Nougat Bars

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Chill Time: 2 hours
Total Time: 2 hours 35 minutes
Difficulty: Medium
Yield: 16 bars

Description

These homemade Nougat Bars are a delightful treat with a chewy, nutty center and a smooth chocolate coating. Perfect for gifting or enjoying as a sweet snack, they combine honey, nuts, and chocolate for an irresistible dessert.

---

Ingredients

For the Nougat Base:

• 1 cup granulated sugar

• ½ cup honey

• ¼ cup water

• 2 large egg whites

• ¼ tsp salt

• 1 tsp vanilla extract

• 2 cups mixed nuts (almonds, pistachios, hazelnuts), lightly toasted

For the Chocolate Coating:

• 1 cup dark chocolate chips

• 1 tbsp coconut oil (or butter)

Optional Add-ins:

• ½ cup dried cranberries or raisins

• 1 tsp cinnamon (for extra flavor)

---

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Nougat Mixture

1. Line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving some overhang for easy removal.

2. In a medium saucepan, combine sugar, honey, and water. Heat over medium heat, stirring until sugar dissolves.

3. Once dissolved, stop stirring and let the syrup boil until it reaches 300°F (150°C) on a candy thermometer (hard crack stage).

Step 2: Whip the Egg Whites

1. While the syrup boils, beat the egg whites and salt in a stand mixer (or with a hand mixer) until stiff peaks form.

2. Slowly pour the hot syrup into the egg whites while mixing on low speed.

3. Increase speed to high and beat for 5-7 minutes until the mixture becomes thick and glossy.

4. Add vanilla extract and mix until combined.

Step 3: Add Nuts & Set the Nougat

1. Gently fold in the toasted nuts (and dried fruit if using) with a spatula.

2. Pour the mixture into the prepared pan, smoothing the top with a spatula.

3. Let it cool at room temperature for 10 minutes, then refrigerate for 2 hours to firm up.

Step 4: Coat with Chocolate

1. Once set, lift the nougat out using the parchment paper and cut into 16 bars.

2. Melt dark chocolate chips and coconut oilin a double boiler (or microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring between each).

3. Dip each nougat bar into the melted chocolate, coating evenly.

4. Place on a parchment-lined tray and let the chocolate set (30 minutes at room temp or 15 mins in the fridge).

---

Nutritional Information (Per Bar)

---

Tips & Variations

✅ Storage: Keep in an airtight container at room temp for 1 week or refrigerate for up to 2 weeks.
✅ Nut-Free Option: Replace nuts with seeds (sunflower, pumpkin) or crispy rice cereal.
✅ Different Chocolate: Use milk or white chocolate for a sweeter taste.

---

Final Thoughts

These Nougat Bars are a perfect balance of sweet, nutty, and chocolatey—great for holidays, parties, or a homemade candy treat. Enjoy!