Old-Fashioned Jelly Nougat Candy
Old-Fashioned Jelly Nougat Candy is a soft, chewy homemade candy filled with colorful pieces of fruity gumdrops. White chocolate, marshmallows, and butter melt together into a creamy nougat-style base, giving you a sweet little candy that looks especially pretty once sliced.
This is the kind of no-bake treat that works beautifully for Christmas candy trays, homemade gift boxes, or whenever you want something nostalgic without working with boiling sugar or a candy thermometer.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
You only need four ingredients, and the entire candy mixture can be prepared in the microwave. There’s no stovetop candy-making or temperature monitoring involved.
The texture is soft and chewy rather than hard, with little fruity gumdrop pieces scattered throughout. It’s especially nice when you want several different textures on a holiday candy platter.
It’s also ideal for preparing ahead. Once the nougat has chilled and been cut, the little squares can be stored until you’re ready to serve or package them.
The gumdrops are what make every square fun. Their bright colors show through the pale nougat base, while their chewy fruitiness gives you a nice contrast to the soft marshmallow mixture.
Give the candy its full chilling time before cutting. Once firm, you can lift the entire slab from the pan with the parchment and slice it into neat little bite-sized squares.
Old-Fashioned Jelly Nougat Candy Variations
Red And Green Christmas Nougat
Use only red and green gumdrops for an especially festive Christmas candy tray.
Extra-Gumdrop Nougat
Add a few additional chopped gumdrops if you want more fruity pieces throughout every square.
Vanilla Jelly Nougat
Add a small amount of vanilla extract to the melted nougat mixture for a warmer flavor.
Nutty Jelly Nougat
Fold finely chopped pecans or walnuts into the mixture along with the gumdrops for a little crunch.
Mini Jelly Nougat Bites
Cut the chilled candy into very small squares for bite-sized pieces that work especially well on dessert platters.
FAQ
What Kind Of Gumdrops Should I Use?
Use colorful fruit-flavored gumdrops that are soft and chewy. Choose a mixture of colors so the cut candy has that classic stained-glass appearance.
Why Is My Nougat Mixture Sticky?
Marshmallow-based candy is naturally sticky while warm. Lightly greasing the spatula and parchment makes the mixture much easier to handle.
Why Do I Need To Let The Mixture Cool Before Adding The Gumdrops?
A short cooling period prevents the gumdrops from becoming excessively soft or melting into the hot nougat while still keeping the mixture workable.
Can I Melt Everything On The Stovetop?
Yes, but use very gentle heat and stir constantly. White chocolate can scorch or seize if it gets too hot.
Why Is My Candy Difficult To Cut?
It probably needs more chilling time. The nougat should be thoroughly cold and firm before you try to portion it.
Can I Make Jelly Nougat Ahead?
Absolutely. This is a great make-ahead candy and can be prepared well before a holiday or party.
Store it somewhere cool, or refrigerate it if your kitchen is warm. Let refrigerated pieces sit at room temperature briefly before serving if you prefer a softer, chewier texture.
WW White Chocolate Gumdrop Marshmallow Treats
Ingredients
- 4 oz (115 g) white chocolate chips
- 4 cups mini marshmallows
- 1 tablespoon light butter
- ½ cup chopped gumdrops
- Cooking spray
Instructions
- Lightly spray an 8×8-inch baking dish with cooking spray and set aside.
- Melt the butter in a large saucepan over low heat.
- Add the mini marshmallows and stir gently until completely melted and smooth.
- Remove from the heat and add the white chocolate chips. Stir until melted and well combined.
- Fold in the chopped gumdrops.
- Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish and gently press it into an even layer.
- Let it cool completely, then refrigerate for about 1 hour until firm.
- Cut into small squares and serve.
WW Tip: Cut into smaller portions to keep the Points lower per serving.
