If you have a sweet tooth and love a delightful treat packed with bursts of fruity flavor and creamy texture, then this Jelly Nougat Candy Recipe is going to become your new favorite. Imagine soft, fluffy marshmallows mingling with melting white chocolate and sweetened condensed milk, studded with colorful jelly candies that add both a chewy contrast and a festive pop of color. It’s a simple candy that feels homemade but tastes like a luxurious confection you’d find in a specialty shop. This recipe invites you to indulge in a nostalgic, fun, and utterly scrumptious candy experience that’s perfect for gifting or satisfying your own cravings.
Ingredients You’ll Need
To craft this Jelly Nougat Candy Recipe, you’ll only need a handful of ingredients, but each plays a crucial role. They work together to create that perfect balance of creamy sweetness, fluffy texture, and fruity bursts, making every bite exciting and comforting.
- Unsalted butter (2 tablespoons): Adds richness and helps meld the ingredients smoothly without overpowering sweetness.
- White chocolate chips (2 cups): Provide a creamy base and luxurious melt that complements the marshmallows beautifully.
- Sweetened condensed milk (1 can, 14 oz): Contributes sweetness and a dense, fudgy texture that binds everything together.
- Mini marshmallows (2 cups): Bring that iconic nougat softness and delightful chewiness.
- Gumdrops or fruit jelly candies (1 cup, chopped): Infuse bursts of bright fruity flavor and color, making this candy playful and irresistible.
- Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): Enhances the flavors while adding a warm, aromatic note.
- Pinch of salt: Balances the sweetness and deepens the overall taste.
How to Make Jelly Nougat Candy Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Pan
The first step is to line an 8×8-inch square baking dish with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the sides. This setup makes it so much easier to lift the candy out once it has set, ensuring clean cuts and no sticky fingers.
Step 2: Melt the Butter and Chocolate
In a large saucepan over low heat, melt the butter gently. Once melted, add the white chocolate chips and sweetened condensed milk, stirring constantly until everything becomes smooth and beautifully melted together. This smooth mixture is the foundation of your nougat’s texture and flavor.
Step 3: Add Flavorings
Remove the pan from heat and stir in the vanilla extract and a pinch of salt. These small touches will elevate your jelly nougat candy perfectly by brightening the sweetness and adding depth.
Step 4: Fold in Marshmallows and Jelly Candies
Quickly but gently fold in the mini marshmallows and chopped gumdrops or fruit jelly candies. The key here is to mix without fully melting the marshmallows since you want them to retain their fluffy texture in the final candy.
Step 5: Set the Candy
Pour the mixture into your prepared dish and spread it evenly using a spatula. Let it cool at room temperature for about 1 hour, then pop it in the refrigerator for at least 2 to 3 hours until it firms up nicely. When fully set, lift it out using the parchment and cut it into small squares and prepare for compliments!
How to Serve Jelly Nougat Candy Recipe
Garnishes
While the candy is delightful on its own, you can add a festive touch by sprinkling some finely chopped nuts or edible glitter on top before it sets for extra sparkle and crunch. A light dusting of powdered sugar also adds elegance and a subtle sweetness contrast.
Side Dishes
This Jelly Nougat Candy Recipe shines as a standalone treat, but it pairs wonderfully with a cup of hot tea or coffee. The warm drinks balance the candy’s richness, enhancing the flavor experience. You can also serve small portions alongside fresh fruit for a refreshing contrast.
Creative Ways to Present
Make your presentation pop by arranging the nougat squares in colorful treat boxes or wrapping them individually in wax paper tied with festive twine. They make fantastic homemade gifts, stocking stuffers, or party favors that friends and family will rave about.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover jelly nougat candy in an airtight container with parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking. Keep it at room temperature or in the refrigerator to maintain freshness and chewy texture.
Freezing
If you want to keep your jelly nougat candy for longer, freezing is a great option. Wrap the pieces tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe container. Thaw at room temperature before serving for best texture.
