If you’ve been craving a sweet treat that’s both delightfully chewy and bursting with flavor, you absolutely must try this Homemade White Chocolate Nougat Bars with Dried Fruits and Nuts Recipe. It’s a luscious blend of creamy white chocolate, tender marshmallows, and the perfect balance of crunchy nuts with sweet, tangy dried fruits folded right in. Whether you want a homemade gift, a delicious snack, or a fancy dessert on the go, these nougat bars hit all the right notes with their rich texture and colorful bite. Trust me, once you try making these at home, you’ll wonder why you haven’t been whipping them up sooner!
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe calls for simple ingredients that you might already have on hand or can find easily, each one contributing layers of flavor and texture. From the silky white chocolate and gooey marshmallows to the vibrant dried fruits and crunchy nuts, every component plays a starring role.
- White chocolate chips (2 cups): Melt down to create the creamy base that gives the bars their luscious, smooth texture.
- Mini marshmallows (2 cups): Add chewiness and a pillowy sweetness that complement the white chocolate perfectly.
- Sweetened condensed milk (1 can, 14 oz): Brings richness and helps bind all the ingredients together into a fudgy nougat.
- Mixed dried fruits (1 cup): Choose a colorful mix like apricots, cherries, pineapple, and papaya for bursts of tangy sweetness in every bite.
- Mixed nuts (1 cup): Use almonds, pistachios, and cashews for a satisfying crunch and a toasty contrast.
- Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): Infuses a delicate warmth and enhances all the other flavors beautifully.
How to Make Homemade White Chocolate Nougat Bars with Dried Fruits and Nuts Recipe
Step 1: Prep Your Dried Fruits and Nuts
Start by chopping your dried fruits and nuts into smaller pieces. This helps distribute their flavors evenly throughout the nougat bars and ensures every bite gets the perfect balance of chew and crunch. Aim for bite-sized bits so they blend seamlessly with the creamy white chocolate mixture.
Step 2: Melt the White Chocolate and Condensed Milk
In a large microwave-safe bowl, combine the white chocolate chips and the sweetened condensed milk. Heat the mixture in 30-second bursts, stirring after each to prevent scorching. Keep going until it’s completely smooth and glossy—this molten base is the heart of your nougat, so take your time to get it just right.
Step 3: Incorporate Marshmallows and Vanilla
Once your white chocolate mixture is warm and smooth, stir in the mini marshmallows along with the vanilla extract. Keep stirring gently until the marshmallows just begin to melt, adding softness and that signature chewiness that makes nougat so irresistible. The mixture will become wonderfully thick and sticky, perfect for holding everything together.
Step 4: Fold in Fruits and Nuts
Now, it’s time to bring in the sweet and crunchy elements. Carefully fold the chopped dried fruits and nuts into the mixture, making sure they’re spread evenly. This step is where your bars start to take shape, combining creamy, chewy, fruity, and nutty textures into one harmonious batch.
Step 5: Set the Nougat in a Pan
Line a 9×9 inch baking pan with parchment paper to prevent sticking, then pour your nougat mixture into it. Use a spatula to smooth the top evenly. Getting it level helps with neat, uniform bars once it’s set.
Step 6: Chill Until Firm
Pop the pan into the fridge and let the nougat chill for at least two hours. This step is essential to let everything firm up so you can slice clean bars that hold their shape. The wait can be hard, but the reward is totally worth it!
Step 7: Slice and Enjoy
Once firm, lift the nougat out of the pan using the parchment paper and lay it on a cutting board. Cut into approximately 16 bars or squares, depending on your preferred size. The bars should be chewy, packed with white chocolate, and studded with bright fruits and crunchy nuts in every bite.
How to Serve Homemade White Chocolate Nougat Bars with Dried Fruits and Nuts Recipe
Garnishes
For an attractive finishing touch, consider sprinkling extra chopped pistachios or a few whole dried cherries on top just before chilling. This adds a pop of color and an inviting texture that makes your bars look as incredible as they taste.
Side Dishes
These nougat bars pair beautifully with a cup of fresh coffee or tea, making them a perfect afternoon pick-me-up. You can also serve them alongside fresh fruit or a scoop of vanilla ice cream as a fun twist on dessert.
