Jelly Nougat Candy Recipe

Sweet & Chewy Jelly Nougat Candy Recipe for Homemade Joy

Sweet dreams take shape with this delectable jelly nougat candy that promises pure delight.

Soft clouds of sugary goodness await your culinary adventure.

Crafting these treats requires minimal ingredients and simple techniques.

Delicate textures melt seamlessly across your palate, creating moments of pure bliss.

Unexpected flavor combinations will surprise and enchant you.

Memories of childhood confections dance through each delightful bite.

Let your kitchen become a playground of sweet creativity and indulgence.

What You’ll Need for Jelly Nougat Candy

For the Candy Base:
  • Butter: A rich, creamy ingredient that provides a smooth foundation for the nougat's texture.
  • Mini Marshmallows: These soft, sweet treats help create a chewy and stretchy base for the candy.
  • White Chocolate Chips: A smooth and sweet ingredient that adds richness and helps bind the nougat together.
For the Add-Ins:
  • Gumdrops: Colorful and fruity candies that bring a playful texture and burst of flavor to the nougat.
For the Preparation:
  • Powdered Sugar, Parchment Paper: These helpful ingredients assist in preventing sticking and making the candy easy to handle and remove from the pan.

Instructions to Make Classic Jelly Nougat

Step 1: Prep The Colorful Gumdrops

Grab your gumdrops and slice them into tiny, bite-sized pieces. Sprinkle a light dusting of powdered sugar over the chopped pieces to keep them from clumping together, creating a smooth candy texture.

Step 2: Create Creamy Candy Base

Grab a large saucepan and set it over low heat. Melt the butter until it’s smooth and silky.

Toss in the mini marshmallows, stirring constantly until they transform into a glossy, creamy mixture. Gradually introduce white chocolate chips, stirring until they melt completely and blend seamlessly with the marshmallow mixture.

Step 3: Incorporate Gumdrop Gems

Remove the saucepan from the heat and let the mixture cool for about two minutes. Gently fold the chopped gumdrop pieces into the creamy base, ensuring they’re evenly distributed throughout the mixture.

Step 4: Prepare The Candy Mold

Line an 8×8-inch baking dish with parchment paper or lightly grease the surface. Carefully pour the nougat mixture into the prepared dish.

Use a spatula to spread the mixture evenly, creating a smooth and uniform layer.

Step 5: Chill And Transform

Place the dish in the refrigerator and let it rest for 12 hours until the nougat becomes firm and solid.

Once set, carefully remove the nougat from the dish, peel away the parchment paper, and slice into delightful small squares or rectangular pieces. Your colorful and delicious jelly nougat candy is ready to enjoy!

Tips for Smooth and Chewy Jelly Nougat

  • Dust gumdrops with powdered sugar to prevent clumping and ensure easy mixing into the nougat.
  • Use low heat when melting butter and marshmallows to avoid burning and maintain a smooth, creamy texture.
  • Allow the mixture to cool slightly before adding gumdrops to prevent them from melting completely and losing their vibrant color.
  • Line the baking dish with parchment paper for easy removal and clean cutting of the nougat candy.
  • Refrigerate the nougat for at least 12 hours to achieve a firm, sliceable consistency that holds its shape.

Flavor Twists for Jelly Nougat Candy

  • Fruity Explosion Nougat: Replace gumdrops with mixed dried fruits like cranberries, apricots, and pineapple chunks for a natural sweetness and vibrant color.
  • Nutty Crunch Nougat: Incorporate chopped almonds, pistachios, or pecans to add protein and create a crunchy texture alongside the marshmallow base.
  • Chocolate Lover's Nougat: Swap white chocolate chips with dark or milk chocolate chips and mix in chocolate-covered candies for intense chocolate flavor.
  • Vegan Sweet Treat: Use coconut oil instead of butter, vegan marshmallows, and dairy-free chocolate chips to create a plant-based version of the candy.

What Goes Well with Jelly Nougat Sweets

  • Pairing Delights for Jelly Nougat Candy
  • Brew Complementary Tea: Steep a light chamomile or green tea to balance the candy's sweetness and cleanse the palate with its delicate herbal notes.
  • Serve Creamy Contrast: Offer a small scoop of vanilla bean ice cream alongside the nougat to create a smooth, rich counterpoint that enhances the candy's texture.
  • Match Sparkling Beverage: Pour chilled sparkling white wine or prosecco to cut through the candy's sweetness and provide a refreshing, elegant accompaniment.
  • Craft Fruit Plate: Arrange fresh berries like raspberries and strawberries to add a tangy, fresh dimension that complements the nougat's sugary profile.

Best Storage for Homemade Jelly Nougat Candy

Wrap individual nougat pieces in wax paper or plastic wrap, then place them in an airtight container. Keep refrigerated for up to 1 week to maintain freshness and prevent sticking.

Layer nougat pieces between parchment paper in a freezer-safe container. Seal tightly and freeze for up to 3 months. Prevent freezer burn by removing excess air from the container.

Store in a cool, dry place inside an airtight container with parchment paper between layers. Consume within 3-4 days to ensure optimal taste and texture.

