Yesss, chewy homemade nougat bars are an old-school sweet treat that hit all the nostalgic candy-shop vibes—soft, sticky, nutty, and melt-in-your-mouth dreamy. Think of a cross between a 3 Musketeers bar and torrone, but homemade and so much better.
🍬 Chewy Homemade Nougat Bars
Soft, sweet, with just the right amount of chew.
Makes: 24 small bars
Prep Time: 20 min
Cook Time: 15 min
Set Time: 2–3 hours (or overnight for best texture)
🛒 Ingredients
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2 cups granulated sugar
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1 cup light corn syrup
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¼ cup water
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2 large egg whites, room temp
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½ tsp salt
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1½ tsp vanilla extract
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2 tbsp unsalted butter, softened
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2–3 cups mix-ins: roasted nuts (almonds, peanuts, pistachios), chopped dried fruit, mini marshmallows, or chocolate chips
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Optional: rice paper or melted chocolate for coating
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Parchment paper for lining
👨🍳 Directions
1. Prep your setup:
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Line a 9×9” pan with parchment paper (spray it lightly too).
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If you have edible rice paper, line bottom and top with that for classic style.
2. Start the syrup:
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In a heavy saucepan, combine sugar, corn syrup, and water.
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Bring to a boil over medium heat, stirring until sugar dissolves.
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Once boiling, stop stirring. Use a candy thermometer and heat to 250°F (hard ball stage).
3. Whip the egg whites:
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While syrup is heating, beat egg whites and salt in a stand mixer until soft peaks form.
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Once syrup hits 250°F, slowly stream it into the egg whites with the mixer on medium speed.
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After all the syrup is added, increase to high and beat for 6–8 minutes until glossy and thick.
4. Flavor it & mix it:
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Beat in vanilla and softened butter until smooth.
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Quickly fold in nuts, chocolate, or other add-ins (the mixture sets fast!).
5. Pour & press:
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Scrape into prepared pan and spread evenly (grease a spatula or hands—it’s sticky!).
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Press rice paper on top if using.
6. Let it set:
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Cool at room temp for at least 2–3 hours, or overnight for best firmness.
7. Cut & store:
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Use a sharp knife sprayed with oil to cut into bars or squares.
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Wrap individually in wax paper or store in an airtight container.
✨ Variations:
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Chocolate Dipped: Once set, dip bars in melted dark or milk chocolate.
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Holiday style: Add chopped red/green cherries and pistachios for a festive flair.
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Peanut butter twist: Swirl in 2 tbsp peanut butter before adding mix-ins.
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Marshmallow nougat: Fold in mini marshmallows and crushed graham crackers for s’mores vibes.
Let me know if you want a soft, fluffy nougat like candy bars, or a firmer, Italian-style nougat (torrone)!