I remember the first time my daughter, Lily, asked me to make Old-Fashioned Gumdrop Nougat Candy. She’d seen a picture in a magazine, all colorful and festive, and declared it “the most amazing candy ever!” I’ll admit, I was a little intimidated – I’d never made nougat before. But Lily’s enthusiasm was infectious, and I couldn’t resist the challenge.
That first batch of Old-Fashioned Gumdrop Nougat Candy was… well, let’s just say it wasn’t perfect. It was a bit too sticky, and the gumdrops weren’t evenly distributed. But Lily didn’t care. She devoured it with a huge smile, proclaiming it “even better than the picture!” That’s what I love about cooking for my family; it’s not about perfection, it’s about creating moments of joy and connection.
Over the years, I’ve tweaked and perfected my recipe for Old-Fashioned Gumdrop Nougat Candy. Now, it’s a family favorite, especially around the holidays. The kids love helping me mix in the gumdrops, and the vibrant colors always brighten up our dessert table. It’s become a tradition, something we all look forward to each year.
This recipe for Old-Fashioned Gumdrop Nougat Candy is more than just a sweet treat; it’s a way to create memories and bring a little bit of sweetness into our lives. The combination of soft, chewy nougat and the burst of fruity flavor from the gumdrops is simply irresistible. It brings everyone together, sharing stories and laughter while we enjoy this special treat.
What makes this Old-Fashioned Gumdrop Nougat Candy so special is that it’s made with love and shared with family. It’s a reminder that the best things in life are often the simplest. The joy on their faces when they bite into a piece makes all the effort worthwhile. It’s become such a cherished treat in our home.
I’m so excited to share my tried-and-true recipe for Old-Fashioned Gumdrop Nougat Candy with you. I know your family will love it just as much as mine does. It’s the perfect way to create sweet memories and bring a little bit of old-fashioned charm to your kitchen. So, gather your ingredients, put on your apron, and let’s get started! I can’t wait for you to try this incredible vintage nougat recipe.
What You’ll Need
Here’s everything you’ll need to make this delightful Old-Fashioned Gumdrop Nougat Candy. Don’t worry, the ingredient list is simple and straightforward. You probably have many of these items in your pantry already!
- 3 cups granulated sugar: This provides the sweetness and structure for the nougat. I always use regular granulated sugar for the best results in my Old-Fashioned Gumdrop Nougat Candy.
- ¾ cup light corn syrup: This helps prevent crystallization and keeps the nougat smooth and chewy.
- ¾ cup water: This is essential for dissolving the sugar and creating the syrup base.
- 2 large egg whites: These are whipped to stiff peaks and add lightness and airiness to the nougat. Make sure your eggs are at room temperature for the best volume.
- ¼ teaspoon salt: This enhances the flavors and balances the sweetness.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: This adds a warm, classic flavor to the nougat.
- ½ cup chopped walnuts (optional): These add a nice crunch and nutty flavor. My family loves them in our Old-Fashioned Gumdrop Nougat Candy, but you can easily omit them if you prefer.
- 1 pound gumdrops, quartered: These are the star of the show! I like to use a mix of colors for a festive look.
- Powdered sugar, for dusting: This prevents the nougat from sticking and gives it a lovely finish.
For the best Old-Fashioned Gumdrop Nougat Candy, I recommend using fresh, high-quality ingredients. You’ll find everything you need for this at your regular grocery store. If you want to get fancy, you can use gourmet gumdrops, but the classic kind works just fine.
This Old-Fashioned Gumdrop Nougat Candy is forgiving if you need to swap out the walnuts for another nut or leave them out altogether. My family prefers when I use walnuts in our Old-Fashioned Gumdrop Nougat Candy, but pecans or almonds would also be delicious. The most important thing is to use ingredients you love and that fit your family’s preferences. Trust me, this Old-Fashioned Gumdrop Nougat Candy ingredient list keeps things simple without sacrificing flavor!
How to Make It
Now, let’s get to the fun part – making the Old-Fashioned Gumdrop Nougat Candy! Don’t be intimidated; it’s easier than you might think. Just follow these step-by-step instructions, and you’ll be enjoying a batch of homemade nougat in no time. Remember, I’m here to guide you every step of the way.
- Prepare your pan: Line an 8×8 inch square pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on all sides. This will make it easy to lift the nougat out later. Grease the parchment paper with a little butter or cooking spray.
- Make the syrup: In a medium saucepan, combine the sugar, corn syrup, and water. Cook over medium heat, stirring until the sugar is dissolved. Once the sugar is dissolved, stop stirring and cook until the mixture reaches 260°F (hard-ball stage) on a candy thermometer. This typically takes about 15-20 minutes.