Creative Ways to Present
Wrap individual bars in parchment paper tied with twine for gifting, or stack them on a pretty platter lined with edible flowers or colorful napkins when serving guests. For a party, arrange bite-sized nougat pieces on a festive charcuterie board alongside chocolates, cheeses, and nuts for a stunning spread.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store your nougat bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. Make sure they are kept in a cool, dry place to maintain their chewy texture and to prevent the white chocolate from melting or blooming.
Freezing
If you want to keep these bars longer, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe container or bag. They freeze well for up to three months. Thaw at room temperature before serving for the best texture and flavor.
Reheating
Generally, these nougat bars are best enjoyed chilled or at room temperature, but if you prefer them a bit softer, you can warm them slightly in the microwave for 5 to 10 seconds. Be very careful to avoid overheating as the white chocolate can quickly become grainy.
FAQs
Can I use other types of chocolate in this nougat recipe?
Absolutely! While white chocolate provides a creamy sweetness that’s classic here, you could experiment with milk or dark chocolate for a different flavor profile. Just keep in mind that melting times and texture might slightly vary.
What kind of dried fruits work best?
Use a colorful mix like dried apricots, cherries, pineapple, and papaya for a lively taste and appealing look. You can also try dried cranberries, figs, or raisins based on your preferences. Make sure the fruits are soft and not overly tough to chew.
Do I need special equipment to make nougat bars?
No special gear is needed! Just a microwave-safe bowl, spatula, baking pan, and some parchment paper. This makes the Homemade White Chocolate Nougat Bars with Dried Fruits and Nuts Recipe wonderfully accessible for a quick, no-fuss sweet treat.
Can I substitute regular marshmallows for mini marshmallows?
Mini marshmallows melt more evenly and blend better in this recipe, but if you only have regular marshmallows, chop them into smaller pieces before mixing in to help them incorporate smoothly.
How do I prevent the nougat from sticking to the pan?
Always line your baking pan with parchment paper, extending the sides so you can easily lift the set nougat out. Lightly greasing the parchment paper is optional but can help make removal even easier.
Final Thoughts
I can’t recommend this Homemade White Chocolate Nougat Bars with Dried Fruits and Nuts Recipe enough if you’re looking to brighten up your snack game with something both elegant and easy to make. It’s a perfect blend of creamy, chewy, crunchy, and fruity that feels luxurious without any complicated steps. Once you try making these bars, they’ll become your go-to treat for sharing, gifting, or enjoying any time you want a little homemade happiness.
Print
Homemade White Chocolate Nougat Bars with Dried Fruits and Nuts Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 16 bars
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This homemade nougat bars recipe offers a deliciously chewy and sweet treat combining white chocolate, mini marshmallows, dried fruits, and nuts. Easy to prepare with no baking required, these bars are perfect for snacking or gifting.
Ingredients
Base Ingredients
- 2 cups white chocolate chips (or chopped white chocolate)
- 1 can (14 oz) sweetened condensed milk
- 2 cups mini marshmallows
- 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
- Chop Ingredients: Chop the dried fruits and nuts into small pieces to ensure they are evenly distributed in the nougat mixture and easier to bite into.
- Melt Chocolate Mixture: In a large microwave-safe bowl, combine white chocolate chips and sweetened condensed milk. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring thoroughly after each interval until the mixture is smooth and fully melted.
- Add Marshmallows and Vanilla: Stir in the mini marshmallows and vanilla extract until the marshmallows start to melt and fully incorporate into the chocolate mixture, creating a creamy texture.
- Fold in Fruits and Nuts: Gently fold in the chopped dried fruits and nuts until they are well mixed throughout the nougat base, ensuring an even distribution in every bite.
- Prepare Pan and Pour Mixture: Line a 9×9 inch baking pan with parchment paper. Pour the nougat mixture into the pan and spread it evenly to ensure uniform thickness.
- Refrigerate to Set: Place the pan in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours to allow the nougat bars to firm up and become easier to cut.
- Cut into Bars: Once set, carefully lift the nougat block from the pan using the parchment paper. Cut into approximately 16 bars or squares and serve.
Notes
- Use high-quality white chocolate for the best flavor and texture.
- You can customize the dried fruits and nuts based on preference or availability.
- Store nougat bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator to keep them fresh.
- Allow the bars to come to room temperature before serving for a softer chew.
- This recipe requires no baking, making it quick and easy for any skill level.
