Oh my goodness, let me tell you about my love for easy nougat candy! This sweet treat is like a little piece of heaven that you can whip up right in your own kitchen. Seriously, the simplicity of this recipe is what keeps me coming back for more. With just a handful of ingredients you probably already have at home, you can create a delightful candy that’s perfect for sharing (or hoarding, I don’t judge!). I remember the first time I made it; my kitchen was filled with the warm, sugary aroma as it cooked, and I couldn’t wait to take that first bite. Trust me, once you try this easy nougat candy, you’ll be hooked! It’s chewy, nutty, and just the right amount of sweetness – a real crowd-pleaser!
Ingredients for Easy Nougat Candy
- 2 cups granulated sugar – This is the base of our nougat and gives it that sweet, delicious flavor.
- 1 cup light corn syrup – This helps to keep the nougat chewy and prevents crystallization.
- 1/2 cup water – Just enough to help dissolve the sugar and corn syrup as they heat up.
- 2 egg whites – These are crucial for creating that light, airy texture in the nougat.
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract – A splash of vanilla adds a lovely depth of flavor.
- 1 cup chopped nuts of your choice – I love using almonds or walnuts, but you can mix it up with whatever nuts you prefer!
- 1 cup mini marshmallows – These add a wonderful sweetness and chewy texture that makes the nougat irresistible.
How to Prepare Easy Nougat Candy
Alright, let’s get cooking! This is the fun part where your kitchen starts to smell absolutely divine. Follow these simple steps, and you’ll have delicious nougat candy ready in no time!
Step 1: Combine Ingredients
Start by grabbing a medium saucepan and mixing together 2 cups of granulated sugar, 1 cup of light corn syrup, and 1/2 cup of water. Make sure to stir it all together until the sugar is dissolved. It’s really important to use medium heat here and keep a close eye on it. You want to avoid burning the sugar, so don’t wander off!
Step 2: Cook to the Right Temperature
Now, let that mixture bubble away until it reaches a temperature of 240°F (that’s soft ball stage, by the way!). If you have a candy thermometer, this is the time to use it because it helps ensure that your nougat will have the perfect texture. Trust me, it’s worth it!
Step 3: Beat Egg Whites
While your syrup is cooking, take a clean mixing bowl and beat 2 egg whites until stiff peaks form. This is a crucial step, as it helps give your nougat that wonderful, airy texture. You’ll know it’s ready when you can turn the bowl upside down and the egg whites stay put. No mess allowed here!
Step 4: Mix Hot Syrup with Egg Whites
Once your syrup has reached the right temperature, carefully pour it into the beaten egg whites while mixing continuously. It’s important to pour the syrup slowly to prevent any splatters. Just imagine the sweet goodness coming together – it’s magical!
Step 5: Add Flavor and Texture
Next, it’s time to add a splash of flavor! Stir in 1 teaspoon of pure vanilla extract, followed by your 1 cup of chopped nuts and 1 cup of mini marshmallows. Mix everything together until well combined. You’ll see the nougat mixture transform into something truly delightful!
Step 6: Set the Nougat
Finally, spread the nougat mixture into a greased pan. Make sure it’s even, then let it cool completely at room temperature. Once it’s set, you can cut it into squares. I guarantee the first bite will be nothing short of heavenly!
Tips for Success
Alright, here are my top tips to make sure your easy nougat candy turns out perfectly every time! First, make sure your saucepan is clean and dry before you start. Any moisture can mess with the sugar. Second, don’t rush the cooking process; patience is key! Keep that medium heat steady and give it some love by stirring occasionally. If you want an extra layer of flavor, consider toasting your nuts before adding them to the mixture. It really enhances their taste! Also, allow your nougat to cool completely before cutting; this ensures nice, clean squares. And lastly, if you’re feeling adventurous, try adding a pinch of sea salt on top before it sets for a delightful sweet and salty combo. Trust me, it’s a game changer!
Nutritional Information
Now, let’s talk about the nutritional side of this easy nougat candy! Each piece is packed with delightful sweetness, and here’s a rough estimate of what you’re getting:
- Calories: 120
- Fat: 3g
- Protein: 1g
- Carbohydrates: 24g
- Sugar: 22g
- Sodium: 10mg
- Fiber: 1g
Keep in mind that these values are estimates based on standard ingredients and serving sizes. If you customize your nougat with different nuts or extras, the nutrition may vary a bit. But hey, it’s all about enjoying your sweet treat, right?
FAQ Section
Can I use different nuts?
