Ingredients You'll Need
You only need four ingredients to make this colorful homemade candy.Shop Candy Gifts
3 cups white chocolate chips: These create the creamy, sweet base that holds everything together.
3 cups mini marshmallows: Marshmallows give the candy its soft, chewy, nougat-like texture.
2 tablespoons butter: Butter helps the mixture melt smoothly and adds richness.
1 ½ cups gumdrops: Cut into small pieces for colorful bursts of fruity flavor throughout the candy.Shop Candy Gifts
A note about the gumdrops: Choose firm, chewy gumdrops rather than very soft or sticky jelly candies. If possible, use gumdrops without a sugary coating that is likely to dissolve into the mixture. You can use several colors for a festive appearance.
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How to Make Old-Fashioned Jelly Nougat Candy
Step 1: Prepare Your Pan
Line an 8-by-8-inch square baking pan with parchment paper, leaving a little extra hanging over two opposite sides. This will make it much easier to lift the chilled candy out of the pan later.Order Fresh Bakes
Lightly grease the parchment paper with butter or nonstick cooking spray to help prevent sticking.
Set the pan aside while you prepare the candy mixture.
Step 2: Prepare the Gumdrops
Use a sharp knife or kitchen scissors to cut the gumdrops into small pieces.
If the pieces are sticking to your knife, lightly coat the blade with a little butter or cooking spray. Keep the pieces relatively small so they distribute evenly throughout the nougat and make the candy easier to slice.Try Snack Boxes
Set the chopped gumdrops aside.
Step 3: Melt the Butter and Marshmallows
Place the butter and mini marshmallows in a large microwave-safe bowl.
Heat in 20–30-second intervals, stirring after each interval, until the marshmallows are mostly melted and the mixture looks smooth and fluffy.
Be careful not to overheat the marshmallows. They can become excessively hot and sticky, so handle the bowl carefully.Shop Candy Gifts
Stovetop option: Place the butter and marshmallows in a saucepan over low heat. Stir continuously until melted and smooth.
Step 4: Add the White Chocolate Chips
Add the white chocolate chips to the warm marshmallow mixture.
Stir gently until the chocolate melts and everything comes together into a thick, creamy mixture.
If the chocolate doesn't melt completely, return the bowl to the microwave for a few seconds at a time, stirring between intervals. Avoid overheating, as white chocolate can become thick or grainy when exposed to too much heat.Shop Candy Gifts
If necessary, you can melt the white chocolate separately over a double boiler and then fold it into the marshmallow mixture.
Step 5: Fold in the Gumdrops
Allow the mixture to cool for a minute or two so it is warm but not extremely hot.
Add the chopped gumdrops and gently fold them into the mixture using a sturdy spatula.
Work quickly but carefully. You want the colorful gumdrop pieces distributed throughout the candy without crushing them or allowing them to melt.
The mixture should look thick, creamy, and filled with bright little pieces of fruit-flavored candy.
Step 6: Transfer to the Prepared Pan
Spoon the mixture into your parchment-lined baking pan.Order Fresh Bakes
Use a lightly greased spatula or the back of a spoon to spread it evenly into the corners.
Gently press the mixture into the pan to remove large air pockets and create a smooth surface. Avoid pressing too hard, because you want the candy to remain soft and tender rather than overly compact.
Step 7: Chill Until Firm
Place the pan in the refrigerator for approximately 3–4 hours, or until the candy is completely firm enough to cut.
For cleaner slices, make sure the center has chilled thoroughly. If the mixture still feels soft, give it additional time in the refrigerator.Get Writing Tools
Step 8: Cut and Serve
Once firm, lift the candy out of the pan using the parchment paper.
Place it on a cutting board and use a sharp knife to cut it into small squares.
For neater cuts, lightly grease the knife or warm the blade under hot water and wipe it dry between cuts.
Arrange the pieces on a serving plate, add them to a holiday candy tray, or package them in small boxes for homemade gifts.
Recipe Details
Prep time: 15 minutes
Chilling time: 3–4 hours
Total time: Approximately 3 hours and 15 minutes to 4 hours and 15 minutes
Yield: Approximately 25–36 smal
l pieces, depending on how you cut them
Pan size: 8-by-8-inch square pan