- Whip the egg whites: While the syrup is cooking, beat the egg whites with the salt in a large bowl using an electric mixer until stiff peaks form. This usually takes about 5-7 minutes.
- Combine the syrup and egg whites: Slowly pour the hot syrup into the egg whites in a thin stream, while continuing to beat on medium speed. Be careful, as the syrup is very hot! Continue beating until the mixture is thick and glossy, about 5-7 minutes.
- Add the vanilla and nuts: Stir in the vanilla extract and chopped walnuts (if using).
- Fold in the gumdrops: Gently fold in the quartered gumdrops until they are evenly distributed throughout the nougat.
- Pour into the pan: Pour the mixture into the prepared pan and spread evenly.
- Let it set: Let the nougat set at room temperature for at least 4 hours, or preferably overnight, until firm.
- Cut and serve: Once the nougat is firm, lift it out of the pan using the parchment paper overhang. Place it on a cutting board and dust with powdered sugar. Cut into squares and serve.
Here’s where I used to mess up my Old-Fashioned Gumdrop Nougat Candy – now I always remember to use a candy thermometer. It’s really the key to getting the syrup to the right temperature. This Old-Fashioned Gumdrop Nougat Candy typically takes me about 30 minutes to prepare, plus the setting time. You’ll know your Old-Fashioned Gumdrop Nougat Candy is ready when it is firm to the touch and easily cuttable.
While your Old-Fashioned Gumdrop Nougat Candy is setting, you’ll have time to clean up the kitchen and maybe even sneak in a cup of tea. Don’t worry if your Old-Fashioned Gumdrop Nougat Candy looks a little rustic – that’s part of its charm! Remember, this is all about creating something delicious and special for your family. This vintage nougat recipe will become a family treasure.
Serving Ideas
Now that you’ve made your delicious Old-Fashioned Gumdrop Nougat Candy, it’s time to enjoy it! There are so many ways to serve and share this sweet treat. Here are some ideas to get you started:
- As a holiday treat: This Old-Fashioned Gumdrop Nougat Candy is perfect for Christmas, Easter, or any other holiday celebration. Its colorful appearance and festive flavors make it a crowd-pleaser.
- In a candy dish: Keep a bowl of this nougat on your coffee table or kitchen counter for a sweet treat any time of day. My family loves to grab a piece whenever they’re craving something sweet.
- As a gift: Package the nougat in a pretty box or tin and give it as a homemade gift to friends, neighbors, or teachers. It’s a thoughtful and delicious way to show you care.
- With coffee or tea: The sweetness of the nougat pairs perfectly with a warm cup of coffee or tea. It’s a delightful afternoon treat.
- In lunchboxes: Add a square of this nougat to your kids’ lunchboxes for a special surprise. It’s a much better alternative to store-bought candy!
- As a dessert: Serve this Old-Fashioned Gumdrop Nougat Candy as a simple and satisfying dessert after dinner.
Everyone reaches for seconds when this Old-Fashioned Gumdrop Nougat Candy comes out with coffee after dinner. This is perfect for those nights when you want something really satisfying! For presentation, dust the cut squares generously with powdered sugar and arrange them on a pretty plate.
If you happen to have any leftovers (which is rare in my house!), store them in an airtight container at room temperature. This Old-Fashioned Gumdrop Nougat Candy will stay fresh for up to a week. One variation I’ve tried successfully is adding dried cranberries along with the gumdrops for a festive twist. I got feedback from my family that they like the added tartness of the cranberries. They thought it balanced the sweetness of the nougat perfectly.
Your Questions Answered
I know you might have some questions about making Old-Fashioned Gumdrop Nougat Candy, so I’ve compiled a list of frequently asked questions to help you out. Think of me as your personal kitchen helper, ready to guide you through any challenges!
Q: Can I make this Old-Fashioned Gumdrop Nougat Candy ahead of time?
A: Absolutely! In fact, I recommend it. The nougat needs time to set properly, so making it a day or two in advance is ideal. Just store it in an airtight container at room temperature until you’re ready to serve it.
Q: What if I don’t have a candy thermometer?
A: While a candy thermometer is the most accurate way to measure the syrup temperature, you can use the cold water test as an alternative. Drop a small amount of the syrup into a bowl of cold water. If it forms a hard ball that you can pick up and hold its shape, it’s ready.
Q: Can I use different types of gumdrops?
