Go Back
–+ servings
5 Best Substitutes for M Ms in Chocolate Desserts

5 Best Substitutes for M Ms

No ratings yet
When you run out of M&Ms, choose substitutes based on your recipe's needs—candy shell crunch or just chocolate flavor. Use a 1:1 ratio by volume for most swaps, adjusting for texture and color.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 6 minutes
Cook Time 5 minutes
Total Time 11 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Baking, Snack
Cuisine: American
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1 cup Candy-Coated Peanuts Use 1:1 by volume; adds nutty flavor and thicker coating
  • 1 cup Chocolate Chips Use 1:1 by volume; no candy shell, melts faster
  • 1 cup Candy-Coated Gems Use 1:1 by volume; softer shell than M&Ms, best for cold dishes
  • Crushed Candy Bars Use equal volume; uneven pieces and varied flavors
  • 1 cup Vegan Candy Candies Use 1:1 by volume; texture may slightly differ

Method
 

  1. Choose your substitute based on recipe needs: for candy shell crunch, chocolate flavor, or colorful appearance.
  2. If using crushed candy bars, chop pieces to roughly the size of M&Ms for even texture.
  3. Apply a 1:1 substitution ratio by volume for all substitutes unless noted otherwise.
  4. Remember chocolate chips melt faster without candy coating, blending more into baked goods.
  5. Candy-coated gems work best as toppings or in no-bake desserts where shells stay intact.
  6. Check the final texture and flavor, especially with nutty or vegan alternatives, and adjust if needed.

Notes

Use candy-coated peanuts carefully and taste-test to prevent overpowering nutty flavor in your recipe.

Tried this recipe?

Let us know how it was!