Oh my goodness, let me tell you about my absolute favorite treat to whip up—*easy nougat candy*! I still remember the first time I made this sweet delight; it was during a cozy afternoon with my kids, and the kitchen smelled like heaven! This recipe is such a breeze, and it never fails to impress. Seriously, if you’re looking for a simple yet delightful candy to share, or just to indulge yourself, this nougat is it. With its fluffy texture and the crunch of mixed nuts, it’s a splendid way to satisfy that sweet tooth without all the fuss. Trust me, you’re going to love it!
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- 1 cup granulated sugar – this will provide the sweetness that makes nougat so delightful!
- 1/2 cup corn syrup – helps to keep the nougat chewy and smooth.
- 1/4 cup water – just enough to help the sugar dissolve perfectly.
- 2 egg whites – these are the magic ingredient that gives nougat its lovely fluffy texture.
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract – for that warm, comforting flavor that complements the sweetness.
- 1 cup mixed nuts – I love using a mix of almonds, walnuts, and pecans for extra crunch!
- 1/2 cup chopped dried fruit – feel free to use your favorites, like dried apricots or cranberries, for a fruity twist.
How to Prepare Easy Nougat Candy
Making this *easy nougat candy* is a fun and straightforward process! Just follow these simple steps, and you’ll have a delicious treat in no time. Remember, timing is key, so pay attention to those little details!
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Start by grabbing a medium saucepan and combine the granulated sugar, corn syrup, and water. Heat this mixture over medium heat, stirring gently until the sugar dissolves. Keep an eye on it because you want to heat it until it reaches 240°F. This usually takes about 10-15 minutes, so stay close!
- While that’s cooking, take a large mixing bowl and beat the egg whites until you see stiff peaks forming. This is where the magic happens—those egg whites will give your nougat that light, airy texture.
- Once the sugar mixture hits the right temperature, carefully add it to the beaten egg whites while mixing continuously. Be cautious; that syrup is super hot!
- Next, pour in the vanilla extract and keep mixing until everything is well combined and fluffy. You should see it all come together beautifully.
- Now, gently fold in those mixed nuts and chopped dried fruit. This is where you can get creative with your favorite flavors!
- Spread the nougat mixture into a greased pan, smoothing it out evenly. Let it cool at room temperature for about 2 hours until it’s set.
- Once cooled, cut it into pieces, and enjoy your homemade nougat candy!
Nutritional Information
Now, let’s talk about the nutritional info for this delightful *easy nougat candy*! Remember, these values are estimates, but they give you a good idea of what you’re enjoying. Each piece contains about 100 calories, with 3 grams of fat and 1 gram of protein. You’ll also find around 18 grams of sugar and 18 grams of carbohydrates, making this a sweet treat worth savoring. With no cholesterol and just a smidge of sodium, it’s a fun indulgence that still allows you to enjoy a little sweetness in moderation. So go ahead, treat yourself!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick to prepare, with just a few simple steps!
- Customizable with your favorite nuts and dried fruits for a personal touch.
- Delightfully chewy and sweet, perfect for satisfying your candy cravings.
- Great for sharing at parties or enjoying as a special treat at home.
- Impressive enough to make anyone think you’re a candy-making pro!
Tips for Success
To make the best *easy nougat candy*, here are a few pro tips that I swear by! First, use a candy thermometer to ensure your sugar mixture reaches exactly 240°F—this is crucial for the perfect texture. Also, make sure your mixing bowl and beaters are completely clean and dry before whipping those egg whites; any grease can prevent them from whipping up properly. Don’t rush the cooling process—letting it sit for a full two hours allows the nougat to set nicely. And lastly, feel free to experiment with different nuts and fruits to find your favorite combination. Enjoy the process!
Variations
The beauty of this *easy nougat candy* is its versatility! You can totally switch things up based on your mood or what you have on hand. For a classic twist, try using roasted hazelnuts or pistachios instead of mixed nuts—both add a delightful flavor! If you’re a fan of chocolate, fold in some mini chocolate chips or drizzle melted chocolate over the top once it’s set. Feeling fruity? Swap out the dried fruit for some zesty candied orange peel or even some coconut flakes for a tropical vibe. The possibilities are endless, so feel free to get creative and make it your own!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
To keep your *easy nougat candy* fresh and delicious, store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature. This will help maintain its chewy texture and sweet flavor. It should last for about a week—if it lasts that long, of course! If you want to enjoy it later, you can also freeze the nougat. Just cut it into pieces, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap, and place them in a freezer-safe container. When you’re ready to indulge again, simply let it thaw at room temperature. No reheating is necessary—just enjoy that delightful sweetness as is!
FAQ About Easy Nougat Candy
Can I use substitute ingredients? Absolutely! If you don’t have corn syrup, you can use honey or maple syrup for a different flavor profile. Just keep the proportions the same.
What if my nougat doesn’t set? If it’s not setting, it’s likely the sugar mixture didn’t reach the right temperature. Make sure your thermometer is accurate next time!
How long does this nougat last? When stored properly in an airtight container, your *easy nougat candy* will stay fresh for about a week. But I bet it won’t last that long!
Can I make this nougat candy vegan? Yes, you can use aquafaba (the liquid from canned chickpeas) as a substitute for egg whites; just whip it up the same way!
What’s the best way to cut the nougat? Use a sharp knife or even a pizza cutter to slice through the nougat for clean edges. You might want to lightly grease the knife to prevent sticking!
Print
Easy Nougat Candy: 7 Steps to Irresistible Delight
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 24 pieces 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This easy nougat candy is a simple and sweet treat that’s perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup corn syrup
- 1/4 cup water
- 2 egg whites
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup mixed nuts
- 1/2 cup chopped dried fruit
Instructions
- In a saucepan, combine sugar, corn syrup, and water. Cook on medium heat until it reaches 240°F.
- In a separate bowl, beat egg whites until stiff peaks form.
- Slowly add the hot sugar mixture to the egg whites while mixing.
- Add vanilla extract and keep mixing until well combined.
- Fold in mixed nuts and dried fruit.
- Spread the mixture in a greased pan and let it cool.
- Cut into pieces and enjoy.
Notes
- Store in an airtight container.
- Feel free to customize with your favorite nuts or fruits.
- Ensure the sugar mixture reaches the right temperature for best results.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Candy
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 piece
- Calories: 100
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 5mg
- Fat: 3g
- Saturated Fat: 0.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2.5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: easy nougat candy, homemade nougat, nougat recipe