Reheating
Reheating isn’t typically necessary or recommended for this type of candy since it’s best enjoyed cool and firm. However, if pieces seem a little hard from refrigeration, letting them sit at room temperature for 15-20 minutes will soften them up beautifully.
FAQs
Can I use other types of chocolate instead of white chocolate chips?
Absolutely! While white chocolate is traditional for this Jelly Nougat Candy Recipe, you can experiment with milk or semi-sweet chocolate for a different flavor profile. Just keep in mind that this will change the color and sweetness level.
What if I don’t have gumdrops or fruit jelly candies?
No worries! You can substitute with chopped dried fruits, candy-coated chocolates, or even small pieces of your favorite chewy candies. Just ensure they won’t melt too much while mixing.
How long does this candy stay fresh?
When stored properly in an airtight container, this candy will stay fresh for up to two weeks. Keeping it cool helps maintain the texture and flavor.
Can I make this recipe vegan or dairy-free?
This recipe relies heavily on dairy products for its creamy nougat texture, so converting it to vegan or dairy-free requires significant substitutions, such as using dairy-free chocolate and marshmallows. Adjusting the texture might be tricky but not impossible with some experimentation.
Is this jelly nougat recipe suitable for kids to help make?
Yes! This Jelly Nougat Candy Recipe is perfect for getting kids involved in the kitchen. The steps are simple, and mixing in the marshmallows and jelly candies is always a highlight. Just handle the melting process yourself for safety.
Final Thoughts
This Jelly Nougat Candy Recipe is a bright, cheerful way to satisfy your sweet cravings with something homemade and heartfelt. Its blend of creamy white chocolate nougat, fluffy marshmallows, and colorful jelly candies makes every bite a joyful celebration of flavors and textures. Whether you’re making it for special occasions, gifting, or simply treating yourself, I hope this recipe brings as much delight to your kitchen as it has to mine. Go ahead, give it a try—you’ll be so glad you did!
Print
Jelly Nougat Candy Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 3 hours 25 minutes
- Yield: 36 pieces
- Category: Candy
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Jelly Nougat Candy Recipe combines creamy white chocolate with sweetened condensed milk, mini marshmallows, and colorful gumdrops to create a festive, chewy treat perfect for holidays or anytime you crave a sweet delight. The candy is smooth, slightly chewy, and bursting with fruity bites, making it a fun and delicious homemade confection.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 cups white chocolate chips
- 1 (14 oz) can sweetened condensed milk
- 2 cups mini marshmallows
- 1 cup gumdrops or fruit jelly candies, cut into small pieces
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
Instructions
- Prepare the Baking Dish: Line an 8×8-inch square baking dish with parchment paper, leaving some overhang to easily lift out the candy once set.
- Melt Butter and Chocolate: In a large saucepan over low heat, melt 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter. Add 2 cups of white chocolate chips and 14 oz of sweetened condensed milk, stirring constantly to ensure everything melts smoothly and evenly.
- Add Flavor and Salt: Stir in 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract and a pinch of salt to enhance the flavor balance of the nougat mixture.
- Fold in Marshmallows and Gummies: Remove the saucepan from heat. Quickly but gently fold in 2 cups of mini marshmallows and 1 cup of chopped gumdrops or fruit jelly candies, being careful not to overmix so the marshmallows retain some texture.
- Transfer and Spread: Pour the nougat mixture into the prepared baking dish. Use a spatula to spread it evenly to the edges for a uniform thickness.
- Cool and Set: Let the candy cool at room temperature for 1 hour. Then refrigerate it for at least 2 to 3 hours until it becomes firm enough to cut.
- Cut and Serve: Once set, lift the candy out using the parchment paper overhang and cut into 36 small squares for serving.
Notes
- Choose colorful gumdrops or fruit jellies to make the candy visually festive.
- To cut the candy easily without sticking, lightly oil your knife or dip it in warm water before slicing.
- Store the candies in an airtight container with parchment paper layers between pieces to prevent them from sticking together.
