Homemade Nougat Bars

📝 Description:

These Homemade Nougat Bars are an irresistible treat made with a soft, chewy nougat base, sweetened with honey and combined with your favorite mix-ins like almonds, hazelnuts, and dried fruits. Perfect for snacking, gifting, or just satisfying your sweet tooth, these bars are much better than store-bought!

🌍 Origin:

Nougat has roots in ancient Europe, particularly in Italy and France, where it was traditionally made with honey, sugar, and nuts. This recipe takes that classic idea and turns it into a convenient, bite-sized treat that’s perfect for enjoying at home.

🧂 Ingredients (Quantities):

1 ½ cups honey
1 cup granulated sugar
2 tbsp water
1 tsp vanilla extract
3 egg whites
1 ½ cups roasted almonds (or mixed nuts of choice)
½ cup dried cranberries (or other dried fruits like apricots or raisins)
1 tbsp unsalted butter (for greasing the pan)
Optional: ½ tsp salt (for added contrast in flavor)

🌿 Optional Add-ins:

A handful of roasted hazelnuts, cashews, or pistachios
A handful of mini chocolate chips or chunks for a sweet twist
A sprinkle of powdered sugar for dusting
A drizzle of dark or milk chocolate for topping

👩‍🍳 Instructions:

1. Prepare the Pan:
Grease an 8×8-inch baking pan with butter or line it with parchment paper. This will help prevent the nougat from sticking.

2. Make the Syrup:
In a saucepan, combine the honey, sugar, and water. Bring to a simmer over medium heat, stirring occasionally until the sugar dissolves. Then, increase the heat slightly and cook for 8-10 minutes until the syrup reaches 250°F (121°C) on a candy thermometer. Once it hits this temperature, remove from heat.

3. Whip the Egg Whites:
While the syrup is cooking, beat the egg whites in a large bowl with an electric mixer until stiff peaks form. This can take about 3–4 minutes.

4. Combine the Syrup and Egg Whites:
Once the syrup has reached the right temperature, slowly and carefully pour it into the whipped egg whites while mixing continuously. Be cautious, as the syrup will be hot! Continue to beat the mixture for another 4-5 minutes until it becomes thick and glossy.

5. Add the Flavorings:
Stir in the vanilla extract and salt (if using). Gently fold in the nuts and dried fruit.

6. Pour into the Pan:
Spread the nougat mixture evenly in the prepared pan, pressing it down gently with a spatula to make it compact.

7. Let it Set:
Allow the nougat to cool completely at room temperature for at least 3–4 hours or overnight for the best results.

8. Slice and Serve:
Once the nougat has set and hardened, cut it into bars or squares using a sharp knife. Dust with powdered sugar, drizzle with melted chocolate, or enjoy as is!

✅ Tips for Success:

Candy Thermometer: Using a candy thermometer is crucial for getting the syrup to the right consistency. Without it, the nougat may be too soft or too hard.
Whipping the Egg Whites: Make sure the egg whites are beaten to stiff peaks before adding the syrup. This helps create the chewy texture.
If you’re adding chocolate chips, fold them in just before you pour the nougat into the pan to prevent them from melting too much.
Let the nougat cool completely before slicing to ensure clean cuts.

💡 Recommendation:

Serve with:

A cup of hot tea or coffee
A scoop of vanilla ice cream for a decadent dessert
A sprinkle of sea salt on top for a sweet and salty twist

Perfect for:

Holiday gifting (wrap them in parchment paper with twine for a rustic look)
Parties and gatherings
Special occasions like birthdays or celebrations

🔍 Nutrition Info (Per Bar, approx. 12 servings):

Calories: ~150 kcal
Carbs: ~25g
Protein: ~2g
Fat: ~6g
Fiber: ~2g
Sugar: ~20g

These Homemade Nougat Bars are a sweet, chewy treat that will impress everyone around you. Let me know if you’d like to adjust the recipe or need tips for making it vegan or sugar-free!