Easy Old-Fashioned Gumdrop Nougat Candy: A Joyful Treat!

Hi, friends! It’s Juliette from Busy Mom Simple Nutrition. Let’s chat about something sweet that also brings a little nourishment to our families: Old-Fashioned Gumdrop Nougat Candy. I know, I know – candy isn’t usually the first thing we think of when we’re aiming for healthy, but hear me out. This Old-Fashioned Gumdrop Nougat Candy can be a fun way to add a little joy to the holidays, and with a few tweaks, we can make it a slightly less guilty pleasure.

I first made this Old-Fashioned Gumdrop Nougat Candy a few years ago when my kids were begging for something sweet during the holidays. I wanted to avoid the overly processed stuff, so I went on a hunt for something homemade. I found a vintage gumdrop nougat recipe and decided to give it a try. The first batch was a bit of a disaster – too sticky! But I tweaked it, played with the ingredients, and now I have a version that my family loves.

What makes this Old-Fashioned Gumdrop Nougat Candy a nutrition win? Well, you control the ingredients! You can choose higher-quality gumdrops, use honey instead of corn syrup, and even add some nuts or seeds for extra protein and healthy fats. Plus, making it together is a great family activity.

I’m all about sanity-saving nutrition, and that means finding ways to balance treats with healthier choices. This Old-Fashioned Gumdrop Nougat Candy is definitely a treat, but it’s one we can feel a little better about sharing (and enjoying!) with our families. I’m here for all my fellow busy moms seeking simple nutrition. Let’s make some candy!

• 3 cups granulated sugar
• ¾ cup light corn syrup
• ¾ cup water
• 2 large egg whites
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 cup chopped mixed gumdrops
• ½ cup chopped nuts (optional – I like almonds or walnuts)
• Powdered sugar for dusting

Trust me, this Old-Fashioned Gumdrop Nougat Candy ingredient list is simple because busy moms need nutrition without complexity! No worries if you don’t have light corn syrup – I sometimes use honey for extra nutrients in my Old-Fashioned Gumdrop Nougat Candy. The honey gives it a slightly different flavor, but it’s still delicious. You can find these wholesome ingredients at your regular grocery store.

This Old-Fashioned Gumdrop Nougat Candy proves nutritious doesn’t mean expensive. I like to buy gumdrops in bulk around the holidays to save money. My family gets extra nutrition when I add a mix of nuts and seeds. It adds a nice crunch and a boost of protein. Here’s a Old-Fashioned Gumdrop Nougat Candy nutrition hack that changed our family’s health: use natural food coloring to make the candy even more festive without artificial dyes.

You can even prep the gumdrops and nuts ahead of time. Chop them up and store them in an airtight container until you’re ready to start cooking. A little prep goes a long way when you’re juggling a million things! Remember, simplicity is key when it comes to sanity-saving nutrition. Let’s get started!

1. Prepare your pan: Lightly grease an 8×8 inch square pan and dust it with powdered sugar. This will prevent the Old-Fashioned Gumdrop Nougat Candy from sticking.
2. Cook the sugar: In a medium saucepan, combine the sugar, corn syrup (or honey), and water. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the sugar is dissolved.
3. Boil the mixture: Once the sugar is dissolved, stop stirring and bring the mixture to a boil. Use a candy thermometer to monitor the temperature. You want it to reach 260°F (hard-ball stage).
4. Whisk the egg whites: While the sugar mixture is cooking, beat the egg whites with salt in a large bowl until stiff peaks form.
5. Slowly pour the sugar: Once the sugar mixture reaches 260°F, immediately remove it from the heat. Slowly pour the hot sugar mixture in a thin stream over the beaten egg whites, while continuing to beat on high speed.
6. Beat until thick: Continue beating the mixture until it becomes thick and glossy. This will take about 5-7 minutes. Your Old-Fashioned Gumdrop Nougat Candy should smell nourishing by now!
7. Stir in vanilla: Stir in the vanilla extract.
8. Add gumdrops and nuts: Quickly fold in the chopped gumdrops and nuts (if using). Work quickly, as the mixture will start to set up fast.
9. Pour into the pan: Immediately pour the mixture into the prepared pan and spread it evenly.
10. Cool completely: Let the Old-Fashioned Gumdrop Nougat Candy cool completely at room temperature. This will take several hours, or you can speed it up by placing it in the refrigerator.
11. Cut and serve: Once the nougat is firm, dust the top with powdered sugar. Cut it into squares and serve.

