Description

These Four Ingredient Nougat Bars are a festive and simple treat perfect for the holiday season. Combining melted miniature marshmallows, white chocolate chips, butter, and colorful gumdrops, these bars set overnight to create a chewy, sweet nougat with a burst of fruity flavor. Easy to prepare with just a few ingredients and no baking required, they make a delightful homemade candy to share or gift.

Ingredients

Scale

Nougat Base

2 packages of miniature marshmallows (approximately 10 oz each)
2 tablespoons butter, melted
2 packages of white chocolate chips (approximately 11.5 oz each)

Add-ins

1 ½ cups red and green gumdrops, halved

Instructions

Prepare Gumdrops and Baking Dish: Cut the red and green gumdrops in half to ensure even distribution and release of flavors. Line a baking dish with parchment paper, leaving enough overhang on the sides to easily lift the nougat bars out later.
Set Up Double Boiler: Bring a pot of water to a boil on the stove. Place a heatproof bowl or a second pan securely over the pot to create a double boiler. This indirect heating method will gently melt the ingredients without burning them.
Melt Nougat Mixture: In the heatproof bowl, combine the miniature marshmallows, white chocolate chips, and melted butter. Stir continuously as they melt together until the mixture is smooth and fully combined.
Incorporate Gumdrops: Remove the melting bowl from the heat and gently fold in the halved gumdrops, distributing them evenly throughout the melted nougat mixture without crushing them.
Set the Nougat: Pour the nougat mixture into the parchment-lined baking dish, spreading it evenly. Allow the bars to rest and set overnight at room temperature so the nougat firms up properly.
Cut and Serve: Once set, lift the nougat out of the baking dish using the parchment paper overhang. Cut into bars of your desired size. Enjoy your colorful and chewy nougat bars!

Notes

Make sure to use a heatproof bowl for the double boiler to avoid any melting or warping.
Allow the nougat to set overnight for the best texture; chilling may also speed this process but can make the bars firmer.
Use parchment paper generously to make removing the nougat bars hassle-free.
For a nutty variation, consider adding chopped nuts into the mixture along with the gumdrops.
Store the bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Category: Dessert
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: American

Keywords: nougat bars, holiday treats, easy dessert, marshmallow bars, white chocolate nougat, gumdrop candy, no-bake sweets