Oh my goodness, let me tell you about this *easy nougat candy*! Making candy at home is such a joy, and this recipe has become a staple in my kitchen. It’s surprisingly simple, and the best part? You only need a handful of ingredients! Trust me, there’s nothing quite like the smell of sugar and vanilla wafting through your home as it cooks. The combination of fluffy egg whites, crunchy nuts, and sweet marshmallows creates a delightful texture that’s simply irresistible. Plus, you can customize it with your favorite add-ins. Whether you’re making it for a special occasion or just to indulge yourself, this nougat candy is sure to bring a smile to your face!
Ingredients List
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 1 cup light corn syrup
- 1/2 cup water
- 2 egg whites
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup chopped nuts (your choice, but I love almonds or walnuts!)
- 1 cup mini marshmallows
- 1/2 cup chocolate chips (optional, but who doesn’t love chocolate?)
How to Prepare Easy Nougat Candy
Making this *easy nougat candy* is a delightful adventure! Just follow these steps, and you’ll have a sweet treat that’s sure to impress. Remember, timing is key, especially when it comes to getting that perfect texture. Let’s dive in!
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Start by grabbing a medium saucepan and combine the granulated sugar, light corn syrup, and water. Place it over medium heat. You want to stir the mixture gently until the sugar dissolves.
- Now, keep an eye on that saucepan! You’ll want to cook it until it reaches 240°F (that’s the soft ball stage if you’re looking for fancy terms!). Use a candy thermometer for accuracy.
- While that’s cooking, take a separate mixing bowl and beat the egg whites with a hand mixer or stand mixer until stiff peaks form. This is what gives your nougat that light, fluffy texture. Trust me, it’s magic!
- Once your sugar mixture hits the right temperature, it’s showtime! Slowly pour the hot syrup into the whipped egg whites while continuing to beat. Be careful not to splash—hot sugar can be tricky!
- After it’s all mixed in, add the vanilla extract, chopped nuts, and mini marshmallows. Give it a good stir until everything is combined. The mixture will be thick and sticky, but that’s just how we want it!
- Now, grab a greased baking dish and spread the nougat mixture evenly into it. Use a spatula to smooth it out. Let it cool completely at room temperature. This step is crucial, so don’t rush it!
- Once it’s cooled and set, cut the nougat into squares. If you want to take it up a notch, dip each piece in melted chocolate for an extra layer of deliciousness!
And there you have it! Easy, homemade nougat candy that’s sure to be a hit. Enjoy your sweet creation!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick Preparation: You can whip up this *easy nougat candy* in just about 35 minutes, making it a fantastic choice for last-minute cravings or surprise guests!
- Simple Ingredients: With just a handful of pantry staples, you won’t need to make a special trip to the store. It’s all about what you likely already have at home!
- Delicious Flavors: The sweet vanilla, crunchy nuts, and fluffy marshmallows create a heavenly combination that’s hard to resist. Each bite is a delightful blend of textures!
- Perfect for Gifting: Wrap these little squares in pretty packaging, and you’ve got a thoughtful homemade gift. Friends and family will adore your sweet gesture!
- Customizable: You can easily tweak the recipe by adding your favorite nuts or even dried fruits. It’s a blank canvas for your sweet creativity!
- Great for Sharing: Whether it’s a holiday party or a casual get-together, this nougat candy is always a crowd-pleaser. Everyone loves a little homemade treat!
Tips for Success
Making *easy nougat candy* is a breeze, but I’ve got a few tips to ensure you nail it every time! First, when beating the egg whites, make sure your mixing bowl is completely clean and dry. Any grease can prevent them from fluffing up properly. If you’re unsure about the temperature of your sugar mixture, don’t hesitate to use a candy thermometer—precision is key here!
Also, consider using nuts that have been lightly toasted for a deeper flavor. Just be careful not to overmix the nougat once you add the nuts and marshmallows; you want everything to be combined without losing that airy texture. Lastly, let your nougat cool completely before cutting; this helps it hold its shape beautifully. Enjoy your sweet adventure!
Variations
One of the best things about this *easy nougat candy* is how customizable it can be! Here are some fun variations to try that’ll keep things interesting and cater to your taste buds:
- Nutty Delights: Switch up the nuts! Instead of just almonds or walnuts, try pistachios for a pop of color, or cashews for a buttery flavor. You could even mix in some hazelnuts for a chocolatey twist!
- Fruity Fun: Add some dried fruits like cranberries, cherries, or apricots for a chewy, tart contrast to the sweet nougat. Just chop them up a bit and fold them into your mixture along with the nuts!
