Chewy Homemade Nougat Bars a Sweet Symphony of Nuts and Honey

Q: Help! My Homemade Nougat Bars are too hard! What did I do wrong?

A rock-solid nougat bar usually means your sugar syrup was cooked to too high a temperature. Think of it like overcooking caramel - it becomes brittle. Make sure to use a reliable candy thermometer and aim for exactly 300°F (149°C). Also, ensure you're using enough honey; it contributes to the chewy texture.

Chewy Homemade Nougat Bars A Sweet Easy Candy Recipe

By Evelyn ThatcherOctober 3, 2025

3.67 (3 Ratings)

Table of Contents

Recipe Introduction

Quick Hook

Ever tried real nougat? The kind that makes you say, "Oh my gosh, this is amazing?" Get ready to make the best Homemade Nougat Bars ever. These are seriously addictive!

Brief Overview

Nougat has been around for ages. It's like a holiday candy staple in many countries. This nougat recipe isn't hard.

It takes about 30 minutes to prep, 20 minutes to cook, and 4 hours to set. It'll give you about 16 bars.

Main Benefits

These chewy nougat bars are packed with nutty goodness and honey . Honey is known for its antioxidant properties. Serve these at your next party.

They are also perfect as Giftable homemade candy because they are special.

What Makes This Recipe Special?

Honestly, these aren’t your average shop bought nougat bars. I wanted something more special. This homemade candy recipe is about creating a rich, flavourful experience.

Using real honey and toasted nuts makes all the difference.

Gathering Your Ingredients

You'll need water, sugar, and honey. The best honey nougat recipe includes egg whites, salt, butter, vanilla extract, and orange zest if you want.

Grab some blanched almonds, pistachios, and hazelnuts for the nuts.

Essential Equipment for Success

A candy thermometer is a must. You also need an 8x8 inch pan. Parchment paper helps too. A mixer will whip those egg whites right up.

My Nougat Story

I remember the first time I tried making nougat. I didn't have a candy thermometer. It was a sticky disaster! Learn from my mistakes. Get that thermometer. It's so important.

step-by-step, and It's Easier Than you Think

First, toast your nuts at 350° F for 8- 10 minutes. Then, make your sugar syrup. It needs to reach 300° F .

Whip those egg whites to stiff peaks. Slowly pour the hot syrup into the egg whites. Fold in the nuts.

Pour it all in the pan. Chill for at least 4 hours.

Ready to Indulge?

Making old fashioned nougat bars at home is worth it. These are truly something special. Share them or keep them all to yourself.

I won’t judge. Enjoy every sweet, nutty bite. You know? These Easy nougat recipe its going to amaze you.

Ingredients & Equipment

Alright, ready to dive into the delicious world of Homemade Nougat Bars ? First, let's gather our goodies. Trust me, it's worth the effort.

These are way better than anything you’ll find in a shop, honestly!

Main Ingredients

Okay, so for the toasted nuts , you’ll need:

1 ½ cups (170g) blanched almonds, roughly chopped.
1 cup (130g) shelled pistachios, roughly chopped.
½ cup (60g) hazelnuts, roughly chopped.

For the almonds, make sure they smell nutty, not musty. And, you know, pistachios should be a nice vibrant green, not faded.

Next up, the magical nougat itself:

½ cup (120ml) water
2 cups (400g) granulated sugar
1 cup (240ml) liquid honey. This really makes the honey nougat recipe shine.
2 large egg whites, room temperature
¼ teaspoon salt
2 tablespoons (30g) unsalted butter, softened
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 teaspoon orange zest (optional)

Finally, line your dish with rice paper to avoid sticking

Seasoning Notes

Forget boring nougat, ok? We're going for flavour! Vanilla and orange zest are a classic combo. You can swap out orange zest for lemon zest! Or, if you're feeling adventurous, add a pinch of cardamom.

This Homemade candy recipe is yours to play with!

Spice combinations are important if you are making something fancy. Consider adding 1/4 teaspoon of cinnamon to the nougat for a little warm.

You could add a little flavour enhancer, like a pinch of sea salt, to bring out the sweetness.

Equipment Needed

Right, let's talk tools. Don't worry, you probably have most of this stuff already. Here's what you'll need:

An 8x8 inch baking pan
Parchment paper
A candy thermometer . Seriously, don't skip this!
Stand mixer (or hand mixer your arms might get a workout)
Heavy bottomed saucepan

If you don't have a stand mixer, a hand mixer works just fine. You might want to double up on your muscles before trying this easy nougat recipe , but it should be fine.

Instead of a fancy baking pan, you can use any square dish you have, even a glass one!

And a candy thermometer , I can't stress it enough for the nougat recipe. You'll need a thermometer to test the temperature for the old fashioned nougat bars to be perfect!

Making this giftable homemade candy can be a bit of a labor of love, especially around the holidays! This Holiday candy treat makes it all worth it.

The satisfying chewiness of these chewy nougat bars , combined with the rich flavours, will absolutely knock your socks off.

Enjoy.

Cooking Method: Mastering the Art of Nougat

Okay, so you wanna tackle Homemade Nougat Bars ? Awesome! It sounds intimidating, but honestly, it's totally doable. Think of it like a science experiment you can eat.