Here’s where I used to struggle with my Old-Fashioned Gumdrop Nougat Candy – learn from my experience! I’d often rush the cooling process, which resulted in a sticky mess. Patience is key! In my busy kitchen, this nutritious Old-Fashioned Gumdrop Nougat Candy usually takes about 30 minutes of active time, plus a few hours of cooling. Perfect time to prep tomorrow’s lunch! Don’t worry if your Old-Fashioned Gumdrop Nougat Candy looks a little uneven when you pour it into the pan. Just do your best to spread it out, and it will still taste amazing.

While your Old-Fashioned Gumdrop Nougat Candy is cooking, take a moment to appreciate nourishing your family! One of my favorite nutrition shortcuts is to double the batch and freeze half for later. It’s a sanity-saver during those busy weeks.

My family loves this nutritious Old-Fashioned Gumdrop Nougat Candy as a special treat during the holidays. I often serve it with a side of fresh fruit, like berries or sliced apples, to balance out the sweetness. The kids devour this nutritious Old-Fashioned Gumdrop Nougat Candy when I serve it with a glass of milk. It’s the perfect combination of treat and healthy protein.

This Old-Fashioned Gumdrop Nougat Candy is perfect for those busy weeknights when we need good nutrition fast! I like to cut it into small squares and pack it in my kids’ lunchboxes as a surprise treat. It’s a fun way to add a little joy to their day.

For presentation, I like to arrange the Old-Fashioned Gumdrop Nougat Candy on a pretty plate and dust it generously with powdered sugar. It makes it look extra festive and appealing. If you have any leftover nougat (which is rare in my house!), you can store it in an airtight container at room temperature for several days.

I’ve also experimented with different seasonal variations. One year, I added chopped cranberries and pistachios for a Christmas-themed nougat. It was a big hit! My friends always rave about how much better homemade Old-Fashioned Gumdrop Nougat Candy is compared to store-bought versions. They’re always surprised at how easy it is to make. This nutritious Old-Fashioned Gumdrop Nougat Candy reminds me of another family-healthy favorite, the Candy Corn Poke Cake.

It’s definitely a treat, not a meal replacement, but you can make it more nutritious by using honey instead of corn syrup, adding nuts and seeds, and choosing gumdrops with natural fruit flavors.

Try cutting it into fun shapes or letting them help you make it. Sometimes, kids are more likely to try something if they’ve been involved in the process. You could also check the Facebook groups on substitutes, like this Facebook group for gummy bear or Life Saver gummy substitutes for nougat candy?

Yes! You can make it ahead of time and store it in an airtight container at room temperature for several days. You can also freeze it for longer storage.

Make sure to grease the pan thoroughly and dust it with powdered sugar. You can also line the pan with parchment paper for extra insurance.

This usually means that the sugar mixture didn’t reach the hard-ball stage. Use a candy thermometer to ensure accurate temperature readings. The full recipe is also available at sites like mytastyrecipe.com.

Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with different nuts like pecans, walnuts, or almonds. You can also use a mix of nuts for added flavor and texture.

Yes, you can easily omit the nuts if you have allergies or simply don’t like them. The nougat will still be delicious! If your kids love this wholesome recipe, they’ll go crazy for Martha Washington Candy.

This Old-Fashioned Gumdrop Nougat Candy supports my family’s nutrition goals by allowing us to enjoy a sweet treat while still controlling the ingredients and adding some extra nutrients.

1. Use honey instead of corn syrup: This adds a touch of natural sweetness and some extra antioxidants.
2. Add nuts and seeds: This boosts the protein and healthy fats, making it a more satisfying treat.
3. Choose natural gumdrops: Look for gumdrops made with natural fruit flavors and colors.

1. Cranberry Pistachio Nougat: Add chopped cranberries and pistachios for a festive holiday twist.
2. Chocolate Chip Nougat: Fold in chocolate chips for a decadent treat.
3. Peanut Butter Nougat: Swirl in peanut butter for a creamy and flavorful nougat.

My kids prefer the chocolate chip version, while I love the cranberry pistachio nougat. For more simple nutrition ideas for busy families, check out this Easy Christmas Gumdrop Nougat Candy recipe on A Pretty Life In The Suburbs! I encourage you to make this recipe your own and experiment with different flavors and ingredients. Remember, sanity-saving nutrition is all about finding what works best for your family.

I hope you enjoy making this Old-Fashioned Gumdrop Nougat Candy with your family. May your kitchen be filled with laughter, love, and the sweet aroma of homemade treats!