How to Make Nougat

Learn how to make the best old fashioned homemade nougat candy with this easy recipe that never fails. It's rich, sweet, airy, fluffy, chewy and packed with nuts.

Christmas is right around the corner and you must make today's recipe and share with your family and friends. It's just as delicious as my super popular White Chocolate Fudge and Microwave Peanut Brittle.

I will be honest that making this homemade candy is a labor of love. It requires a lot of time, a lot of mixing and whipping. You definitely need a stand mixer and a candy thermometer. However, it's absolutely worth it!

What is nougat?

It's a confection or very sweet candy that has a marshmallow texture. It's made by mixing together sugar honey mixture with egg whites and is loaded with nuts and dried fruits. It's very popular during the Christmas holidays and makes a wonderful homemade gift.

How to make nougat recipe?

1. Make sugar syrup- Mix together sugar, honey, water vanilla and cook until it reaches 300 degrees F.
2. Whip egg whites- Separately, whip egg whites until stiff peaks form.
3. Combine- Drizzle the sugar mixture into the egg mixture very slowly while constantly mixing for 15-20 minutes.
4. Add powdered sugar- Gradually, mix in powdered sugar.
5. Add nuts- Slowly, mix in nuts until combined.
6. Spread mixture- Use a pan that's been lined with wafer paper. Cover it with another sheet of wafer paper and press down and spread mixture as evenly as you can.
7. Cool- Let it sit at room temperature overnight.
8. Slice- Use a greased knife to cut small square slices and enjoy!

Variations

• Use other nuts- I only used almonds but you can use a combination of pistachios, macadamia nuts, walnuts, pecans, cashews.
• Add dried fruits- Such as dried apricots, cherries, cranberries, mangoes, raisins.
• Use other extracts and flavors- I used a little vanilla extract but you can also add a fruity flavor or almond extract or even some zest.
• Honey nougat chocolate- Dip each candy piece in melted chocolate. Toss some sprinkles on top, if you like. Let the chocolate set and enjoy. My family calls them "nougat candy bars."

Tips and Techniques

• Is nougat hard of soft? It's soft, airy and chewy and very similar to marshmallows in texture.
• Make this candy on a dry day- The air needs to be as dry as possible with no humidity. Otherwise, it will not set that well.
• What is wafer paper? It's also known as rice paper. It helps prevent the nougat from sticking to the pan and also makes it easier to slice and package. DON'T skip it! You can order them online or even find them at Asian stores. Please that this is edible paper and does not need to be removed from the candy. It's not the same paper you use for samosas and spring rolls.
• Use a stand mixer- Since a lot of mixing and beating is involved, a hand-held mixer would become tiring.
• You need to mix for a long time- That's because you are beating all the air into the mixture to create that perfect fluffy, chewy candy texture.
• Prevent a sticky mess- By spraying oil on your hands when you are spreading the mixture in the pan. You can also spray oil on spatula and use that to spread the mixture. Definitely grease your knife before slicing too to make perfect slices.
• Let it cool overnight- This long cooling time really allows it to set properly.
• Use a candy thermometer- There is no way around it. You must use it for this recipe because it allows you to measure the temperature of the the sugar mixture. If it's above or below 300 degrees F, the texture of this candy will change. Candy- making, just like baking, is all about Science as well.
• Add food coloring- Typically, it's served in its natural ivory state but you can add a little gel coloring to make them more fun.
• Storage and package- Since this candy is slightly sticky, package it in wax paper or waxed candy paper, that can be bought online.
• Roast nuts- Because it enhances the nutty flavor.

More Christmas Candy Recipes

• Jelly Marshmallow Candy
• Peanut Butter Chocolate Bark (4 Ingredients)
• White Chocolate Bark
• Sugared Cranberries (Candied Cranberries)
• Homemade Chocolate Bars
• Candied Orange Peel and Slices
• Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Bars
• Chocolate Mint Truffles
• Red Velvet Truffles
• White Chocolate Truffles
• Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Truffles
• Peanut Butter Fudge
• Rocky Road Fudge
• Homemade Gourmet Chocolate

Recipe

Until next time, tata my lovelies!