Jelly Nougat Candy Recipe: Bright, Chewy, and Irresistibly Nostalgic—a Perfect Treat for Sharing!
When it comes to candy, few treats are as irresistibly nostalgic and undeniably fun as Jelly Nougat Candy. With its chewy, bright, and colorful layers, this candy evokes memories of childhood candy stores and festive celebrations. The blend of mini marshmallows, white chocolate chips, and colorful gumdrops creates a delightful texture and flavor that’s hard to resist.
In this article, we will walk you through how to make this delicious Jelly Nougat Candy, a recipe that combines simple ingredients to create an unforgettable treat. Whether you’re preparing a snack for a party, a special gift, or just indulging in some homemade candy, Jelly Nougat Candy is the perfect choice.
Ingredients for Jelly Nougat Candy
Before diving into the step-by-step instructions, it’s important to gather the right ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need for the Jelly Nougat Candy recipe:
- 4 tablespoons of butter
- 20 ounces of mini marshmallows
- 4 cups of white chocolate chips
- 2 cups of gumdrops, cut into small pieces
These ingredients come together to create a chewy, sweet, and colorful treat that will delight your taste buds.
Step-by-Step Instructions
1️⃣ Prepare the Gumdrops
The first step in making Jelly Nougat Candy is preparing the gumdrops. Gumdrops are the star ingredient in this recipe, giving the candy its colorful and chewy texture. Here’s how to prepare them:
- Start by chopping the gumdrops into small pieces. The pieces should be roughly the same size to ensure even distribution in the nougat.
- Tip: To prevent the gumdrops from sticking together, lightly dust them with powdered sugar before setting them aside. This simple step ensures that the gumdrops stay separate and don’t clump together when you add them to the mixture.
2️⃣ Melt the Base Ingredients
The next step is to melt the butter and mini marshmallows together to form the base of the nougat. Here’s how to do it:
- In a large saucepan, melt the butter over low heat.
- Once the butter is melted, add the mini marshmallows. Stir constantly to ensure they melt evenly. It’s important to keep the heat low and continue stirring to avoid burning the mixture.
- Gradually add the white chocolate chips, stirring until they melt and blend into the mixture. The result should be a smooth and creamy mixture.
3️⃣ Add the Gumdrops
Once the base mixture is ready, it’s time to fold in the gumdrops. This step is important because it helps evenly distribute the gumdrops throughout the nougat mixture.
- Remove the saucepan from the heat and let the mixture cool for about 2 minutes.
- Once the mixture has cooled slightly, gently fold in the chopped gumdrops. Stir gently to make sure the gumdrops are evenly distributed throughout the nougat mixture.
4️⃣ Shape the Candy
Now that the nougat mixture is ready, it’s time to shape the candy. This step involves transferring the mixture into a baking dish, which will help it set and become firm.
- Line an 8×8-inch baking dish with parchment paper. Alternatively, you can lightly grease the dish with butter or cooking spray.
- Pour the nougat mixture into the prepared dish, spreading it evenly with a spatula. This will help ensure that the candy sets evenly and doesn’t become too thick in some areas.
5️⃣ Chill and Cut
The final step is to chill the candy to allow it to firm up. This process is essential to ensure the nougat sets properly and can be cut into neat squares or rectangles.
- Place the baking dish in the refrigerator for 1-2 hours to allow the nougat to set. You can check the consistency by gently pressing down on the mixture. If it feels firm and holds its shape, it’s ready to be cut.
- Once set, remove the nougat from the dish and peel off the parchment paper.
- Cut the nougat into small squares or rectangles, depending on your preference.
Tips for Perfect Jelly Nougat Candy
While the recipe is fairly straightforward, here are a few tips to ensure your Jelly Nougat Candy turns out perfect:
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Ensure your marshmallows and white chocolate chips are fresh for the best flavor and texture.
- Don’t Rush the Melting Process: Be patient when melting the butter, marshmallows, and white chocolate. Heating them over low heat and stirring constantly will prevent the mixture from burning or becoming grainy.
- Cool the Mixture Before Adding Gumdrops: Allow the mixture to cool slightly before folding in the gumdrops to prevent them from becoming too sticky.
- Customize the Flavor: If you want to add more flavor, try adding a teaspoon of vanilla extract or a pinch of sea salt for a unique twist.
Why Jelly Nougat Candy is Perfect for Sharing
One of the best aspects of Jelly Nougat Candy is its ability to bring people together. The bright colors and chewy texture make it an inviting treat for any gathering. Whether you’re hosting a party, preparing a gift for someone special, or just looking for a fun snack, Jelly Nougat Candy is sure to impress.
- Nostalgic Appeal: Many people will instantly recognize the colorful gumdrops and creamy nougat, making it a nostalgic treat that evokes happy memories of childhood sweets.
- Bright and Festive: The colorful gumdrops make this candy visually appealing, perfect for any festive occasion like birthdays, holidays, or celebrations.
- Easy to Share: Once cut into bite-sized squares, Jelly Nougat Candy is easy to share with friends and family. It’s the perfect treat for gatherings and events.
Common Variations of Jelly Nougat Candy
While the basic Jelly Nougat Candy recipe is delicious on its own, you can make it your own by experimenting with different ingredients. Here are a few variations you can try:
- Add Nuts: If you prefer a crunchier texture, consider adding chopped nuts like almonds, walnuts, or pecans. Just fold them in when you add the gumdrops.
- Use Different Candies: You can swap out the gumdrops for other types of candy, such as gummy bears, jelly beans, or fruit-flavored chewy candies.
- Dark Chocolate: For a richer flavor, try using dark chocolate chips instead of white chocolate. This will create a more complex flavor profile that balances the sweetness of the gumdrops.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I use other types of candy besides gumdrops?
Yes! You can experiment with other types of chewy candy like gummy bears, jelly beans, or fruit chews. Just be sure to chop them into small pieces before adding them to the nougat mixture.
2. Can I make this recipe without white chocolate chips?
If you prefer not to use white chocolate, you can substitute with milk chocolate or dark chocolate. Keep in mind that this will alter the flavor slightly, but it will still taste delicious!
3. How should I store Jelly Nougat Candy?
To keep your Jelly Nougat Candy fresh, store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. You can also refrigerate it if you prefer a firmer texture.
4. Can I freeze Jelly Nougat Candy?
Yes, you can freeze Jelly Nougat Candy! Just wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or place it in an airtight container, and it will keep in the freezer for up to three months. Allow it to thaw before serving.
5. Can I make Jelly Nougat Candy in larger batches?
Absolutely! You can easily double or triple the ingredients to make larger batches. Just be sure to adjust the size of your baking dish accordingly.
6. Why are my gumdrops sticking together?
If your gumdrops are sticking together, lightly dust them with powdered sugar before adding them to the nougat mixture. This will help prevent them from clumping.
Conclusion
Jelly Nougat Candy is a delightful treat that’s perfect for sharing with family and friends. With its chewy texture, bright colors, and irresistible flavor, it’s bound to become a favorite in your candy repertoire. Whether you’re making it for a special occasion or just because, this recipe is sure to bring a smile to anyone who tastes it. Try it out today and enjoy the sweet, nostalgic joy of homemade candy!
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PrintJelly Nougat Candy Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour 25 minutes
Ingredients
Instructions
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour