1. Roasted Peanuts (or Other Nuts)
Nuts are a crucial component of most nougat recipes. They provide a nice crunch and an additional layer of flavor to balance the sweetness of the nougat. Roasted peanuts are the traditional choice, but feel free to substitute them with other nuts such as almonds, cashews, or even mixed nuts. Roasting the nuts enhances their flavor, giving the nougat an added depth.
2. Marshmallow Fluff (or Mini Marshmallows)
Marshmallow fluff (also known as marshmallow crème) is used as the binding ingredient in many nougat recipes. It’s a fluffy, sweetened mixture of sugar, corn syrup, and egg whites. If you don’t have marshmallow fluff on hand, mini marshmallows can also be used—just melt them down to achieve a similar texture.
3. White Chocolate Chips
White chocolate chips add richness and sweetness to the nougat, while also contributing to the smooth, creamy texture. If you’re a fan of darker chocolate, you can opt for milk chocolate or dark chocolate chips, but white chocolate offers a softer, sweeter contrast to the nuts.
4. Sweetened Condensed Milk
Sweetened condensed milk is a thick, creamy liquid that is used to add sweetness and moisture to the nougat bars. It helps bind the ingredients together while giving the bars a smooth, velvety texture. Condensed milk is an essential ingredient, as it helps prevent the nougat from becoming too stiff or dry.
How to Make Nougat Bars with Four Ingredients
Now that you’ve gathered your ingredients, let’s dive into the process of making these delicious nougat bars. This recipe is quick, simple, and perfect for those who want to satisfy a sweet tooth without spending hours in the kitchen.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
- Prepare Your Pan Start by preparing an 8×8-inch square baking pan. Line the pan with parchment paper or lightly grease it with butter or oil. This ensures the nougat bars will come out easily once set and makes cleanup a breeze.
- Melt the White Chocolate In a microwave-safe bowl, combine the white chocolate chips and sweetened condensed milk. Microwave the mixture in 30-second intervals, stirring in between each interval. Continue until the white chocolate is fully melted and smooth. Be sure not to overheat the mixture, as white chocolate can burn easily. Stir well to combine the chocolate and condensed milk into a smooth, creamy mixture.
- Add the Marshmallow Fluff Once the white chocolate and condensed milk are fully combined, stir in the marshmallow fluff. You can use a spatula to gently fold the fluff into the melted chocolate mixture until it is evenly distributed. This will give your nougat a soft, pillowy texture.
- Add the Roasted Peanuts Once the mixture is smooth and fluffy, add in the roasted peanuts (or your chosen nuts). Gently stir them into the mixture to ensure they are evenly coated. The peanuts provide a nice crunch and balance out the sweetness of the marshmallow and white chocolate.
- Transfer to the Pan Pour the nougat mixture into the prepared pan. Use a spatula to spread it out evenly, making sure the mixture fills all corners of the pan.
- Chill and Set Place the pan in the refrigerator and allow the nougat bars to chill for at least 2 hours, or until firm. This step is essential for setting the nougat into bars that are easy to slice and hold together.
- Cut and Serve Once the nougat has set, remove it from the refrigerator and carefully lift it out of the pan using the parchment paper. Place it on a cutting board and cut it into bars or squares. The bars are now ready to be served.
Variations of Nougat Bars
While the basic four-ingredient nougat bars are delicious on their own, you can easily customize them by adding or swapping ingredients. Here are some fun variations to try:
- Add Dried Fruit: Try adding dried cranberries, raisins, or apricots for a chewy and fruity twist.
- Mix in Chocolate: For an extra chocolatey flavor, drizzle melted chocolate over the top of the bars or mix it directly into the nougat mixture.
- Use Different Nuts: Swap the peanuts for other nuts such as almonds, cashews, or hazelnuts to give your nougat bars a different flavor and texture.
- Use Milk or Dark Chocolate: While white chocolate is the traditional choice, you can experiment with milk chocolate or dark chocolate for a richer, more intense flavor.
Tips for Perfect Nougat Bars
- Don’t Overheat the Chocolate: When melting the white chocolate and condensed milk, be sure to melt them gently to avoid burning the chocolate. Stirring frequently helps prevent overheating.
- Allow Enough Chilling Time: The nougat needs adequate time to cool and set in the fridge. Don’t rush this step, as it ensures the bars hold their shape and texture.
- Use Fresh Nuts: Freshly roasted nuts taste better and give the nougat bars more flavor. If you’re using pre-roasted nuts, make sure they’re not stale.
- Cut with a Sharp Knife: To get clean, even cuts, use a sharp knife to slice the chilled nougat bars. You can warm the knife under hot water for smoother cuts.
Why Make Nougat Bars at Home?
Making nougat bars at home offers several benefits:
- Customizable Flavors: By making them yourself, you have complete control over the flavors, ingredients, and texture of the bars.
- No Artificial Additives: Homemade nougat bars are free from preservatives and artificial flavors that are often found in store-bought candies.
- Faster and Cheaper: While making nougat from scratch can take time, this simplified version with just four ingredients is quick, easy, and much more affordable than buying expensive candy bars.
- Satisfaction: There’s something special about making a treat from scratch that’s just as good—if not better—than store-bought versions.
Conclusion
Whether you’re preparing a snack for yourself, making a gift for a loved one, or simply craving something sweet, these four-ingredient nougat bars are a simple and delightful treat to make at home. The combination of creamy white chocolate, sweet marshmallow, crunchy peanuts, and a touch of condensed milk creates a bar that’s rich in flavor and texture.
With just four ingredients, this recipe is perfect for beginners or anyone looking to quickly satisfy their sweet tooth. Enjoy the satisfaction of making your own homemade candy, and share these delicious nougat bars with friends and family!