If you are craving a delightful treat that combines chewy sweetness with creamy indulgence, this Jelly Nougat Candy Recipe is exactly what you need. Bursting with colorful gumdrops and rich white chocolate, this no-bake dessert is perfect for sharing during festive seasons or simply brightening your day. The way the soft marshmallows and smooth vanilla-infused nougat blend with fruity jellied candies creates a personal favorite that’s as fun to make as it is to eat.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Jelly Nougat Candy Recipe lies in its simple yet perfectly balanced ingredients. Each component plays a crucial role, from adding creamy texture to vibrant pops of fruity sweetness and a touch of comforting vanilla aroma.
- Unsalted butter (2 tablespoons): Provides a rich, smooth base that helps melt the chocolate and marshmallows evenly.
- White chocolate chips (2 cups): Adds creamy sweetness and a luscious texture essential to the nougat’s softness.
- Mini marshmallows (1 10-ounce bag): They melt into a gooey, chewy foundation that brings everything together wonderfully.
- Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): Infuses the candy with a warm, fragrant undertone that elevates every bite.
- Red and green gumdrops or jellied fruit candies (2 cups, quartered and dusted): These colorful bites add fruity flavor and festive cheer, while the powdered sugar keeps them from sticking.
How to Make Jelly Nougat Candy Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Pan
Start by lining an 8×8-inch baking dish with parchment paper, making sure to leave some overhang on the sides. This little trick makes it super easy to lift out the nougat once it’s set, so your cutting will be neat and hassle-free.
Step 2: Melt Butter and Chocolate
Place a large saucepan over low heat and melt the butter gently. Once melted, add the white chocolate chips and stir constantly until everything is fully melted and smooth. This slow melting ensures a creamy texture without burning the chocolate.
Step 3: Incorporate Marshmallows
Next, toss in the mini marshmallows. Stir continuously until they melt into the chocolate mixture, forming a luscious, sticky base that’s crucial for the nougat’s chewy charm.
Step 4: Add Vanilla
Remove the saucepan from heat and stir in the vanilla extract. The vanilla adds a delicate fragrance and depth, turning simple ingredients into a sensational treat that feels homemade and inviting.
Step 5: Fold in the Gumdrops
Gently fold in the prepared quartered gumdrops, making sure they are evenly distributed throughout the nougat. The powdered sugar coating on the gumdrops is key here—it prevents them from sticking together and sinking to the bottom.
Step 6: Set and Cut
Pour the mingled mixture into your prepared pan and smooth the surface with a spatula. Let it sit at room temperature for about 2 hours or until completely set. Once firm, use the parchment overhang to lift the block out and slice it into small, colorful squares.
How to Serve Jelly Nougat Candy Recipe
Garnishes
Serving this Jelly Nougat Candy Recipe is a delight on its own, but adding a dusting of powdered sugar or a sprinkle of edible glitter makes it especially festive. For extra flair, arrange candies with whole gumdrops or even chopped nuts on top to provide a crunchy contrast.
Side Dishes
This candy pairs beautifully with a hot drink, such as a rich cup of cocoa, herbal tea, or a smooth coffee. It also makes for a sweet ending alongside fresh fruit or a simple cheese platter, balancing savory and sweet flavors for an irresistible snack table.
Creative Ways to Present
If you want to wow your guests, try presenting these nougat squares in decorative mini cupcake liners or stack them on a tiered dessert tray. Wrapping individual pieces in colorful cellophane tied with a ribbon makes fantastic gifts or party favors that showcase your thoughtfulness and creativity.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once your Jelly Nougat Candy Recipe pieces are cut, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They keep wonderfully for up to one week, allowing you to enjoy a sweet treat any time without worrying about spoilage.
Freezing
If you want to prepare these candies in advance, you can freeze them. Wrap individual pieces or the whole block tightly in plastic wrap and store in a freezer-safe container. When ready to enjoy, thaw them overnight in the fridge for the best texture and flavor preservation.
Reheating
One of the joys of this recipe is that it tastes great chilled or at room temperature, so reheating usually isn’t required. However, if desired, you can warm pieces gently in your hand or at very low heat for a softer, melt-in-your-mouth experience.
FAQs
Can I use different types of gumdrops in the Jelly Nougat Candy Recipe?
Absolutely! You can experiment with flavors and colors to suit your preferences or the season. Just remember to dust them lightly with powdered sugar so they don’t stick together.
Is it possible to substitute white chocolate chips?
For best results, white chocolate chips are recommended due to their creamy sweetness. However, you could try high-quality white chocolate bars chopped into small pieces as a substitute.
How long does it take for the nougat to set properly?
Allow about 2 hours at room temperature for the nougat to fully firm up. Avoid refrigerating as it may cause the nougat to become too hard and lose its chewy texture.
Can this recipe be made vegan?
While traditional ingredients like butter, white chocolate, and marshmallows are not vegan, there are plant-based alternatives available that could work. Look for dairy-free chocolate, vegan butter, and vegan marshmallows to experiment with this Jelly Nougat Candy Recipe.
What’s the best way to cut the nougat without it sticking?
Using a sharp knife heated slightly by running under warm water and then dried can help you slice clean, smooth edges without the nougat sticking to your blade.
Final Thoughts
This Jelly Nougat Candy Recipe is a joyful blend of creamy, chewy, and fruity flavors that’s sure to brighten any occasion. Its easy preparation and customizable nature mean you can personalize it for holidays or everyday indulgence. Give it a try—you might just discover your new favorite homemade sweet treat that’s as fun to gift as it is to savor.
Print
Jelly Nougat Candy Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours 25 minutes
- Yield: 36 pieces
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Jelly Nougat Candy Recipe is a festive, no-bake treat combining creamy white chocolate, mini marshmallows, and colorful gumdrops for a chewy, sweet delight perfect for holidays or special occasions.
Ingredients
Base Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 cups white chocolate chips
- 1 (10-ounce) bag mini marshmallows
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Candy Mix-Ins
- 2 cups red and green gumdrops or jellied fruit candies, quartered and lightly dusted in powdered sugar to prevent sticking
Instructions
- Prepare the Pan: Line an 8×8-inch baking dish with parchment paper, leaving some overhang to allow for easy removal of the nougat later.
- Melt Butter and Chocolate: In a large saucepan over low heat, melt the unsalted butter. Add the white chocolate chips and stir continuously until the mixture is fully melted and smooth.
- Add Marshmallows: Stir in the mini marshmallows and continue stirring until they are completely melted and fully combined with the chocolate mixture.
- Flavor and Mix: Remove the saucepan from heat and stir in the vanilla extract. Gently fold in the quartered gumdrops that have been dusted with powdered sugar, ensuring even distribution without causing them to dissolve.
- Set the Nougat: Pour the combined mixture into the prepared baking dish and smooth the top evenly using a spatula. Let the nougat sit at room temperature for about 2 hours until firm and fully set.
- Cut and Serve: Once set, carefully lift the nougat out of the pan using the parchment paper overhang. Use a sharp knife to cut into approximately 36 small squares for serving.
Notes
- Lightly coating the gumdrops in powdered sugar helps keep them from sticking together and prevents them from sinking in the nougat mixture.
- For a festive appearance, use seasonal-color gumdrops or jellied fruit candies.
- Store the nougat candy in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week to maintain freshness.