- Chocolate Lovers: Go all out with chocolate by mixing in dark chocolate chips or even using white chocolate instead. You can also drizzle melted chocolate on top for a gorgeous finish!
- Spiced Up: Add a pinch of cinnamon or a dash of nutmeg to the sugar mixture for a warm, spicy kick. This is especially delightful during the colder months!
- Peanut Butter Bliss: For a creamy twist, swirl in some peanut butter or almond butter into the nougat mixture before it sets. It adds a rich flavor that’s just divine!
Feel free to get creative and mix and match these ideas! The possibilities are endless, and that’s what makes creating your own nougat candy such a joy. Happy experimenting!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Once you’ve made your delicious *easy nougat candy*, you’ll want to make sure it stays fresh and tasty! To store your nougat, simply place it in an airtight container at room temperature. It should last for about a week—if it even lasts that long, because trust me, it’s hard to resist snacking on it!
If you’re looking to keep it for a longer period, you can also freeze the nougat. Just wrap each piece tightly in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll keep well for up to two months. When you’re ready to enjoy them, let them thaw in the fridge overnight. No need to reheat; they’re best enjoyed at room temperature, where that lovely chewy texture shines!
Just a little tip: If your nougat feels a bit too hard after being stored, you can place it in a sealed container with a slice of bread for a few hours. The moisture from the bread will help soften it up, restoring that delightful chewiness. Happy storing, and enjoy your sweet treats!
Nutritional Information
Here’s the estimated nutritional data for each piece of this delicious *easy nougat candy*. Keep in mind that these values can vary based on the specific ingredients and brands you use, but this should give you a good idea of what you’re indulging in:
- Calories: 120
- Fat: 4g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
- Sodium: 10mg
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 0g
- Sugar: 20g
- Protein: 2g
It’s important to enjoy these sweet treats in moderation, but knowing what you’re eating can make it all the more enjoyable. Happy candy-making!
FAQ Section
Can I use different sweeteners instead of sugar?
While I love the classic taste of sugar in my *easy nougat candy*, you could experiment with alternatives like honey or agave syrup. Just keep in mind that it might alter the texture and flavor a bit!
What if my nougat turns out too hard?
If your nougat feels a bit too firm, don’t worry! You can place it in a sealed container with a slice of bread for a few hours. The moisture from the bread will help soften it up, giving you that delightful chewiness again.
Can I make this nougat candy vegan?
Absolutely! You can substitute the egg whites with aquafaba (the liquid from canned chickpeas) whipped to stiff peaks. It’s a fantastic alternative that works beautifully in this recipe!
How do I make sure my candy doesn’t stick to the pan?
To prevent sticking, make sure to grease your baking dish well! You can use butter or cooking spray for a non-stick finish. If you’re really worried, line the dish with parchment paper for extra protection.
Can I add flavors to my nougat?
Definitely! You can infuse your nougat with flavors like almond extract or even a splash of whiskey for something unique. Just remember to keep it balanced so it doesn’t overpower the sweetness!
Easy Nougat Candy: 7 Irresistible Steps to Joy
- Gesamtzeit: 35 minutes
- Ertrag: 24 pieces 1x
- Ernährung: Vegetarisch
Beschreibung
A simple and delicious nougat candy recipe.
Zutaten
- 2 cups sugar
- 1 cup light corn syrup
- 1/2 cup water
- 2 egg whites
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup chopped nuts
- 1 cup mini marshmallows
- 1/2 cup chocolate chips
Anweisungen
- In a saucepan, combine sugar, corn syrup, and water. Cook over medium heat until the mixture reaches 240°F.
- In a bowl, beat egg whites until stiff peaks form.
- Slowly pour the sugar mixture into the egg whites while beating constantly.
- Add vanilla extract, nuts, and marshmallows. Mix well.
- Spread the mixture into a greased baking dish.
- Let it cool completely.
- Cut into squares and dip in chocolate if desired.
Notes
- Store in an airtight container.
- Can be made ahead of time.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Kochen Zeit: 20 minutes
- Kategorie: Candy
- Methode: Stovetop
- Küche: American
Ernährung
- Portionsgröße: 1 piece
- Kalorien: 120
- Zucker: 20g
- Natrium: 10mg
- Fett: 4g
- Gesättigte Fettsäuren: 1g
- Ungesättigte Fette: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Kohlenhydrate: 18g
- Faser: 0g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterin: 0mg
Keywords: easy nougat candy, homemade nougat, candy recipe
