Bright, chewy, and nostalgic, these jelly nougat candies are a delightful treat! Made with marshmallows, white chocolate, and colorful gumdrops, they’re an easy, no-bake confection perfect for sharing or gifting. With their soft, chewy texture and bursts of fruity flavor, these candies bring back childhood memories and are a fun addition to holiday platters or homemade candy boxes.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- No-Bake & Easy – Just melt, mix, and chill!
- Bright & Fun – The colorful gumdrops make these candies visually appealing.
- Perfect for Gifting – A great homemade treat for holidays, parties, or candy boxes.
- Chewy & Sweet – A soft, nougat-like texture that melts in your mouth.
- Customizable – Swap gumdrops for other mix-ins like dried fruit or nuts.
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
- 2 cups mini marshmallows
- 1 ½ cups white chocolate chips or chopped white chocolate
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- 1 cup colorful gumdrops (cut into small pieces)
Directions
- Prepare the Pan – Line an 8×8-inch baking dish with parchment paper, leaving extra over the edges for easy removal.
- Melt Marshmallows & Chocolate – In a heatproof bowl, combine marshmallows, white chocolate, and butter. Melt using a double boiler or microwave in 20-second intervals, stirring until smooth.
- Fold in Gumdrops – Gently mix the chopped gumdrops into the melted mixture.
- Spread & Set – Pour the mixture into the prepared pan, smoothing the top with a spatula.
- Chill – Refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or until firm.
- Slice & Serve – Once set, lift the nougat from the pan and cut into small squares. Enjoy!
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 16-20 pieces
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Chilling Time: 2 hours
- Total Time: 2 hours 10 minutes
Variations
- Nutty Crunch – Add chopped almonds, pecans, or walnuts for texture.
- Festive Twist – Use red and green gumdrops for a Christmas version.
- Coconut Coating – Roll pieces in shredded coconut for extra flavor.
- Dried Fruit Mix-In – Swap gumdrops for dried cranberries or cherries.
- Chocolate Swirl – Drizzle melted dark chocolate over the top before chilling.
Storage/Reheating
- Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Refrigerator: Keep chilled for up to 2 weeks for firmer nougat.
- Freezer: Freeze for up to 2 months; thaw at room temperature before serving.
- Reheating: No reheating needed—just serve and enjoy!
FAQs
Can I use large marshmallows instead of mini ones?
Yes! Just chop them into smaller pieces before melting.
What kind of gumdrops work best?
Soft, fruit-flavored gumdrops or jelly candies work best. Avoid spiced gumdrops unless you like the flavor.
How do I prevent the nougat from being too sticky?
Chilling helps firm it up, and using parchment paper prevents sticking.
Can I make this without white chocolate?
White chocolate is key for structure, but you can try using almond bark as an alternative.
How do I cut clean squares?
Use a sharp knife and wipe it clean between cuts for neat edges.
Can I add food coloring for a fun look?
Yes! A drop of pastel food coloring can give a playful effect.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, as long as the gumdrops and marshmallows are gluten-free.
How do I make the nougat firmer?
Chill longer or add a little extra white chocolate for a denser texture.
Can I make these in advance for gifts?
Absolutely! They store well in the fridge and make great homemade holiday treats.
What can I serve with these nougat candies?
They pair well with coffee, hot cocoa, or as part of a candy platter.
Conclusion
Jelly Nougat Candy is a nostalgic, chewy, and colorful treat that’s perfect for holidays, parties, or homemade gifts. With just a few ingredients and no baking required, this easy recipe is great for beginners and seasoned candy makers alike. Try it today and enjoy a sweet, chewy bite of nostalgia!
Print
Jelly Nougat Candy Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Yield: 16–20 pieces 1x
Description
Bright, chewy, and nostalgic, these Jelly Nougat Candies are a delightful treat! Made with marshmallows, white chocolate, and colorful gumdrops, they’re perfect for sharing or gifting.
Ingredients
- 2 1/2 cups mini marshmallows
- 2 cups white chocolate chips (or white candy melts)
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- 1 1/2 cups colorful gumdrops, chopped
Instructions
- Prepare the Pan:
- Line an 8×8-inch baking dish with parchment paper, leaving an overhang for easy removal.
- Melt the Base:
- In a heatproof bowl, combine white chocolate chips, butter, and mini marshmallows.
- Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring between each, until fully melted and smooth.
- (Alternatively, use a double boiler over low heat.)
- Add the Gumdrops:
- Let the mixture cool for 1-2 minutes, then fold in chopped gumdrops.
- Set the Candy:
- Pour the mixture into the prepared pan and spread evenly.
- Refrigerate for 1-2 hours, or until firm.
- Slice & Serve:
- Once set, lift the nougat out using the parchment paper.
- Cut into small squares and enjoy!
Notes
- Use fruit slices or Turkish delight instead of gumdrops for a different twist.
- For extra flavor, add ½ tsp vanilla or almond extract.
- Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week, or refrigerate for up to 2 weeks.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 1-2 hours
- Category: Dessert, Candy
- Method: No-Bake
- Cuisine: American