Soft & Chewy Homemade Nougat – A Sweet Treat From Childhood
Soft & Chewy Homemade Nougat – A Sweet Treat From Childhood
There’s something almost magical about the kind of sweets that stick quietly in your memory, the ones that remind you of crowded holidays in the kitchen, cousins running underfoot, and the mysterious tin of desserts that only appeared once a year. For me, nougat is one of those treats. The moment I unwrap a square and the scent of marshmallow and white chocolate hits, I’m right back in my grandmother’s tiny kitchen watching her stir a pot like she was casting a spell. No fancy candy thermometers, no complicated steps, just warm hands and simple ingredients that turned into something unforgettable.
This nougat recipe is exactly that type of treasure. It’s easy, forgiving, and almost laughably quick to throw together. If you’ve ever felt intimidated by the word nougat (sounds like something that comes from a pastry chef in a tall hat), trust me, this version is practically foolproof. It doesn’t require hours of stirring or precise sugar temperatures. Instead, it uses everyday ingredients you can toss into a pan in minutes, and before you know it, you’ve created a batch of colorful squares perfect for snacking, gifting, or hoarding in the back of the freezer like the sugary gremlin I know you might be.
Whether you’re prepping treats for the holidays, planning a nostalgic bake sale item, or just want something sweet to nibble during movie night, this recipe brings joy with very little effort. It’s cuddly-soft, studded with bursts of chewy gumdrops, and chilled to a perfect sliceable texture that practically melts when it hits your tongue. It tastes like childhood—bright, messy, and full of color.
Nougat Recipe
Ingredients
Nougat:
2 tbsp Butter
2 bags Mini Marshmallows (250g per bag)
2 bags White Chocolate Chips (225g per bag)
2 cups Gumdrops
Directions
Melt first 3 ingredients together until smooth. Mix in gumdrops. Spread on parchment paper lined 9×13 pan. Chill overnight in fridge. Cut into squares.
can be stored in freezer
Tips, Tricks & Sweet Little Secrets
Using mini marshmallows gives the nougat its pillowy-soft texture, but if you’re feeling adventurous, you could swap in large marshmallows. Just be prepared to melt them a little longer. The white chocolate chips help firm the candy when chilled, balancing the marshmallow sweetness with a creamy finish. If you want to tone down the sweetness, using a mix of white chocolate and semi-sweet chocolate chips creates a slightly more sophisticated flavor while keeping the recipe structurally sound.
The gumdrops are where the fun happens. Stick with the classic fruit-flavored variety for rainbow pops of color, or go festive with red and green during the holidays. Chopping them into smaller pieces can help distribute flavor more evenly, especially if you don’t like biting into large gumdrop chunks.
For a little twist, try folding in toasted almonds or pistachios. Nuts add crunch that contrasts beautifully with the marshmallow softness. A sprinkle of flaky sea salt on top? Chef’s kiss. Just remember not to edit the core recipe ingredients—additions go outside the provided list like little creative bonuses.
How to Serve + When to Enjoy It
This nougat is the kind of treat that sneaks its way into every occasion. Slice small squares for party platters, wrap individual pieces in wax paper for cute giftables, or stack them in a holiday tin to deliver that “homemade sweetness” charm. They pair perfectly with hot cocoa, black coffee, or even tucked beside a scoop of vanilla ice cream on a dessert plate. Kids love them because they look like candy confetti. Adults love them because they taste like a memory.
Bring them to potlucks when you want something impressive that required almost zero stress. Pack them in lunchboxes for a mid-day smile. Or be like me and enjoy one quietly in the kitchen late at night, fridge door open, pretending you’ll only have one more.
Storage & Freezer Tips
These nougat squares hold up beautifully in the freezer, which makes them ideal for prepping ahead of holidays. Store them in an airtight container with layers separated by parchment to prevent sticking. In the fridge, they’ll stay fresh for up to two weeks. In the freezer, they can last several months without losing flavor. Pull out a few whenever you need something sweet or unexpected guests show up.
Let frozen pieces sit at room temperature a few minutes before eating so they soften into that perfect chewy bite.
FAQ
1. Can I use colored marshmallows instead of white?
Yes, you can, though the flavor becomes slightly fruitier. White gives that classic nougat look, but colored marshmallows create an extra fun visual pop.
2. My mixture seems too sticky. What did I do wrong?
Nougat is naturally sticky warm. Once chilled overnight as instructed, it firms beautifully. Don’t panic. Sticky now means perfect later.
3. Can I add nuts or dried fruit?
Absolutely. Almonds, pistachios, or dried cranberries blend wonderfully. Just mix them in with the gumdrops.
4. What if I want it less sweet?
Use half white chocolate and half semi-sweet chips. It balances the sugar nicely without changing the texture too much.
