chewier texture. Erythritol, on the other hand, may crystallize during whipping and is generally not recommended.

Gelatin

Gelatin is essential for providing the marshmallow fluff with its signature body and texture. It acts as a thickening agent and contributes to the fluff's ability to solidify over time. For a filling, reduce the gelatin.

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Flavoring

Vanilla extract is a go-to flavoring that enhances the overall taste of the marshmallow fluff.

Other Ingredients

A pinch of salt helps balance the sweetness, while water is necessary for dissolving the sugar alternative and gelatin.

Recipe and Instructions

While specific measurements may vary depending on the recipe you choose, the general process involves the following steps:

Preparation: Start by prepping a pan or container with a bit of coconut oil and/or parchment paper to make removal of the fluff a bit easier. If you are intending to store this in a microwave-safe glass or similar container, with the intent of heating up when you intend to enjoy this, you may be able to get away with simply spraying with a nonstick.
Dissolving the Sugar Alternative: Boil the 1 ½ cups of water in a saucepan. Turn the heat down to a low to medium heat and whisk in the sugar alternative. You will need to whisk this as needed. It will take a few minutes for the sugar alternative to dissolve completely, and keep in mind that when it does, it will not resemble dissolved or crystallized sugar.
Blooming the Gelatin: While your saucepan is heating up, you can dissolve the powdered gelatin in the cold water. I suggest placing these ingredients into the mixing bowl and allowing them to sit for while you work.
Combining and Whipping: When the sugar alternative on the stove has completely dissolved, you can remove it from the stove. Give the gelatin in the mixing bowl a quick whisking to ensure that the gelatin has broken up. Then add the sugar alternative to the mixing bowl along with the salt and the vanilla extract. Beat this until it is somewhat fluffy (fluffiness can depend on the sugar alternative that you have used).
Setting: Transfer to your storage container from the first step. Store this in the refrigerator.

Detailed Recipe Example:

Ingredients:

Sugar Alternative- ⅓ cup
Salt- ½ teaspoon
Vanilla Extract- 2 teaspoons
1/4 cup Cold Water
Gelatin
Sweetener
2/3 cup water

Instructions:

Measure all of your ingredients and line a square pan with parchment.
Combine the 1/4 cup Cold Water and Gelatin and set aside.
In the saucepan, heat the sweetener and water over medium-high heat and bring to a simmer; reduce to medium.
Cook for about five minutes, or until the temperature reaches 220°F on a candy thermometer.
With your stand mixer or hand mixer running, add the cooked sugar mixture to the gelatin and beat.
Pour in the vanilla and pinch salt and continue to whip for about 15-25 minutes.
Once the marshmallow has thickened and doubled in size, it's ready!
To Use: Spread in prepared pan and let dry out at room temperature preferably overnight. Then slice and enjoy! No need to store them in the refrigerator, this causes condensation and the marshmallows will get slightly wet. Alternately, use to frost cupcakes or fill keto pastries! Allulose works best here so I highly recommend getting your hands on a bag!To Measure 1/2 Tablespoon: 1 tsp + 1/2 tsp*

*For use as a FILLING reduce the gelatin to 1 tablespoon+ 1/2 teaspoon.

Tips for Success

Whisking: Whisking is essential for achieving the desired fluffiness.
Dry Weather: Oddly enough, this recipe works best on a dry, as opposed to humid, day.
Trial and Error: This is one of those recipes that may take some trial and error.
Temperature: Ensure the sweetener mixture reaches a high enough temperature (around 220-240°F) for proper aeration and thickening. However, avoid overheating, as it can lead to caramelization.

Using Your Keto Marshmallow Fluff

Once your keto marshmallow fluff is ready, the possibilities are endless. You could spread your homemade sugar free keto marshmallow fluff on some yummy sugar free graham crackers. I suppose this marshmallow goodness may also go nicely with some sugar free chocolate frosting too.

Serving Suggestions

Dip: Pair it with low-carb Sweet Cinnamon Crunch Phat Crackers or fresh berries. Have it like a sauce or a dip for fresh strawberries.
Topping: Use it as a topping for coffee, espresso, keto ice cream, cakes, or cookies. This makes the most wonderful topping for coffee and espresso. Added to cake, ice cream or cookies, it definitely takes your dessert up a notch!
Filling: Incorporate it as a creamy keto cupcake filling or use it to fill keto pastries.
S'mores: Create low-carb s'mores using keto-friendly graham crackers and chocolate.
Fondue: Enjoy it as a fondue with various keto-friendly dippers. As fondue!
Other: You could try pouring it out onto some oiled foil to make a sheet of marshmallow.

Storage

Also, your fluff will most likely somewhat solidify when you go to store it. So, my suggestion would be to store it in a microwave safe jar or container and simply heat it up in the microwave (50% or so) when you are wanting to use it. Oh and a quick note about storage - I've tried keeping the "fluff" at room temperature and in the fridge, but it DOES tend to crystallize either way.

Cautions and Considerations

Because we are NOT using sugar and we are NOT using corn syrup, we will not be getting a result that is 100% like the store bought marshmallow fluff that we are all craving. But, you will get a decent sugar free, low carb, and keto marshmallow cream or fluff.

Texture

Be aware that your homemade keto marshmallow fluff will not be identical to the store-bought version due to the absence of sugar and corn syrup. The texture may be slightly different, and it may solidify upon storage.

Crystallization

The fluff may crystallize over time, whether stored at room temperature or in the refrigerator.

A Healthier Indulgence

It turns out that, unlike their sugar counterparts loaded with additives and corn syrup, these sugar-free marshmallows are not too bad health-wise at all. These guys are honestly very simple. Gelatin, a sweetener and vanilla extract are the three ingredients!

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tags: #keto #marshmallow #fluff #recipe