Bright, chewy, and full of nostalgic charm, Jelly Nougat Candy is a delightful treat perfect for holidays, parties, or anytime you need a sweet pick-me-up. Made with a creamy marshmallow base and colorful gumdrops, this recipe is easy to prepare and irresistibly fun to share!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Nostalgic and Whimsical: A childhood favorite brought to life at home.
- Simple Ingredients: No fancy equipment or hard-to-find items required.
- Versatile: Customize with your favorite colors or flavors of gumdrops.
- Great for Gifting: Perfect for holiday trays or party favors.
- Kid-Friendly: A fun and colorful treat that kids will love to help make and eat.
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
- 4 tablespoons butter
- 20 ounces mini marshmallows
- 4 cups white chocolate chips
- 2 cups gumdrops, cut into small pieces
Directions
Step 1: Prepare the Gumdrops
- Chop the gumdrops into small pieces.
- Lightly dust with powdered sugar to prevent sticking, then set aside.
Step 2: Melt the Base Ingredients
- In a large saucepan over low heat, melt the butter.
- Add the mini marshmallows, stirring constantly until they are completely melted and smooth.
- Gradually stir in the white chocolate chips until fully melted and incorporated into the mixture.
Step 3: Add the Gumdrops
- Remove the saucepan from heat and let the mixture cool slightly for about 2 minutes.
- Gently fold in the chopped gumdrops until evenly distributed.
Step 4: Shape the Candy
- Line an 8×8-inch baking dish with parchment paper or lightly grease it.
- Pour the nougat mixture into the dish, spreading it evenly with a spatula.
Step 5: Chill and Cut
- Refrigerate the dish for 1–2 hours, or until the nougat is firm.
- Once set, remove the nougat from the dish and peel off the parchment paper.
- Use a sharp knife to cut the nougat into small squares or rectangles.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: Approximately 24 pieces
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Chill Time: 1–2 hours
- Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
Variations
- Fruit-Flavored Nougat: Use specific flavors of gumdrops, like citrus or berry, for a themed treat.
- Festive Colors: Match the gumdrop colors to holidays or events (e.g., red and green for Christmas).
- Nutty Twist: Add chopped nuts like pistachios or almonds for extra crunch.
- Dark Chocolate: Substitute white chocolate chips with dark or semi-sweet chocolate for a richer flavor.
- Vegan Option: Use dairy-free white chocolate chips and vegan marshmallows.
Storage
- Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 1 week.
- Freezer: Wrap pieces individually in wax paper and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
FAQs
1. Can I use other types of candy instead of gumdrops?
Yes, chopped jelly beans or Turkish delight are great alternatives.
2. Why does the mixture need to cool before adding the gumdrops?
Cooling prevents the gumdrops from melting and losing their shape.
3. How do I prevent the nougat from sticking to the knife?
Dip your knife in hot water and wipe it dry between cuts for clean slices.
4. Can I double the recipe?
Yes, use a larger pan (e.g., 9×13-inch) and adjust chilling time as needed.
5. Can I make this candy ahead of time?
Yes, Jelly Nougat Candy keeps well when stored properly, making it ideal for advance preparation.
6. How do I ensure the chocolate melts smoothly?
Use low heat and stir constantly to prevent seizing or burning.
7. Are there gluten-free alternatives?
Most gumdrops are naturally gluten-free, but check packaging to be sure. Use certified gluten-free white chocolate if needed.
8. Can I use large marshmallows instead of mini?
Yes, but cut them into smaller pieces to melt evenly.
9. What’s the best way to serve this candy?
Serve on a dessert platter or wrap individual pieces for gifting.
10. Can I add food coloring to the nougat base?
Yes, a few drops of gel food coloring can add a fun tint to the mixture.
Conclusion
Jelly Nougat Candy is a delightful, colorful treat that’s perfect for holidays, parties, or as a nostalgic gift. With its chewy texture, creamy base, and bursts of fruity gumdrops, this homemade candy is sure to be a crowd-pleaser. Whether you’re making it for yourself or to share, enjoy the fun and sweetness of this timeless recipe!
PrintJelly Nougat Candy
- Prep Time: 20min
- Cook Time: 1h
- Total Time: 1hour 20min
- Yield: Approximately 24 pieces 1x
- Category: Candy
- Method: No-Bake
- Cuisine: American
Description
Recreate your favorite nostalgic treat with this Jelly Nougat Candy recipe! Featuring chewy marshmallows, creamy white chocolate, and colorful gumdrops, it’s a fun and easy homemade candy.
Ingredients
- 4 tablespoons butter
- 20 ounces mini marshmallows
- 4 cups white chocolate chips
- 2 cups gumdrops, cut into small pieces
Instructions
1. Prepare the Gumdrops
- Chop the gumdrops into small pieces. Dust lightly with powdered sugar to prevent sticking and set aside.
2. Melt the Base Ingredients
- In a large saucepan, melt butter over low heat.
- Add mini marshmallows, stirring constantly until melted and smooth.
- Gradually stir in the white chocolate chips until fully melted and incorporated.
3. Add the Gumdrops
- Remove the saucepan from heat and let the mixture cool for 2 minutes.
- Gently fold in the gumdrop pieces, ensuring they’re evenly distributed throughout the nougat mixture.
4. Shape the Candy
- Line an 8×8-inch baking dish with parchment paper or lightly grease it.
- Pour the nougat mixture into the dish and spread evenly using a spatula.
5. Chill and Cut
- Place the dish in the refrigerator for 1–2 hours, or until the nougat is firm.
- Once set, remove the nougat from the dish, peel off the parchment paper, and cut into small squares or rectangles.
Notes
- Customization: Use different colored gumdrops for festive occasions like holidays.
- Storage: Store nougat pieces in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.
- To make slicing easier, lightly oil your knife or dust it with powdered sugar.
Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *