If you are someone who loves a sweet treat that is both chewy and delightfully rich, this Homemade White Chocolate Nougat Bars with Dried Fruits and Nuts Recipe is going to become your new favorite. Imagine a perfect blend of smooth white chocolate, gooey marshmallows, and the satisfying crunch of nuts paired with the naturally sweet and tangy pop of dried fruits. Every bite melts in your mouth and leaves you craving just one more bar. It’s an irresistible combination that’s also easy and fun to make at home for gatherings, gifting, or simply treating yourself.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting started on this Homemade White Chocolate Nougat Bars with Dried Fruits and Nuts Recipe is a breeze because the ingredients are simple yet essential to creating the perfect texture and flavor. Each component plays a crucial role, from the creamy white chocolate that forms the base to the chewy marshmallows that add softness, and finally, the dried fruits and nuts that give you bursts of flavor and a delightful crunch.
- White chocolate chips (2 cups): Use good quality white chocolate or chop a white chocolate bar for a silky, smooth base with rich sweetness.
- Mini marshmallows (2 cups): These create a wonderfully gooey texture that makes the nougat so delightfully chewy.
- Sweetened condensed milk (1 can, 14 oz): Adds creamy sweetness and helps hold the nougat together perfectly.
- Mixed dried fruits (1 cup): Choose a colorful mix such as apricots, cherries, pineapple, and papaya for natural sweetness and variety.
- Mixed nuts (1 cup): A crunchy mix like almonds, pistachios, and cashews gives that satisfying bite and nutty flavor contrast.
- Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): Enhances the overall sweetness and adds a warm, comforting aroma.
How to Make Homemade White Chocolate Nougat Bars with Dried Fruits and Nuts Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Ingredients
Start by chopping the dried fruits and nuts into small, bite-sized pieces. This helps distribute the flavors evenly throughout the nougat bars and ensures every mouthful is packed with delightful bits of sweet and crunch.
Step 2: Melt White Chocolate and Condensed Milk
In a large microwave-safe bowl, combine the white chocolate chips and the can of sweetened condensed milk. Heat the mixture in 30-second intervals, stirring well after each interval, until the chocolate is fully melted, and the mixture is smooth. This step is crucial for achieving that creamy texture that defines the nougat base.
Step 3: Add Marshmallows and Vanilla
Once your chocolate and milk mixture is silky-smooth, stir in the mini marshmallows and vanilla extract. Keep stirring until you notice the marshmallows starting to melt and blend into the mixture, creating a luscious, sticky consistency that’ll help bind the bars together beautifully.
Step 4: Mix in Fruits and Nuts
Fold in the chopped dried fruits and nuts gently but thoroughly. The goal is to ensure an even distribution without breaking up the nuts too much, giving each bar the perfect balance of chewy and crunchy in every bite.
Step 5: Pour and Set
Line a 9×9 inch baking pan with parchment paper, then pour your nougat mixture into the pan. Use a spatula to spread it out evenly to create uniform bars. This simple step sets the foundation for those neat blocks of nougat you’ll cut later.
Step 6: Chill and Cut
Place your pan in the refrigerator and chill for at least two hours, allowing the nougat to firm up completely. Once set, lift the nougat from the pan using the edges of the parchment paper, then cut it into bars or squares of your desired size. And just like that, you’ve crafted irresistible homemade nougat bars.
How to Serve Homemade White Chocolate Nougat Bars with Dried Fruits and Nuts Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkle a few whole nuts or dried fruit pieces on the top of each bar before chilling for a beautiful visual appeal and an extra burst of flavor when served. You can also dust them lightly with cocoa powder or drizzle some melted dark chocolate for a striking contrast to the creamy white chocolate base.
Side Dishes
These nougat bars make an excellent pairing with a warm cup of coffee or tea — the richness of the bars complements the bitterness of a dark roast beautifully. They also pair wonderfully with fresh fruit or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an indulgent dessert experience that’s both sophisticated and comforting.
Creative Ways to Present
For a festive occasion, wrap each bar individually in parchment paper tied with a ribbon for gifting. You can also cut the bars into bite-sized pieces and arrange them on a decorative platter with assorted nuts and dried fruits around to impress your guests. Another fun idea is to sandwich two bars together with a thin spread of Nutella or fruit jam for a decadent treat.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
You can store your Homemade White Chocolate Nougat Bars with Dried Fruits and Nuts Recipe in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. If it’s warm in your kitchen, keeping them in the refrigerator helps maintain their shape and freshness without compromising their chewy texture.