Gently warm nougat pieces at room temperature for 10-15 minutes before serving. Avoid direct microwave heating to prevent melting or texture changes.

FAQs

  • Are gumdrops essential for this recipe?

Gumdrops add vibrant color and fruity flavor to the nougat, making it more interesting and fun. They provide texture and sweetness that transforms a basic marshmallow candy into something unique.

  • Can I use different types of gumdrops?

Yes, you can experiment with different gumdrop flavors like cherry, orange, or mixed fruit. Choose soft, chewy gumdrops for the best texture and easiest mixing into the nougat base.

  • Do I need any special equipment for this recipe?

A saucepan, spatula, measuring cups, and a baking dish are the primary tools needed. Parchment paper helps with easy removal and clean cutting of the nougat.

Why Jelly Nougat Candy Is a Holiday Favorite

  • Craft Colorful Treats: Create vibrant, eye-catching candy with gumdrops that add bursts of fun colors and fruity flavors to each bite.
  • Minimal Ingredient Magic: Requires just a few simple pantry staples like marshmallows, butter, and white chocolate, making it accessible for home cooks of all skill levels.
  • Kid-Friendly Candy Crafting: Perfect for involving children in the kitchen, offering a playful and interactive cooking experience that sparks creativity and joy.
  • No-Bake Sweet Sensation: Skip the oven and enjoy a hassle-free dessert that comes together quickly with basic melting and mixing techniques.
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Jelly Nougat Candy Recipe

Jelly Nougat Candy Recipe


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4.7 from 34 reviews

  • Total Time: 25 minutes
  • Yield: 12 1x

Description

Sweet homemade jelly nougat candy delights taste buds with its perfect blend of chewy texture and fruity flavor. Crafted with care, this simple recipe brings pure confectionery joy to your kitchen.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 4 cups white chocolate chips
  • 20 ounces (567 grams) mini marshmallows
  • 2 cups gumdrops, cut into small pieces

Binding Ingredients:

  • 4 tablespoons (60 milliliters) butter

Supporting Ingredients:

(none)


Instructions

  1. Prepare the workspace by lightly coating a chopping board with powdered sugar to prevent gumdrop adhesion. Meticulously slice gumdrops into tiny, uniform pieces using a sharp knife.
  2. Select a large, heavy-bottomed saucepan and melt butter over low heat, approximately 165°F. Gradually incorporate mini marshmallows, stirring consistently until they transform into a silky, homogeneous mixture.
  3. Introduce white chocolate chips to the marshmallow base, continuing to stir until completely melted and integrated. Ensure no unmelted chocolate remains visible.
  4. Allow the mixture to cool for precisely 2 minutes, preventing potential gumdrop discoloration. Gently fold chopped gumdrops into the mixture, ensuring even distribution throughout the nougat.
  5. Prepare an 8-inch baking dish by lining with parchment paper, creating slight overhang for easy removal. Transfer the nougat mixture, using a spatula to spread evenly and create a smooth surface.
  6. Refrigerate the nougat for 12 hours at 40°F, allowing complete solidification. Once set, lift the nougat from the dish using parchment paper edges.
  7. Using a sharp knife, slice the nougat into bite-sized squares or rectangular pieces, wiping the blade between cuts for clean edges.

Notes

  • Prevent sticky gumdrops by coating them with powdered sugar before mixing, ensuring smooth distribution throughout the nougat.
  • Use low heat when melting ingredients to avoid burning butter or scorching chocolate, creating a silky smooth base for your candy.
  • Chill the nougat thoroughly for clean, precise cuts that showcase the colorful gumdrop pieces embedded in the creamy mixture.
  • Consider dietary variations by substituting marshmallows with vegan alternatives or using gluten-free gumdrops for those with special nutritional needs.
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 5 minutes
  • Category: Snacks, Desserts
  • Method: Melting
  • Cuisine: French

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 12
  • Calories: 290
  • Sugar: 34 g
  • Sodium: 45 mg
  • Fat: 15 g
  • Saturated Fat: 9 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
  • Trans Fat: 0.2 g
  • Carbohydrates: 38 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 2 g
  • Cholesterol: 25 mg
Samantha Lee

Samantha Lee

Recipe Developer & Content Creator

Expertise

Plant-based and vegetarian recipes, Recipe testing and development, Food blogging and digital content creation, Culinary education and workshops​

Education

Oregon Culinary Institute (Portland, OR)

  • Program: Diploma in Culinary Arts
  • Focus: Emphasized plant-based cooking, global cuisines, and recipe testing methodologies.​

Samantha sees cooking like painting, every fresh herb, every juicy tomato, a new splash of color on a canvas.
After graduating from Oregon Culinary Institute, she blended her love of global cuisines and plant-based cooking into recipes that feel fresh, fearless, and full of heart.
Samantha’s kitchen is a place where comfort food gets a modern remix and every meal feels like a little adventure. When she’s not cooking, she’s out exploring farmers’ markets, sketching new recipe ideas, or getting her hands dirty in a community garden.

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