Oh, gumdrop nougat candy! Just saying the name brings back a rush of childhood memories—those lovely afternoons spent in the kitchen, adventurous experiments with colorful candies, and of course, the occasional sugar overload! This delightful sweet is a nostalgic nod to family gatherings where I would sneak a piece (or three) when no one was watching. What’s unique about this candy is not just its chewy texture, but it’s also incredibly fun to make and customizable! Imagine bright, colorful pieces of gumdrops bursting within the silky nougat—absolute bliss!
I love this recipe because it’s surprisingly simple yet gives you that wow factor, making it perfect for sharing or even gifting. Plus, I just adore how you can tailor the gumdrops to suit any occasion or simply pick your favorites! Let’s get started and make some magic happen in the kitchen.
What’s in Gumdrop Nougat Candy?
Granulated Sugar: This is the backbone of our nougat—providing sweetness and helping achieve that delightful chewy texture we all crave.
Light Corn Syrup: A key ingredient to help prevent the sugar from crystallizing, giving our candy that lovely smooth consistency. I usually prefer the light kind for its sweeter flavor.
Water: We just need a touch to help dissolve the sugar. Nothing fancy here!
Egg Whites: The secret to airy nougat! Beating the egg whites to stiff peaks creates the lightness we’re after—think fluffy clouds of candy perfection.
Vanilla Extract: This adds a warm and rich flavor that elevates our candy from just sweet to decadent.
Mixed Gumdrops: The star of the show! Colorful and chewy, they give our nougat that fun fruity flavor. I like to chop them into smaller pieces to ensure they’re evenly distributed.
Chopped Nuts (Optional): I love adding pecans or walnuts for a nutty crunch, but feel free to leave them out if you want to keep it sweet and fruity.
Cooking Spray or Butter: To make sure our nougat releases easily from the pan. Greasing is a must!
Is Gumdrop Nougat Candy Good for You?
Well, let’s be honest—this isn’t exactly a health food (unless you consider happiness a health benefit, and I totally do). It’s a sweet treat meant to be enjoyed in moderation.
Granulated Sugar and Corn Syrup do pack a calorie punch, so enjoy this candy as an occasional indulgence. That said, you could reduce the amount of sugar or opt for a natural sweetener if you’re feeling daring. The nuts do add some heart-healthy fats, while the gumdrops offer a burst of fun without too many nutritional benefits, but hey—it’s all about balance, right? Treat yourself and enjoy!
Ingredients
– 2 cups granulated sugar
– 1 cup light corn syrup
– 1/4 cup water
– 2 egg whites
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 1 cup mixed gumdrops (cut into small pieces)
– 1 cup chopped nuts (optional, such as pecans or walnuts)
– Cooking spray or butter (for greasing)
**Serves:** Approximately 16 pieces, depending on how big you cut them!
How to Make Gumdrop Nougat Candy?
1. Start by greasing a 9×13-inch baking pan with cooking spray or butter. This will help the nougat come out easily once it’s set.
2. In a medium saucepan, mix together the granulated sugar, light corn syrup, and water. Place it over medium heat and stir until the sugar has completely dissolved.
3. Keep cooking your mixture without stirring, but keep an eye on it as you wait for it to reach the soft-ball stage—this is when it hits temperatures between 234°F to 240°F (112°C to 115°C).
4. While that sugar is working its magic, grab a separate bowl and beat your egg whites until they form stiff peaks. This is where the magic happens!
5. Once your sugar mixture is at the right temperature, carefully pour it into the bowl with the egg whites while continuing to beat on high speed. Keep going until it’s thick and glossy—this should take around 5 minutes.
6. Gently fold in the vanilla extract, gumdrop pieces, and chopped nuts if you’re using them.
7. Pour the nougat mixture into your prepared baking pan and spread it out evenly (it may be a little sticky, so be gentle!).
8. Allow the nougat to cool completely at room temperature for about 2 to 4 hours. Patience is key!
9. Once it’s nice and cool, cut the nougat into small squares and you’re ready to dig in!
Sweet Tips and Tricks for the Best Nougat
– Want to make it extra special? Try using flavored gumdrops—think cherry, lemon, or lime for a fun twist.
– Make sure to have everything prepped before you start. Once the sugar hits that perfect temperature, you’ll need to work quickly!
– Store your gumdrop nougat in an airtight container at room temperature. It should stay fresh for up to two weeks (if you can resist finishing it off sooner!).
There’s something incredibly satisfying about creating a sweet treat from scratch, and I can’t wait for you to try this gumdrop nougat candy! Whether you munch on it while watching a movie or pack it up as a delightful gift, I know you’ll love it just as much as I do. Happy cooking, and don’t forget to share your experience with me!