A: Of course! Feel free to experiment with different flavors and colors of gumdrops. I’ve even used spice drops for a unique twist. It’s all about creating a candy that you and your family will love.
Q: How do I store leftover Old-Fashioned Gumdrop Nougat Candy?
A: Store any leftover nougat in an airtight container at room temperature. It will stay fresh for up to a week. The most important thing is to keep it away from moisture, as that can make it sticky.
Q: Can I freeze this Old-Fashioned Gumdrop Nougat Candy?
A: I don’t recommend freezing it, as the texture may change. The nougat is best enjoyed fresh. If you need a candy recipe, you should also check out this Magic Candy Recipe.
Q: What if my nougat is too sticky?
A: If your nougat is too sticky, it’s likely that the syrup wasn’t cooked to a high enough temperature. Unfortunately, there’s not much you can do to fix it once it’s made. But don’t worry, it will still taste delicious! Just be sure to cook the syrup to the correct temperature for your next batch.
Q: Can I add other ingredients besides walnuts?
A: Absolutely! Feel free to add any nuts, dried fruits, or even chocolate chips that you like. This Old-Fashioned Gumdrop Nougat Candy is very versatile, so get creative and make it your own! For more information, check out this Gum Drop Nougat Candy Recipe and Experiences.
The Final Word
This Old-Fashioned Gumdrop Nougat Candy has truly earned its place in my recipe collection. It’s not only delicious and beautiful, but it also brings back so many wonderful memories. It’s a nostalgic treat that reminds me of simpler times and the joy of sharing homemade goodies with loved ones.
My Old-Fashioned Gumdrop Nougat Candy Tips:
- Use a candy thermometer: This is the key to achieving the perfect texture.
- Don’t overcook the syrup: Overcooked syrup will result in a hard, brittle nougat.
- Gently fold in the gumdrops: Overmixing can cause the nougat to become tough.
I’ve tried several variations of this recipe over the years. One of my favorites is adding a pinch of cinnamon to the syrup for a warm, spicy flavor. I also like to use a mix of different types of gumdrops, such as spice drops and fruit slices. My son, Tom, loves it when I add mini marshmallows to the nougat. He says it makes it extra fluffy and delicious. This foolproof Christmas Nougat Gumdrop Candy will make you feel like a pro.
I encourage you to make this Old-Fashioned Gumdrop Nougat Candy your own. Experiment with different flavors, colors, and add-ins to create a candy that’s perfect for your family. I truly hope your family loves this Old-Fashioned Gumdrop Nougat Candy as much as mine does.
I hope this has inspired you to try making your own Old-Fashioned Gumdrop Nougat Candy. It’s a fun and rewarding project that will bring a smile to everyone’s face. So, go ahead, give it a try! You might just discover a new family tradition. This Old Fashioned Gumdrop Nougat Candy – will become a family favorite. If you need something else to sweeten up your life, take a peek at this Pineapple Cowboy Candy recipe.
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Old-Fashioned Gumdrop Nougat Candy
This Old-Fashioned Gumdrop Nougat Candy is a delightful treat that combines chewy nougat with colorful gumdrops. It’s a festive and nostalgic candy perfect for holidays or any special occasion.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 25 squares
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup light corn syrup
- 1/4 cup water
- 2 egg whites
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup assorted gumdrops, quartered
- 1/2 cup chopped nuts (optional)
- Powdered sugar, for dusting
Instructions
- Line an 8×8 inch pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the sides. Dust the parchment paper with powdered sugar.
- In a medium saucepan, combine the granulated sugar, corn syrup, and water. Cook over medium heat, stirring until the sugar dissolves.
- Continue cooking without stirring until the mixture reaches 260°F (hard-crack stage) on a candy thermometer.
- While the sugar mixture is cooking, beat the egg whites with salt in a clean, dry bowl until stiff peaks form.
- Once the sugar mixture reaches 260°F, slowly pour it in a thin stream over the beaten egg whites, beating constantly with an electric mixer on medium speed. Be careful as the sugar mixture is very hot.
- Continue beating the mixture for 5-7 minutes, or until it becomes thick and glossy.
- Stir in the vanilla extract, quartered gumdrops, and chopped nuts (if using).
- Pour the nougat mixture into the prepared pan and spread evenly.
- Dust the top with powdered sugar. Let the nougat cool completely at room temperature for at least 2-3 hours, or preferably overnight.
- Once cooled, lift the nougat out of the pan using the parchment paper overhang. Cut into squares and dust with more powdered sugar.
- Store in an airtight container at room temperature.
Notes
For a richer flavor, use toasted nuts. You can also experiment with different flavors of gumdrops.