Jelly Nougat Candy Recipe

Homemade Jelly Nougat Candy on a wooden table

By :

Emma

October 26, 2025

Everyday Culinary Delights👩‍🍳

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Why make this recipe

Jelly nougat candy is a delightful treat that brings back memories of childhood sweets and festive celebrations. This candy is not only easy to make but also a fantastic way to add a colorful and chewy sweet to any party or gathering. The combination of fluffy marshmallows, creamy white chocolate, and fruity gumdrops creates a flavor explosion that everyone will love. Making jelly nougat can also be a fun family activity, as everyone can join in on the mixing and shaping process, making it a perfect recipe for bonding time.

How to make Jelly Nougat Candy

Creating jelly nougat candy is straightforward and enjoyable. With just a handful of ingredients, you can concoct a delicious treat that resembles the classic nougat found in candy bars but with a fun twist of jelly fruit flavors. Gather your ingredients and follow these simple steps to make your own jelly nougat candy at home.

Ingredients

2 tablespoons unsalted butter
2 cups white chocolate chips
1 (10-ounce) bag mini marshmallows
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 cups red and green gumdrops or jellied fruit candies, quartered and lightly dusted in powdered sugar to prevent sticking

Directions

Prepare the Baking Dish:
Line an 8×8-inch baking dish with parchment paper, allowing some overhang for easy removal of the nougat later.
Melt the Butter:
In a large saucepan over low heat, melt the unsalted butter.
Add Chocolate:
Add the white chocolate chips to the melted butter and stir continuously until the mixture is fully melted and smooth.
Incorporate Marshmallows:
Stir in the mini marshmallows and continue stirring until they are completely melted and fully combined with the chocolate mixture.
Flavor it Up:
Remove the saucepan from heat and stir in the vanilla extract.
Fold in the Gumdrops:
Gently fold in the quartered gumdrops that have been dusted with powdered sugar, ensuring even distribution without causing them to dissolve.
Set the Nougat:
Pour the combined mixture into the prepared baking dish and smooth the top evenly using a spatula. Let the nougat sit at room temperature for about 2 hours until firm and fully set.
Cut and Serve:
Once set, carefully lift the nougat out of the pan using the parchment paper overhang. Use a sharp knife to cut into approximately 36 small squares for serving.

Nutriment benefits

This jelly nougat candy offers not just a delightful taste but also a few nutritional perks. While it may not be health food, it does contain some beneficial ingredients:

White Chocolate: Though rich in calories, it provides a quick source of energy.
Gumdrops: These candies contain some carbohydrates that can fuel your body.
Marshmallows: Soft and sweet, they add a blend of sugar and air, making them light and fluffy.

While it’s best to enjoy this candy as an occasional treat, sharing it with friends and family adds joy to the experience.

What to Serve With Jelly Nougat Candy

Jelly nougat candy stands well on its own, but it can also be a delightful addition to a dessert table. Here are a few ideas for what to serve alongside it:

Hot Cocoa or Coffee: The sweetness of the nougat pairs well with a warm drink.
Ice Cream: Serve alongside a scoop of vanilla or chocolate ice cream for an indulgent treat.
Fruit Plate: Fresh fruit can balance the sweetness of the candy nicely.
Mixed Nuts: A bowl of nuts can add a crunchy contrast to the soft nougat.

Why You’ll Love This

You’ll love jelly nougat candy not just for its taste but also for its texture and color. It captures a festive spirit, making it a fun treat for holidays or parties. The combination of white chocolate and fruity gumdrops makes it appealing to both kids and adults. Plus, it’s simple to make and can easily be customized with your favorite jellied candies.

How to store Jelly Nougat Candy

Storing jelly nougat candy is easy! Create a great treat that lasts longer by following these storage tips:

Cool Completely: Make sure the jelly nougat is completely cooled and set before storing.
Use Airtight Container: Place the cut squares in an airtight container to maintain freshness.
Layer with Parchment: To avoid sticking, layer the nougat squares with parchment paper if stacking them in the container.
Refrigeration: For longer shelf life, store the container in the refrigerator, but note that it is best consumed at room temperature.

If stored correctly, jelly nougat candy can keep for up to two weeks. Just make sure to inspect it for any changes in texture or flavor before indulging.

Tips and mistakes to avoid

Making jelly nougat is easy, but keeping a few tips in mind can help ensure success:

Low Heat: Always melt chocolate and butter over low heat to prevent burning or clumping.
Don’t Rush Mixing: Make sure each ingredient is well combined before adding the next; this ensures an even distribution of flavors and textures.
Watch the Gumdrop Folding: Be gentle when folding in gumdrops to prevent them from dissolving in the mixture.
Cut with Care: Use a sharp knife for cutting the nougat to avoid squishing it.

Variation

If you’re looking to mix things up, consider these variations:

Nutty Nougat: Fold in chopped nuts such as almonds or pecans for added texture and flavor.
Different Flavors: Experiment with flavored chocolate instead of white chocolate, such as dark or milk chocolate.
Seasonal Theme: Use seasonal jellied candies for different holidays, like orange and black candies for Halloween or pastel colors for Easter.

FAQs

Can I use different types of chocolate?

Yes, you can use dark or milk chocolate as a substitute for white chocolate. However, this will change the flavor of the nougat.

How do I prevent sticking when cutting the nougat?

Lightly dust the cutting surface and knife with powdered sugar. This helps the nougat not to stick to the knife and makes cutting easier.

Can I add other kinds of candy?

Absolutely! You can mix in mini chocolate chips, toffee bits, or any chewy candies that you like to add flavor variety.

By following this recipe, you will create a delightful jelly nougat candy that is sure to impress anyone who tries it. Enjoy the process of making it, and relish the delicious treats you create!