These no-bake Rocky Road Nougat Bars are a simple and delicious treat made with just four main ingredients: white chocolate, marshmallow fluff, roasted peanuts, and chopped glacé cherries (or other dried fruits/candies). They have a sweet, creamy, and slightly chewy nougat base studded with crunchy nuts and chewy fruit.
Ingredients:
- 1 (10-12 ounce) bag white chocolate chips or chopped white chocolate
- 1 (7 ounce) jar marshmallow fluff
- 1 cup roasted peanuts (salted or unsalted, your preference)
- 1/2 cup chopped glacé cherries (or a mix of glacé cherries, dried cranberries, mini marshmallows, etc.)
Optional Additions:
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
Instructions:
- Prepare Baking Dish: Line an 8×8 inch square baking dish (or similar size) with parchment paper, leaving some overhang on the sides for easy removal.
- Melt White Chocolate: In a microwave-safe bowl, melt the white chocolate chips in 30-second intervals, stirring well after each interval, until smooth and completely melted. Be careful not to overheat the chocolate. Alternatively, you can melt the chocolate in a double boiler over simmering water.
- Combine Marshmallow Fluff: Add the entire jar of marshmallow fluff to the melted white chocolate. Stir until the marshmallow fluff is fully incorporated and the mixture is smooth and creamy. If using, stir in the vanilla extract and a pinch of salt at this stage.
- Add Mix-ins: Fold in the roasted peanuts and chopped glacé cherries (or other desired mix-ins) into the white chocolate and marshmallow mixture. Stir gently until everything is evenly distributed.
- Pour into Dish: Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish and spread it out evenly with a spatula.
- Chill: Cover the dish with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2-3 hours, or until the nougat bars are firm and set.
- Cut into Bars: Once firm, lift the nougat from the baking dish using the parchment paper overhang. Place it on a cutting board and cut it into bars or squares of your desired size.
- Store: Store the Rocky Road Nougat Bars in an airtight container at room temperature for a few days or in the refrigerator for longer storage.
Tips and Notes:
- White Chocolate Quality: Use good quality white chocolate for the best flavor and melting consistency.
- Marshmallow Fluff: Make sure you are using marshmallow fluff (also called marshmallow creme) and not regular marshmallows.
- Mix-in Variations: Feel free to customize the mix-ins with other nuts (almonds, walnuts), dried fruits (cranberries, apricots), small candies (M&Ms, mini marshmallows), or even crushed cookies.
- Nut Allergy: If there are nut allergies, you can omit the peanuts and use other safe mix-ins.
- Cutting: Use a warm, sharp knife to cut the bars cleanly. You can run the knife under hot water and wipe it dry between cuts.
- Texture: The nougat bars will be slightly chewy and firm when chilled. If left at room temperature for a while, they will become softer.
Enjoy these simple and delicious Four Ingredient Rocky Road Nougat Bars!