homemade nougat desserts

Homemade nougat desserts are sweet, chewy, and loaded with nuts, chocolate, or fruit — think of a cross between a candy bar center and fluffy marshmallow fudge. Nougat is a surprisingly versatile treat you can make at home, and you can go classic or get creative.

🍬 1. Classic White Nougat (Torrone-Style)

Ingredients:

• 2 cups granulated sugar
• 1 cup light corn syrup or honey
• ¼ cup water
• 2 large egg whites
• ¼ tsp salt
• 1 tsp vanilla or almond extract
• 2 cups roasted almonds or pistachios
• Optional: edible rice paper (wafer paper) for lining

Instructions:

1. Prepare a pan (8×8 or 9×9) with parchment or rice paper.
2. In a saucepan, heat sugar, corn syrup, and water over medium heat until it reaches 250°F (hard-ball stage).
3. While it cooks, whip egg whites and salt until stiff peaks form.
4. Slowly pour the hot syrup into the egg whites while beating constantly on low. Then beat on high for 6–8 minutes until glossy and thick.
5. Fold in nuts and extract. Spread into prepared pan and press smooth.
6. Let set for 4+ hours or overnight, then slice with an oiled knife.

🍫 2. Chocolate Peanut Nougat (Candy Bar Style)

Tastes like the center of a Snickers!

Ingredients:

• 1 cup granulated sugar
• ¼ cup light corn syrup
• ¼ cup water
• 2 egg whites
• ½ tsp salt
• 1 tsp vanilla
• ½ cup peanut butter
• 1 cup roasted peanuts
• 1 cup mini marshmallows
• Optional: Melted chocolate for topping or layering

Instructions:

1. Heat sugar, corn syrup, and water to 250°F.
2. Whip egg whites with salt until stiff.
3. Pour in syrup slowly, then beat on high 5–7 minutes.
4. Stir in peanut butter, marshmallows (they’ll melt), peanuts, and vanilla.
5. Spread in parchment-lined pan and top with melted chocolate if desired.
6. Let set 2–4 hours. Cut and serve.

🌰 3. Fruit & Nut Nougat Bites

Great for gifting or holiday trays.

Ingredients:

• Base from classic nougat (see above)
• Add-ins:
  • 1 cup dried cranberries, apricots, or cherries (chopped)
  • 1 cup roasted pistachios or almonds
  • Zest of 1 orange or lemon (optional)

Instructions:

1. Prepare nougat base, fold in fruit and nuts just before spreading in the pan.
2. Dust top with powdered sugar or coconut.
3. Chill and cut into squares or wrap in wax paper as individual candies.