nougat recipe

How to Make Classic and Creative nougat

Nougat, a sweet chewy treat, is surprisingly easy to make at home with just a few key ingredients. Here’s a simple guide to crafting perfect nougat every time.

Classic Vanilla Nougat

Start by preparing your workspace: grease a 9x9 inch baking dish and line it with parchment paper. In a saucepan, combine 1 cup granulated sugar, ½ cup honey, and ¼ cup water. Heat over medium, stirring until the sugar dissolves, then boil without stirring until it reaches 300°F (hard crack stage) on a candy thermometer. Meanwhile, whip 2 egg whites to stiff peaks. Carefully pour the hot syrup into the egg whites in a thin stream while beating continuously on high speed. Add 1 tsp vanilla extract and 1 cup toasted nuts (almonds, pistachios, or peanuts). Pour into the prepared dish, sprinkle with extra nuts, and let it set for 2–3 hours. Cut into squares and enjoy!

Creative Variations

For chocolate nougat, fold ½ cup melted cocoa powder into the mixture before setting. Fruit lovers can add dried cranberries or cherries, while coconut nougat calls for 1 cup shredded coconut mixed in. No-bake versions use condensed milk and powdered sugar: simply whip 1 can condensed milk with 3 cups powdered sugar, fold in nuts, and chill until firm.

Store nougat in an airtight container to keep it chewy. With endless flavor combinations, homemade nougat makes a delightful gift or sweet snack!