There’s something about the smell of warm sugar and toasted nuts that can transport me back to my grandmother’s kitchen. I can almost feel the worn wooden floor beneath my feet and hear the gentle hum of her vintage mixer as she crafted her signature sweets. One of the treasures from those days that has stuck with me is her Old Fashioned Gumdrop Nougat Candy. This delightful treat not only embodies the spirit of nostalgia but also brings joy to every bite. It’s been a family favorite at gatherings, often enjoyed while reminiscing over stories of yesteryear. The simplicity of this recipe allows the flavors to shine, making it a wonderfully special delight for both young and old alike.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Picture this: You’ve just wrapped up a long day, and the sky is painted with hues of orange and purple as the sun begins to set. You take a moment to unwind, perhaps with a steaming cup of tea in hand, and then you reach for a piece of this sweet, chewy candy. It’s like wrapping yourself in a cozy blanket – warm and comforting. Once you try making this nougat, you’ll wonder why you didn’t whip it up sooner. Don’t worry, you won’t need any fancy skills or gadgets to make this delicious nougat candy. It’s accessible, and you’ll feel a sense of accomplishment that only comes from creating something sweet at home.
What It Tastes Like
Now let’s talk flavor. The first bite reveals a wonderful blend of sweetness with a hint of chewiness. The nougat is smooth and creamy, while pockets of gumdrops pop forth, adding bursts of fruity flavor that dance on your palate. It’s a luxurious treat without being overly rich. Imagine the feeling of a little sweetness melting in your mouth, followed by delightful chewy surprises nestled in the mixture. It’s not just candy; it’s an experience that brings smiles and pure bliss!
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 2 cups granulated sugar: The base of your nougat, adding sweetness and structure.
- 1 cup light corn syrup: Keeps everything smooth and helps achieve that lovely chewy texture.
- 1/2 cup water: Essential for dissolving the sugar and creating the perfect candy.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Don’t skip this! It balances the sweetness beautifully.
- 2 egg whites: These will be whipped into a fluffy meringue, providing lightness.
- 1 cup chopped gumdrops: The heart of this candy! Choose a mix of colors and flavors for a fun pop.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Adds warmth and depth to the nougat.
- 1 cup toasted nuts (like almonds or pistachios): For a nice crunch and a nutty flavor that complements the sweetness.
Optional Additions:
- Chocolate drizzle: Because is there ever too much chocolate?
- Different flavored gumdrops: Get creative with your flavor combinations and textures.
Special Garnishes:
- Dusting of powdered sugar: Not only does it look pretty, but it also prevents sticking.
- Edible glitter or sprinkles: A touch of whimsical charm for festive occasions!
Step-by-Step Instructions
Now let’s dive into the fun part—making the candy!
- Prepare your workspace: Line an 8-inch square pan with parchment paper, leaving a bit of overhang on the sides for easy removal later. Give it a light spray with cooking oil.
- Cook your sugar mixture: In a medium saucepan, combine the granulated sugar, corn syrup, water, and salt over medium heat. Stir gently until the sugar dissolves. Don’t rush this step—it’s where the magic happens!
- Bring it to a boil: Once the sugar has dissolved, increase the heat and bring the mixture to a boil. You want to heat it until it reaches the soft-ball stage (around 240°F/115°C). Use a candy thermometer if you have one—it’s a lifesaver!
- Whip the egg whites: While your sugar mixture is heating up, beat the egg whites in a large, clean bowl until soft peaks form. This will take about 2-3 minutes with an electric mixer.
- Add the sugar syrup: Once the syrup reaches that magical temperature, slowly pour it into the whipped egg whites while mixing continuously. Be careful! This syrup is super hot and sticky.
- Continue mixing: Keep mixing until the mixture cools and thickens, about 6-8 minutes. It should look glossy and have doubled in volume.
- Add the vanilla, gumdrops, and nuts: Gently fold in the vanilla extract, gumdrops, and nuts until everything is well combined.
- Transfer to the pan: Pour the nougat mixture into the prepared pan and spread evenly. Use a spatula to smooth the top. It may be sticky, but a little cooking spray on your spatula will help!
- Let it set: Allow the nougat to cool at room temperature for at least 4 hours, or overnight for best results. The longer you let it set, the easier it will become to cut.
- Slice and serve: Once set, lift the nougat out of the pan using the parchment paper overhang, and cut it into bite-sized pieces. Dust with powdered sugar if desired!
Recipe Variations
This nougat is a blank canvas waiting for your creativity! Here are a few ways you can mix things up:
- Flavor swaps: Why not try different extracts? Almond or maple syrup can create a unique twist.
- Fruit additions: Diced dried fruits like apricots or cranberries could add a delightful twist, both in flavor and texture.
- Lay it on a chocolate base: Spread some melted chocolate on the bottom of your pan before adding the nougat for an added chocolatey crunch!
Serving & Storage Tips
Store your nougat in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two weeks. But I doubt it will last that long! You might want to keep some in a decorative box for gifting—it’s perfect for friends and family. If you have leftovers (if!), try crumbling it over ice cream or adding it to a charcuterie board for a sweet surprise—it’s a delightful twist!
Helpful Tips
- Don’t rush the whipping of the egg whites! They need to be light and fluffy for the nougat’s texture.
- Be mindful when adding the hot syrup to the egg whites—do it slowly to prevent the eggs from cooking.
- If your nougat feels too sticky when pouring into the pan, give it a few more minutes of mixing; it should hold its shape better.
Special Equipment
- Candy Thermometer: This is your best friend for making candy. It ensures you reach the right temperature for perfect texture.
- Stand Mixer (or Hand Mixer): While you can use a whisk, a mixer saves you a good arm workout and gets the egg whites whipped up faster.
- Spatula: A good silicone spatula helps with scraping down the sides of the bowl, ensuring every bit of that sweet goodness is incorporated.
FAQ
Can I use fresh fruits instead of gumdrops?
Fresh fruits may be too moist for the nougat. Stick with dried or freeze-dried options for a better texture!
How do I know when my sugar mixture reaches the right temperature?
Using a candy thermometer is the most reliable way. If you don’t have one, you can also test by dropping a bit into cold water—it should form a soft ball.
Can I make this nougat ahead of time?
Absolutely! This candy can be made a week in advance. Just store it properly to keep it fresh.
What should I do if my nougat is too hard?
If it’s too hard, it might have cooked a bit too long. Warm it slightly to soften before cutting it to make it easier to handle.
Conclusion
Oh, how I love this Old Fashioned Gumdrop Nougat Candy! It’s not just a recipe; it’s a bridge to my childhood filled with sweet memories of time spent in the kitchen, laughter, and delightful treats shared with family. Each bite takes me back to those cozy moments, and I’m so thrilled to share this joy with you. Whether it’s a holiday treat, a delightful gift, or a simple pleasure to enjoy by yourself (who could blame you?), I hope this nougat candy finds its special place in your heart—and kitchen!
Now, I’d love to hear from you! Will you try making this delightful candy? Do you have your own twist or story? Please share in the comments below. Happy candy making!
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Irresistible OldFashioned Gumdrop Nougat Candy Recipe Guide
- Total Time: 4 hours 30 minutes
- Yield: 20 pieces 1x
Description
Discover a delicious recipe for oldfashioned gumdrop nougat candy Make this sweet treat with ease and enjoy a classic favorite at home
Ingredients
Instructions
Notes
A delightful treat that embodies nostalgia, the Old Fashioned Gumdrop Nougat Candy is a family favorite at gatherings, enjoyed while reminiscing over stories of yesteryear.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Candy
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 20 pieces
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 20g
- Fat: 5g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 2g
