Jelly Nougat Candy: A Sweet Delight for All Occasions

When it comes to candy, few treats can match the delightful combination of textures and flavors found in jelly nougat candy. This unique confectionery blends the chewy, airy texture of nougat with the fruity burst of jelly, creating a sweet experience that is both nostalgic and satisfying. Whether you’re looking to satisfy a sweet tooth, impress guests at a party, or create homemade gifts, jelly nougat candy is a fantastic choice. In this article, we’ll explore nougat, the process of making jelly nougat candy, and provide a detailed recipe to help you create this delicious treat at home.

The Components of Jelly Nougat Candy

1. Nougat Base: The foundation of jelly nougat is the nougat itself, which is typically made from sugar, corn syrup, egg whites, and nuts. The nougat is light, airy, and chewy, providing a satisfying bite.
2. Jelly: The jelly component adds a burst of fruity flavor and a contrasting texture. You can use store-bought jelly or make your own using fresh fruit and sugar.
3. Flavorings: Vanilla extract or other flavorings can enhance the overall taste of the nougat, making it even more delicious.
4. Coating: Many jelly nougat candies are coated in chocolate or powdered sugar, adding an extra layer of sweetness and richness.

Making Jelly Nougat Candy: A Step-by-Step Recipe

For the Nougat

• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup corn syrup
• 1/4 cup water
• 2 large egg whites
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 cup chopped nuts (such as almonds or walnuts)
• 1/2 cup jelly (your choice of flavor, such as raspberry, strawberry, or grape)

For the Coating (Optional)

• 1 cup chocolate chips (milk or dark chocolate)
• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil (for thinning the chocolate)

Instructions

1. Prepare the Pan

1. Line the Pan: Start by lining an 8×8-inch square baking dish with parchment paper, leaving some overhang on the sides for easy removal later. Lightly grease the parchment paper with cooking spray or oil.

2. Make the Nougat

1. Combine Sugar, Corn Syrup, and Water: In a medium saucepan, combine the granulated sugar, corn syrup, and water. Cook over medium heat, stirring until the sugar dissolves.
2. Cook the Syrup: Increase the heat and bring the mixture to a boil. Use a candy thermometer to monitor the temperature. Cook until the syrup reaches 250°F (121°C), known as the hard ball stage.
3. Whip the Egg Whites: While the syrup is cooking, place the egg whites in a mixing bowl. Using an electric mixer, beat the egg whites until stiff peaks form.
4. Combine Syrup and Egg Whites: Once the syrup reaches the desired temperature, carefully pour it in a thin stream into the whipped egg whites while continuing to beat on low speed. Be cautious, as the syrup is extremely hot. Increase the mixer speed to medium-high and continue beating until the mixture is thick and glossy.
5. Add Flavorings and Nuts: Stir in the vanilla extract and chopped nuts until evenly distributed.

3. Incorporate the Jelly

1. Spread the Nougat: Pour half of the nougat mixture into the prepared baking dish and spread it evenly with a spatula.
2. Add the Jelly: Spoon the jelly over the nougat layer, spreading it evenly to cover the surface.
3. Top with Remaining Nougat: Pour the remaining nougat mixture over the jelly layer, smoothing it out to create an even top layer.

4. Set the Candy

1. Cool the Mixture: Allow the nougat to cool at room temperature for about 2-3 hours, or until it is set and firm to the touch.
2. Refrigerate (Optional): For quicker setting, you can place the baking dish in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes.

5. Cut and Coat

1. Remove from Pan: Once set, lift the nougat out of the pan using the parchment paper overhang. Place it on a cutting board.
2. Cut into Pieces: Using a sharp knife, cut the nougat into bite-sized squares or rectangles.
3. Coat with Chocolate (Optional): If you choose to coat the nougat, melt the chocolate chips with vegetable oil in a microwave-safe bowl, stirring until smooth. Dip each piece of nougat into the melted chocolate, allowing any excess to drip off. Place the coated pieces on a parchment-lined tray to set.

6. Store and Enjoy

1. Cool Completely: Allow the chocolate coating to harden at room temperature or in the refrigerator.
2. Store: Store the jelly nougat candy in an airtight container at room temperature. They can last for several weeks, making them perfect for sharing or enjoying at your leisure.

Variations of Jelly Nougat Candy

• Different Jellies: Experiment with various jelly flavors, such as orange, lemon, or mixed berry, to create unique combinations.
• Nut Variations: Try using different nuts, such as pecans or macadamia nuts, for a different texture and flavor.
• Add-Ins: Incorporate dried fruits, such as cranberries or apricots, for added sweetness and chewiness.
• Flavored Nougat: Infuse the nougat with different extracts, such as almond or coconut, to enhance the flavor profile.

READ MORE: The Art of Making Sesame Brittle: A Step-by-Step Guide