Fruity Gumdrop Nougat Candy Recipe

If you have a sweet tooth and love playful, colorful treats, then you are going to be thrilled with this Fruity Gumdrop Nougat Candy Recipe. This delightful confection blends creamy white chocolate and marshmallow fluff with the chewy, fruity bursts of Dots candy, creating a nostalgic treat that feels both fun and luxurious. Each bite offers a perfect balance of smooth richness and chewy texture, all layered with bright pops of fruity flavor. Whether it’s for a festive party or just a special homemade indulgence, this recipe brings a sensational twist to classic nougat that’s sure to brighten your day.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of this Fruity Gumdrop Nougat Candy Recipe is in its simplicity. With just a handful of ingredients, each one plays a crucial role in achieving that perfect creamy texture and vibrant flavor profile. From the smooth white chocolate that adds richness to the mini marshmallows which create fluff and lightness, and the juicy fruity Dots that bring bursts of color and chewy delight, these essentials come together effortlessly for a fun, tasty result.

• White chocolate chips (18 ounces): This provides the sweet, creamy base that makes the nougat irresistibly smooth.
• Mini marshmallows (16 ounces): The marshmallows add fluffy texture and help bind everything together beautifully.
• Unsalted butter (2 tablespoons): Butter lends richness and prevents the nougat from becoming too sticky as it cools.
• Dots Fruity Candy (2 cups): These gumdrops offer chewy bursts of fruity flavor and vibrant colors that brighten up every bite.

How to Make Fruity Gumdrop Nougat Candy Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Your Pan

Start by lining a 9 x 13-inch pan with wax or parchment paper, then give it a good spray with nonstick spray. This simple prep ensures your nougat won’t stick and will be easy to remove once set.

Step 2: Combine Marshmallows, White Chocolate, and Butter

Place the mini marshmallows, white chocolate chips, and unsalted butter into a large microwave-safe bowl. This trio is the heart of your nougat, and getting the melting just right is key.

Step 3: Microwave and Stir

Microwave the mixture for 90 seconds total, making sure to pause and stir at the 45-second mark. Stirring helps the ingredients combine smoothly without scorching. After the first 90 seconds, continue microwaving for another 30 seconds, stirring halfway through again, until you have a thick, fluffy, and creamy texture.

Step 4: Add the Fruity Dots Candy

Stir in 2 cups of Dots Fruity Candy gently but thoroughly, folding in those colorful, chewy bursts so every bit of the nougat gets a sweet fruity surprise.

Step 5: Spread the Mixture in the Pan Quickly

Time is of the essence here because the nougat cools fast and gets harder to spread. Pour the mixture into your prepared pan and use lightly sprayed clean hands to smooth it out evenly and quickly.

Step 6: Chill Until Set

Pop the pan into the refrigerator for at least 6 hours so the nougat can fully set. If you’re pressed for time, the freezer works beautifully too — just freeze for about 2 hours until firm.

Step 7: Cut into Squares

Once the nougat is completely chilled, peel it off the paper and place it on a cutting board. To avoid sticky hands and a mess, spray your knife with baking spray and cut the nougat into 1.5-inch squares. Store the pieces separated by wax or parchment paper in the fridge or freezer to keep your colorful candies fresh and firm.

How to Serve Fruity Gumdrop Nougat Candy Recipe

Garnishes

If you want to jazz up your Fruity Gumdrop Nougat Candy Recipe presentation, try sprinkling a few extra mini Dots candies on top right after smoothing before chilling. Or, for a festive touch, consider a light dusting of powdered sugar or edible glitter to make those colorful candies really pop.

Side Dishes

This candy pairs beautifully with warm drinks like hot chocolate, coffee, or fruity iced teas. The creamy, sweet nougat contrasts nicely with bitter or tart flavors, offering a balanced and refreshing snack break.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve these nougat squares in small colorful parchment cups for an easy grab-and-go option at parties. You can also stack them in a clear jar tied with a ribbon as a charming homemade gift. Layering them with fresh berries or sliced citrus on a dessert platter adds a sophisticated pop of color and freshness.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep your Fruity Gumdrop Nougat Candy Recipe well wrapped in wax or parchment paper and stored in an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator to maintain firmness and freshness. This candy keeps well for up to two weeks when refrigerated.

Freezing

Freezing is a fantastic option if you want to save your nougat for later. Just wrap the candy tightly between layers of parchment or wax paper, then place in an airtight freezer-safe container. It can stay fresh in the freezer for up to three months without losing its wonderful texture or flavor.

Reheating

Because this is a cold-set candy, reheating isn’t necessary. If your nougat softens slightly, simply pop it back in the fridge or freezer to firm back up before serving. Avoid microwaving as it might cause the candy to become too sticky or melt unevenly.

FAQs

Can I use regular marshmallows instead of mini ones in this Fruity Gumdrop Nougat Candy Recipe?

You can use regular marshmallows, but they may take slightly longer to melt and could create a thicker texture. Mini marshmallows blend more easily for a smooth and fluffy nougat, so they are preferred.

Is it possible to substitute the white chocolate chips with another type of chocolate?

While white chocolate is key for the creamy sweetness in this recipe, semi-sweet or milk chocolate could be used for a different flavor twist. Just keep in mind the texture and sweetness will vary, potentially altering the final chewy nougat feel.

My marshmallow and chocolate mixture is too thick after microwaving. What should I do?

If the mix feels too thick, try microwaving it in short 10-second bursts, stirring in between until you achieve a smooth, creamy consistency. Be patient and make sure not to overheat.

How do I prevent the nougat from sticking to the knife when cutting?

Spraying your knife with nonstick baking spray before each cut helps tremendously. Also, chilling the nougat thoroughly beforehand keeps it firm and less sticky during slicing.

Can I add nuts or other mix-ins to the Fruity Gumdrop Nougat Candy Recipe?

Absolutely! Feel free to mix in chopped nuts like pistachios or almonds for added crunch, or even shredded coconut for a tropical twist. Just fold them in gently when adding the Dots candy so everything distributes evenly.

Final Thoughts

Trying this Fruity Gumdrop Nougat Candy Recipe is like rediscovering a childhood favorite with a fresh and fun twist. Its playful colors, luscious texture, and easy preparation make it a standout treat for any occasion, big or small. I promise once you taste the creamy nougat mixed with bursts of fruity gumdrops, you’ll find yourself making it again and again. So go ahead, invite some sweetness into your kitchen and enjoy every colorful bite!

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