This easy Gumdrop Nougat has a soft, chewy texture and takes just 4 ingredients and less than 5 minutes in the microwave. Delicious, festive no bake candy recipe for Christmas, Valentine's Day, or any special occasion.
For more easy candy recipe ideas, check out Birthday Cake Fudge and 2-ingredient Coconut Clusters next!
If you remember Brach's jelly nougat candy from those pick-a-mix displays in the grocery store, this homemade marshmallow nougat recipe just might remind you of that old favorite.
If not, you need no nostalgic memories to enjoy this delicious soft, chewy nougat studded with fruity gumdrops. And making it is super fast and easy thanks to the microwave!
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- Delicious and easy 4-ingredient Christmas candy recipe, perfect for your goodie platter and cookie exchanges.
- Super quick recipe -- it takes less than 5 minutes in the microwave -- no candy thermometer!
- Soft creamy nougat recipe reminiscent of Brach's jelly nougat candy.
- Easy recipe to customize with different colors of candy for holidays and special occasions.
- Great recipe for an easy, delicious edible gift.
🍬Ingredients
See recipe card at the bottom of the post for the full list of ingredients and exact amounts.
- Marshmallows. One 10 oz. bag of marshmallows -- large or mini marshmallows.
- Dots. I use Dots because I love Dots. But any gumdrop or jelly fruit candy should work just fine, so you can customize the flavors and colors for holidays or team colors. Whatever you use, cut them into smaller pieces for easier eating. Trivia: did you know Dots come in flavors like sour, all-cherry, tropical, blackberry and black cherry, and black licorice? You can see all the flavors here.
🥣How to Make Gumdrop Marshmallow Nougat
Before you start: Spray a 9x5 loaf pan with a bit of non-stick cooking spray, then line it with parchment paper or wax paper. The cooking spray keeps the paper from slipping around. Spray 2 silicone spatulas with cooking spray -- you'll thank me later :).
Step 1: Melt butter, marshmallows, and white chocolate chips in a large microwave-safe bowl for 90 seconds, stirring every 30 seconds. Once completely melted, stir well.
Step 2: Add the cut-up Dots and stir them in until well distributed.
Step 3: Spoon the mixture into the prepared pan. I use one greased spatula to spoon it in and the other to scrape off the first spatula. Use a spatula to smooth out the top.
Step 4: Chill the homemade nougat in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours or until cooled and firm. Cut into squares with a sharp knife.
👉Top Tip: The mixture is thick and can be a little hard to stir, be sure to use a sturdy spatula.
☑️Tips
- Have your prepared pan and greased spatulas ready to go before you begin making nougat.
- Instead of using the microwave, you can make this over a double boiler.
- Customize the colors of the gumdrops for the holidays and special occasions.
- For a big batch, double the recipe in a 9-inch square baking pan.
🎁Storage
- Store gumdrop nougat in an airtight container with wax or parchment paper between layers to keep them from sticking.
- Store at room temperature for 3 days or for longer storage, in the fridge for one week. Freeze for up to 3 months.
🎆More Easy Candy Recipes
❓FAQs
Yes. Freeze nougat between pieces of wax paper or parchment paper. Thaw at room temperature.
No, you can use any kind of gumdrop or jelly candy, like those fruit slices. Whatever flavor and color you like!
Yes. Use one 10 oz. bag of mini or large marshmallows, either one will work fine.
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📖 Recipe
Gumdrop Marshmallow Nougat
Ingredients
- 10 oz. marshmallows about 6 cups
- 11 oz. white chocolate chips about 1 ⅓ cups
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 6.5 oz. Dots candy, cut in half
Instructions
- Spray 9x5 loaf pan with cooking spray, then line it with parchment paper (the spray keeps the paper in place). Spray 2 rubber spatulas with nonstick spray.
- In a large microwave-safe bowl, melt marshmallows, white chocolate chips, and butter for 90 seconds, stirring every 30 seconds with a greased spatula, until melted and smooth. Stir in the Dots until well combined.
- Use the two greased spatulas to transfer the mixture to the pan -- use one spatula to spoon it in, use the other to scrape it off the first one. Trust me. Smooth out the top with a spatula. Cool in the refrigerator for 2 hours or until firm enough to cut. Cut into squares and enjoy!
Notes
- Have your prepared pan and greased spatulas ready to go before you start making nougat.
- You can also make this over a double boiler.
- Customize the colors of the gumdrops for the holidays and special occasions.
- For a big batch, double the recipe in a 9-inch square baking pan.
- Resist the temptation to save a few extra Dots and press them into the top of the mixture. I tried it, and most of them fell out when I cut it into pieces.
- Store between layers of wax or parchment paper at room temperature for 3 days or in the fridge for one week. You can also freeze it.
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