Easy Nougat Bars Only 4 Ingredient

If you’re looking for a simple and tasty treat, Easy Nougat Bars might be just what you need. With only four ingredients—mini marshmallows, melted butter, red and green gumdrops, and white chocolate chips—you can whip up this no-bake dessert in under 15 minutes. The process is straightforward, and you won’t need any special tools. Curious about the history behind these delightful bars and how to make them? Let’s explore further.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

When you try these easy nougat bars, you’ll quickly realize why this recipe is a favorite among many home cooks. It uses just four simple ingredients, making it accessible and straightforward. You won’t need any specialized equipment, and the preparation is quick; just melt butter, marshmallows, and white chocolate chips on low heat. There’s no baking required, so you can whip these up in no time. Plus, they’re healthier than store-bought options, as they’re lower in calories and sugar. You can customize them too, swapping in honey or adding nuts for texture. Healthier alternative to traditional candy bars makes these a guilt-free treat. With only an hour of refrigeration needed, you’ll enjoy a delicious treat that’s easy to store, whether in the fridge or freezer.

History

Nougat has a rich history that stretches back centuries, with its origins tracing to the Middle East in the 8th century. Early recipes for a version called “nāṭif” appeared in Baghdad by the 10th century. As the Arabic influence spread, nougat made its way to Spain during the Arabic occupation. By the 15th century, it reached Italy and later France in the 17th century. The word “nougat” comes from the Latin word “nux,” meaning nut. Each region created its own versions using local ingredients. Significantly, varieties of nougat include French Montélimar nougat, which is famous for its lavender honey and nuts, while Italy’s torrone is popular during festivities. This delightful treat has evolved through cultures, showcasing its versatility and global appeal.

Recipe

Ingredients:
– 2 bags mini marshmallows
– 2 tablespoons melted butter
– 1 ½ cups red and green gumdrops, halved
– 2 bags white chocolate chips
– Optional: Different types of candy, nuts, or dried fruit for customization

Instructions:

Prepare a baking dish by lining it with parchment paper, ensuring that the paper hangs over the edges for easy removal later.
In a microwave-safe bowl or over indirect heat, combine the mini marshmallows, white chocolate chips, and melted butter.
Melt the mixture until it’s smooth and well combined. If using the microwave, heat in 30-second intervals, stirring frequently to prevent burning. Alternatively, use a double boiler method by placing a heat-proof bowl over a pot of boiling water.
Once melted, carefully fold in the halved gumdrops until they’re evenly distributed throughout the mixture.
Pour the nougat mixture into the prepared baking dish, smoothing the surface flat with a spatula. Refrigerate for at least 6 hours or overnight until fully set.
Once set, lift the nougat out of the dish using the parchment paper and cut into bars using a sharp knife. These nougat bars are made with just four ingredients, making them quick and easy to prepare.

For the best results when making these nougat bars, consider using high-quality ingredients, especially the chocolate and nougat.

Avoid overmixing the nougat mixture to maintain a pleasant texture. Additionally, letting the nougat cool completely before cutting will yield neater slices.

For easier cutting, refrigerate the bars again before slicing. Finally, feel free to get creative with your mix-ins—different candies, nuts, or dried fruits can elevate your nougat bars to a whole new level! Enjoy!

Final Thoughts

As you wrap up your experience making Easy Nougat Bars, it’s important to contemplate a few key points that can enhance your overall enjoyment.

First, you’ll appreciate how quick and effortless this recipe is, taking under 15 minutes with just basic equipment like a microwave. This dessert is ideal for satisfying sweet cravings, making it a great addition to your recipe collection.

Feel free to customize your bars with different candies or nuts for added variety.

When it comes to storage, these bars can last at room temperature for a week or be frozen for up to three months.

For serving, they’re perfect for holiday parties or as a quick snack.

Pair them with hot cocoa or coffee, and slice them neatly for a great presentation.

Enjoy your delicious creation!

FAQ

When you’re ready to make your Easy Nougat Bars, you might’ve some questions about the process or ingredients. You can use regular-sized marshmallows, but be prepared to adjust the melting time. Additionally, remember that no candy thermometer required makes this recipe super easy for anyone to follow. Feel free to experiment with different candies instead of gumdrops, too! You can make these bars ahead of time, and they actually taste better after a day or two. Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week, or freeze them for up to three months. For the ingredients, you’ll need mini marshmallows, butter, gumdrops, and white chocolate chips.