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Old-Fashioned Gumdrop Nougat Candy

Close-up of 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.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 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

  1. Line an 8×8 inch pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the sides. Dust the parchment paper with powdered sugar.
  2. In a medium saucepan, combine the granulated sugar, corn syrup, and water. Cook over medium heat, stirring until the sugar dissolves.
  3. Continue cooking without stirring until the mixture reaches 260°F (hard-crack stage) on a candy thermometer.
  4. While the sugar mixture is cooking, beat the egg whites with salt in a clean, dry bowl until stiff peaks form.
  5. 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.
  6. Continue beating the mixture for 5-7 minutes, or until it becomes thick and glossy.
  7. Stir in the vanilla extract, quartered gumdrops, and chopped nuts (if using).
  8. Pour the nougat mixture into the prepared pan and spread evenly.
  9. Dust the top with powdered sugar. Let the nougat cool completely at room temperature for at least 2-3 hours, or preferably overnight.
  10. Once cooled, lift the nougat out of the pan using the parchment paper overhang. Cut into squares and dust with more powdered sugar.
  11. 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.