Indulge in the delightful taste of homemade nougat bars, a perfect blend of chewy nougat, crunchy nuts, and a touch of chocolate. These bars are not only a treat for your taste buds but also make for a thoughtful gift or a festive snack. Simple to make and incredibly satisfying, nougat bars are ideal for holiday gatherings, parties, or just a sweet afternoon pick-me-up. With just a few ingredients, you can create a luxurious confection that will impress your family and friends.
Ingredients:
For the Nougat:
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup light corn syrup
- 1/4 cup water
- 2 large egg whites, room temperature
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup mixed nuts (almonds, cashews, or walnuts), chopped
- 1/2 cup dried fruit (such as cherries, apricots, or cranberries), chopped (optional)
- A pinch of salt
For the Chocolate Coating:
- 1 cup semisweet chocolate chips
- 1 tablespoon coconut oil (optional, for a smoother finish)
Instructions:
- Prepare Your Pan:
- Line an 8×8-inch square baking pan with parchment paper, leaving some overhang for easy removal. Lightly grease the parchment with cooking spray.
- Make the Nougat Mixture:
- In a medium saucepan, combine the granulated sugar, corn syrup, and water. Cook over medium heat, stirring until the sugar dissolves.
- Bring the mixture to a boil without stirring. Use a candy thermometer to monitor the temperature, and cook until it reaches 250°F (hard ball stage).
- Whip the Egg Whites:
- While the sugar mixture is boiling, place the egg whites in a large mixing bowl. Beat with an electric mixer on medium speed until soft peaks form.
- Combine the Mixtures:
- Once the sugar mixture reaches the desired temperature, remove it from the heat. Gradually pour the hot syrup into the whipped egg whites while continuing to beat. Be cautious as the syrup will be extremely hot. Continue to beat until the mixture is thick and glossy.
- Add Flavor and Texture:
- Stir in the vanilla extract, chopped nuts, dried fruit (if using), and a pinch of salt. Mix until evenly combined.
- Transfer to the Pan:
- Pour the nougat mixture into the prepared baking pan, spreading it evenly with a spatula. Press down firmly to ensure it’s packed tightly. Let it cool completely at room temperature, about 2-3 hours.
- Prepare the Chocolate Coating:
- In a microwave-safe bowl, combine the chocolate chips and coconut oil. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until the chocolate is melted and smooth.
- Coat the Nougat:
- Once the nougat has cooled and set, lift it out of the pan using the parchment overhang. Cut it into bars or squares. Dip each piece in the melted chocolate, allowing excess chocolate to drip off. Place the coated nougat bars on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Set the Chocolate:
- Allow the chocolate to set at room temperature, or refrigerate for quicker results. Once set, your nougat bars are ready to enjoy!
- Store and Serve:
- Store the nougat bars in an airtight container at room temperature or in the refrigerator. They can be kept for up to two weeks, but we doubt they’ll last that long!