Absolutely! You can get creative with your nut choices for this easy nougat candy. Whether it’s almonds, walnuts, pecans, or even pistachios, each nut brings its own unique flavor and texture to the mix. I love using a combination of nuts for added complexity – it’s like a little surprise in every bite! Just remember to chop them up a bit so they blend well into the nougat.
How should I store easy nougat candy?
To keep your nougat candy fresh and delicious, store it in an airtight container at room temperature. Make sure to separate the pieces with parchment paper if you’re stacking them, so they don’t stick together. It should stay good for about a week, but trust me, it’ll disappear much quicker than that! If you want to keep it longer, you can refrigerate it, but just be aware that it might get a bit firmer.
Can I make this recipe without egg whites?
If you’re looking for an egg-free option, you can use aquafaba, which is the liquid from a can of chickpeas, as a substitute for egg whites. Just whip it up like you would with egg whites until it forms stiff peaks. It works surprisingly well in this recipe! However, the texture might be slightly different, so keep that in mind. Also, you can look for commercial egg replacers designed for baking, but I find aquafaba to be the most straightforward choice!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Super Easy to Make: With just a few simple ingredients and straightforward steps, you’ll be whipping up this nougat candy in no time!
- Quick Cooking Time: In just about 30 minutes, you can have a sweet treat that’s ready to impress family and friends.
- Delicious Flavor: The combination of sweet marshmallows, crunchy nuts, and rich vanilla creates a flavor explosion that’s hard to resist.
- Customizable: Feel free to switch up the nuts or add in your favorite mix-ins for a unique twist every time you make it!
- Great for Sharing: This recipe yields 24 pieces, so it’s perfect for parties, holidays, or just a sweet surprise for loved ones.
- Chewy and Satisfying: The texture is wonderfully chewy, making each bite a delightful experience that keeps you coming back for more!
Serving Suggestions
Now that you’ve made this delightful easy nougat candy, let’s talk about how to serve it up for maximum enjoyment! One of my favorite ways is to pair it with a steaming cup of coffee or a nice, soothing tea. The rich flavors of the nougat just dance on your palate when combined with a warm beverage – it’s pure bliss!
If you’re hosting a gathering, consider serving the nougat alongside a charcuterie board. It adds a sweet contrast to the salty cheeses and savory meats, creating a beautiful balance of flavors that your guests will love. You can even slice the nougat into smaller pieces and arrange them on a platter, making them easy for everyone to grab and enjoy.
Feeling adventurous? Try crumbling some nougat over a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a decadent sundae. The chewy texture and sweet flavor will elevate your dessert game to a whole new level! Or, if you’re in the mood for something fruity, serve it with fresh berries – the tartness of the fruit complements the sweetness of the nougat beautifully.
However you choose to serve it, I promise this easy nougat candy will be a hit! Enjoy every bite and the smiles it brings!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Storing your easy nougat candy is super simple, and it’ll keep your sweet treat fresh for days! First off, make sure to let the nougat cool completely before you think about storing it. Once it’s set, cut it into squares and place them in an airtight container. I like to layer the pieces with parchment paper in between to prevent them from sticking together – it really helps keep that chewy texture intact!
Store the container at room temperature, and your nougat should stay fresh for about a week. If you find yourself with leftovers (though I doubt it!), you can refrigerate them to extend their shelf life a bit longer. Just keep in mind that refrigerating might make the nougat a tad firmer, so let it sit out for a few minutes before enjoying to bring back that delightful chewiness.
As for reheating, nougat candy is best enjoyed at room temperature, so there’s really no need to heat it up again. If you want to soften it a little, you can pop it in the microwave for just a few seconds, but be careful not to overdo it! Just a quick warm-up will do the trick. Enjoy your delicious nougat candy whenever the craving strikes!
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Easy Nougat Candy: 5 Steps to Sweet Perfection
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 24 pieces 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This easy nougat candy is a sweet treat that you can make at home with simple ingredients.
Ingredients
- 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
Instructions
- Combine sugar, corn syrup, and water in a saucepan.
- Cook over medium heat until the mixture reaches 240°F.
- While it cooks, beat egg whites until stiff peaks form.
- Slowly pour the hot syrup into the egg whites while mixing.
- Add vanilla extract, nuts, and marshmallows; mix well.
- Spread the mixture into a greased pan and let it cool.
- Cut into squares once set.
Notes
- Store in an airtight container.
- Use your favorite nuts for added flavor.
- Allow the nougat to cool completely before cutting.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Candy
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 piece
- Calories: 120
- Sugar: 22g
- Sodium: 10mg
- Fat: 3g
- Saturated Fat: 0g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 24g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: easy nougat candy
