Old-Fashioned Gumdrop Nougat Candy
This old-fashioned gumdrop nougat candy is a delightful treat reminiscent of classic holiday sweets. Chewy nougat studded with colorful gumdrops makes for a festive and flavorful confection.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 36 squares
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup light corn syrup
- 1/4 cup water
- 2 egg whites, at room temperature
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup mixed gumdrops, cut into small pieces
- Powdered sugar, for dusting
Instructions
- Line an 8×8 inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on all sides. Dust the parchment paper generously with powdered sugar.
- In a heavy-bottomed saucepan, combine granulated sugar, corn syrup, and water. Cook over medium heat, stirring until sugar is dissolved.
- Continue cooking, without stirring, until the mixture reaches 260°F (127°C) on a candy thermometer (hard-ball stage).
- While the sugar mixture is cooking, beat egg whites with salt in a clean, dry bowl until stiff peaks form.
- Once the sugar mixture reaches 260°F, immediately remove from heat. Slowly pour the hot syrup in a thin stream over the beaten egg whites, beating constantly on medium speed.
- Continue beating until the mixture is thick and glossy, about 5-7 minutes.
- Stir in vanilla extract and gumdrop pieces until evenly distributed.
- Pour the nougat mixture into the prepared pan and spread evenly.
- Dust the top with powdered sugar and let cool completely at room temperature for several hours or overnight.
- Once cooled, lift the nougat out of the pan using the parchment paper overhang. Cut into squares and dust with additional powdered sugar before serving.
Notes
For a festive touch, use holiday-themed gumdrops in red, green, and white. Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week.