Are you looking for a delightful homemade treat that's surprisingly easy to make? Look no further! This gumdrop nougat recipe is perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth and impressing your friends and family. It's a fantastic addition to your holiday baking repertoire, but honestly, it's delicious enough to enjoy year-round. This recipe is a perfect example of how simple ingredients can transform into a truly delicious and impressive dessert. Get ready to experience the joy of homemade cooking with this easy-to-follow recipe for a spectacularly tasty gumdrop nougat!
Ingredients:
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
- 1 cup light corn syrup
- ¼ cup water
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup chopped gumdrops (assorted colors are best!)
- ½ cup chopped candied ginger (optional, for a delightful zing)
- ½ cup toasted slivered almonds (optional, for added crunch)
- Pinch of salt
Instructions:
Get Started:
- Line an 8x8 inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the sides to lift the nougat out later. This is a crucial step for easy removal and clean-up. Lightly grease the parchment paper.
Making the Nougat Base:
- In a heavy-bottomed saucepan over medium heat, combine the butter, sugar, corn syrup, water, and salt. Stir constantly until the butter is melted and the sugar is dissolved.
- Continue to cook, without stirring, until the mixture reaches 240°F (115°C) on a candy thermometer. This is the crucial soft-ball stage. Be patient—it takes time to reach the right temperature.
Adding the Goodies:
- Remove the pan from the heat and stir in the vanilla extract.
- Gently fold in the chopped gumdrops, candied ginger (if using), and toasted almonds (if using). Be careful not to overmix; you want to preserve the texture of the gumdrops and nuts.
Setting and Serving:
- Immediately pour the mixture into the prepared baking pan and spread it evenly.
- Let the nougat cool completely at room temperature. This will take several hours. Resist the urge to rush it!
- Once completely cool, lift the nougat out of the pan using the parchment paper overhang. Cut into squares or bars and serve.
Tips for the Best Gumdrop Nougat:
- Use a Candy Thermometer: Accuracy is key when making nougat. A candy thermometer ensures you reach the correct temperature for the perfect consistency.
- Don't Overmix: Overmixing can lead to a tough nougat. Gentle folding is the way to go!
- Get Creative with Mix-Ins: Feel free to experiment with different types of candies, nuts, or dried fruits. Chocolate chips, pretzels, or even dried cranberries would be delicious additions.
- Storage: Store your nougat in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week.
Variations:
- Chocolate Nougat: Add ½ cup of semi-sweet chocolate chips to the mixture along with the gumdrops.
- Citrus Nougat: Replace the candied ginger with the zest of one orange or lemon for a bright citrus flavor.
- Spicy Nougat: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a few drops of chili oil for a spicy kick.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
This will vary depending on the specific ingredients used and serving size. For a precise nutritional analysis, use a nutrition calculator with the exact ingredients and quantities. However, generally expect it to be high in sugar and fat, due to the nature of the ingredients.
This gumdrop nougat recipe is a simple yet impressive dessert that's perfect for any occasion. Enjoy the deliciousness of homemade treats! Happy baking!