Freezing
If you want to keep these bars longer, freezing is a great option. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and then place them in an airtight container or freezer bag. They’ll keep well in the freezer for up to two months. When ready to eat, just thaw them in the fridge overnight.
Reheating
Reheating is not usually necessary for nougat bars since they’re best enjoyed at room temperature or chilled. However, if you prefer a softer texture, you can warm them gently in the microwave for 10 to 15 seconds. Be careful not to overheat, or the white chocolate may melt too much and lose its structure.
FAQs
Can I substitute the white chocolate with dark or milk chocolate?
Absolutely! While white chocolate gives a lovely creamy sweetness ideal for this recipe, you can use dark or milk chocolate instead for a richer, slightly less sweet nougat. Just be mindful that the flavor profile and color will change accordingly.
What dried fruits work best in the nougat bars?
You want fruits that have a good balance of sweetness and chewiness. Apricots, cherries, pineapple, papaya, and cranberries are excellent choices. Avoid overly dry or hard fruits as they can make the texture less pleasant.
Can I use salted nuts in this recipe?
It’s best to use unsalted nuts so the sweetness of the nougat shines through without interference. If you like a hint of saltiness, lightly toast unsalted nuts with a pinch of salt beforehand and then add them to the mixture.
How do I ensure my nougat bars set properly?
Patience is key! Make sure the bars chill for at least two hours or until completely firm before cutting. Using a parchment-lined pan and evenly spreading the mixture helps the bars set consistently.
Are these nougat bars gluten-free?
Yes! As long as your dried fruits and nuts are free from any gluten-containing additives, this recipe is naturally gluten-free and safe for those with gluten sensitivities.
Final Thoughts
This Homemade White Chocolate Nougat Bars with Dried Fruits and Nuts Recipe is truly a joyful discovery for anyone who loves rich, chewy, and flavorful treats. The simplicity of the ingredients and the straightforward steps make it an accessible project for bakers of all skill levels. Once you try these bars, I’m confident they’ll become a beloved staple in your sweets collection, perfect for sharing or savoring all by yourself. So grab your ingredients and dive into this delicious, satisfying adventure!
Print
Homemade White Chocolate Nougat Bars with Dried Fruits and Nuts Recipe
- Total Time: 2 hours 25 minutes
- Yield: 16 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Homemade Nougat Bars are a deliciously chewy treat packed with white chocolate, marshmallows, dried fruits, and nuts. Easy to prepare with no baking required, they offer a sweet, nutty flavor perfect for snacking or gifting during the holidays.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 cups white chocolate chips (or chopped white chocolate)
- 2 cups mini marshmallows
- 1 can (14 oz) sweetened condensed milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Add-ins
- 1 cup mixed dried fruits (such as dried apricots, cherries, pineapple, and papaya), chopped
- 1 cup mixed nuts (such as almonds, pistachios, and cashews), chopped
Instructions
- Prepare Ingredients: Chop the dried fruits and mixed nuts into small, bite-sized pieces to ensure they blend well into the nougat mixture.
- Melt White Chocolate: In a large microwave-safe bowl, combine the white chocolate chips and sweetened condensed milk. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring thoroughly after each, until the mixture is smooth and fully melted.
- Add Marshmallows and Vanilla: Stir in the mini marshmallows and vanilla extract. Continue mixing until the marshmallows start to melt and incorporate into the chocolate mixture.
- Mix in Fruits and Nuts: Gently fold the chopped dried fruits and nuts evenly into the melted mixture, ensuring every bite will have a good amount of these flavorful additions.
- Pour into Pan: Line a 9×9 inch baking pan with parchment paper for easy removal. Pour the nougat mixture into the pan and spread it evenly to the edges.
- Chill and Set: Place the pan in the refrigerator and chill for at least 2 hours or until the nougat is firm and set completely.
- Cut into Bars: Once the nougat is fully set, carefully lift it out of the pan using the parchment paper and cut into bars or squares of your preferred size.
Notes
- For a firmer texture, refrigerate overnight before cutting.
- You can swap dried fruits and nuts to your preference or availability.
- Store nougat bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two weeks.
- If you don’t have a microwave, melt the chocolate and condensed milk over a double boiler on the stovetop.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
