Description
Craving a nostalgic treat that’s easier than it looks and better than anything from a wrapper? These chewy, nut-studded Homemade Nougat Bars are dipped in velvety chocolate and perfect for gifting, snacking, or impressing at your next gathering. They’re an easy dessert recipe with a professional touch, ideal for food ideas, holiday treats, or as a quick sweet bite. Whether you’re hunting for a healthy-ish snack, fun breakfast ideas, or creative dinner ideas, this nougat bar fits the bill. It’s a low-effort, high-reward kind of recipe you’ll come back to again and again.
Ingredients
1 cup granulated sugar
1/3 cup light corn syrup
1/4 cup water
2 large egg whites
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 1/2 cups roasted nuts (almonds, peanuts, pistachios, or a mix)
2 cups semi-sweet or dark chocolate chips
1 tablespoon coconut oil or neutral oil
1/4 cup dried cranberries, cherries, or chopped dates (optional)
1/2 teaspoon almond extract (optional)
Instructions
1. Line an 8×8-inch baking dish with parchment paper and lightly grease it. Set aside.
2. Roast nuts at 350°F (175°C) for 8–10 minutes if not pre-roasted. Let cool.
3. In a stand mixer, whip egg whites and salt until soft peaks form. Keep mixer running.
4. In a saucepan, combine sugar, corn syrup, and water. Heat until bubbling and reaches 250°F.
5. Slowly pour the hot syrup into the egg whites with mixer on medium. Increase to high and whip for 6–8 minutes until glossy and thick.
6. Fold in vanilla, nuts, and any optional fruit or almond extract. Quickly transfer to prepared pan and smooth out the top.
7. Chill in fridge for at least 2 hours until firm. Lift nougat out and cut into bars using an oiled, sharp knife.
8. Melt chocolate and coconut oil together. Dip or drizzle bars, then let set on parchment until firm.
9. Serve or store as desired.
Notes
Use a thermometer if possible for precise sugar syrup temperature—it’s the key to ideal texture.
Always line your pan with parchment for easy removal and clean slicing.
Roast your nuts beforehand—it deepens the flavor and adds crunch.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-bake, Candy-making
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 20g
- Sodium: 50mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 24g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: homemade nougat bars, easy candy recipe, gluten-free dessert, chocolate nougat, nougat gift idea