I remember the first time I tried, I was sweating bullets over that candy thermometer ! Here’s the lowdown.

Prep Steps: Get Your Ducks in a Row

Essential mise en place . First thing's first: Get everything measured out. Seriously, everything . It makes the whole process so much smoother. Chop those toasted nuts , measure the honey, and line your pan. Trust me on this.
Time saving organization tips . Toasting the nuts beforehand? Genius move. You can do this a day or two ahead. Store them in an airtight container. Saves time and stress on the day. This Homemade candy recipe requires a bit of planning, but the payoff is huge.
Safety reminders (if applicable) . Hot sugar is like lava, folks! Be super careful when working with it. Keep little ones away and wear long sleeves. Seriously, a burn from sugar syrup is no joke.

step-by-step Process: Let's Get Cooking!

Line an 8x8 pan with rice paper.
Toast the nuts at 350° F ( 175° C) for 8- 10 minutes . Keep an eye on them!
Combine water, sugar, and honey in a saucepan.
Cook to 300° F ( 149° C) using a candy thermometer . Don't stir!
Whip egg whites to stiff peaks.
Slowly pour hot syrup into egg whites. Be careful!
Beat for 5- 7 minutes until thick.
Fold in butter, vanilla, zest, and toasted nuts . Pour into the pan, top with rice paper, and chill for at least 4 hours . That´s your Easy nougat recipe !

Pro Tips: Secrets to Nougat Nirvana

Use a high-quality honey nougat recipe for the best flavor. It makes a huge difference. And don't skimp on the toasted nuts ! They add so much texture and flavor.
Common mistake to avoid: Under cooking the syrup. This makes chewy nougat bars that are too soft. Use that candy thermometer !
make-ahead option: You can totally make these a few days in advance. They store well in an airtight container. This Giftable homemade candy is perfect for the holidays.

So, there you have it! Your ticket to Old fashioned nougat bars that are way better than anything you can buy in a shop. Now, go forth and make some nougat magic!

Recipe Notes to Make Your Nougat Dreams Come True

Right then, let's talk about nailing these Homemade Nougat Bars . It's not just about following the steps. A few extra pointers never hurt, yeah? This Homemade candy recipe is a gem.

Ace the Presentation

Fancy a little flair? Cut the chewy nougat bars into neat squares. Or, for a festive touch, use cookie cutters! I like to drizzle melted dark chocolate on top.

Some chopped toasted nuts sprinkled over make it look extra profesh. Serve with a strong coffee or a cheeky glass of dessert wine.

It's lush!

Storing Your Sweet Treasure

Once your old fashioned nougat bars are set, keep them in an airtight container. They'll happily sit in the fridge for about a week.

Honestly, they never last that long at my gaff! I've never tried freezing them, but I reckon they'd be alright.

Just wrap them well to avoid freezer burn.

Remix Your Nougat

Want to switch things up? For a Honey nougat recipe that is dairy-free, use coconut oil instead of butter. You can also swap out the nuts.

Walnuts or even macadamia nuts work a treat.

Nutrition: A Little Treat, Not a Meal!

Let's be real, this Nougat recipe isn't health food. But it's a darn good treat! The toasted nuts do give you some good fats and protein, though.

Just remember to enjoy it in moderation.

There you have it everything you need for giftable homemade candy . Don't be scared to have a go at this easy nougat recipe .

And remember a candy thermometer is your best mate here! You've got this!

Frequently Asked Questions

Help! My Homemade Nougat Bars are too hard! What did I do wrong?

A rock solid nougat bar usually means your sugar syrup was cooked to too high a temperature. Think of it like overcooking caramel - it becomes brittle. Make sure to use a reliable candy thermometer and aim for exactly 300°F (149°C). Also, ensure you're using enough honey; it contributes to the chewy texture.

Can I make these Homemade Nougat Bars ahead of time? What's the best way to store them?

Absolutely! Homemade Nougat Bars are fantastic for making ahead. Once they've set, cut them into squares and store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They'll keep well for up to a week, making them perfect for prepping for parties or gifting.

Just try not to eat them all before then easier said than done, I know!

I'm allergic to nuts. Can I still make these Homemade Nougat Bars, and what can I substitute?

You can definitely adapt the recipe! Replace the nuts with other mix-ins like dried fruit (cranberries, apricots), toasted seeds (sunflower, pumpkin), or even chocolate chips for a nut-free treat.

Just ensure the total volume of your substitute matches the original nut quantity to maintain the correct nougat consistency. Always double check ingredient labels to avoid cross contamination if allergies are severe.

The rice paper is sticking to my nougat! Is there a trick to prevent this?

Rice paper can be a bit temperamental, a bit like that one friend who always flakes. Make sure your rice paper is fresh and not overly dry. If it's still sticking, lightly dust the rice paper with powdered sugar before placing the nougat on top. This will create a barrier and prevent it from adhering too much.

Ensure the rice paper completely covers the bottom and sides of the pan for best results.

My nougat is too sticky, what can I do to fix that?

Nougat can be a tricky dessert. If it's too sticky, it can be a pain to deal with. Let it set in the refrigerator for the specified amount of time. You can also try adding a teaspoon of cornstarch to the recipe, which should reduce the stickiness.