When I think of holiday dessert tables from my childhood, one treat stands out among all the others: the elusive Four Ingredient Nougat Bars. These bars, sweet, chewy, and filled with colorful gumdrops, were a special treat that seemed almost magical, reserved for the adults. Now, as I make them in my own kitchen, I understand why they held such a mystique. Simple yet utterly delightful, these nougat bars carry with them a sense of nostalgia, and with just four ingredients, they’re incredibly easy to make.
Whether you’re looking for a nostalgic dessert for a holiday gathering or just a fun treat to share with friends and family, these nougat bars are the perfect solution. Here’s how you can recreate this childhood classic in your own home.
Why You’ll Love These Four Ingredient Nougat Bars
- Quick & Easy: With only four simple ingredients, you can whip up a batch of these nougat bars in no time. No baking required!
- Chewy & Flavorful: The combination of miniature marshmallows, white chocolate chips, and gumdrops creates a chewy, sweet, and slightly tangy flavor that’s irresistible.
- Colorful & Fun: The red and green gumdrops add a festive touch to the bars, making them perfect for holidays, parties, or anytime you want a sweet treat.
- No Special Equipment Needed: You don’t need anything more than a double boiler, a baking dish, and some parchment paper to make this recipe.
Ingredients for Four Ingredient Nougat Bars
Here’s what you’ll need to make these delicious nougat bars:
- 2 packages of miniature marshmallows (this will give your bars the chewy texture they’re known for)
- 2 tablespoons of melted butter (adds richness and helps bind the ingredients together)
- 2 packages of white chocolate chips (these are the key to the creamy, smooth texture of the nougat)
- 1 ½ cups of red and green gumdrops (for the festive, chewy bits that add a burst of color and flavor)
How to Make Four Ingredient Nougat Bars: Step-by-Step
Step 1: Prepare the Gumdrops
Start by halving the gumdrops. This makes it easier to distribute them evenly throughout the nougat mixture, ensuring that each bar has a nice bite of gumdrop in every piece.
Next, line a baking dish (8×8 inches or a similar size) with parchment paper. Make sure to leave some overhang on the sides of the dish, which will make it easier to remove the nougat once it’s set.
Step 2: Melt the Nougat Ingredients
To create the nougat mixture, you’ll need to melt the miniature marshmallows, white chocolate chips, and melted butter together. To do this, set up a makeshift double boiler. Heat a pot of water until it begins to boil, then place a heatproof bowl on top of the pot, ensuring that the bowl doesn’t touch the water.
In the heatproof bowl, combine the marshmallows, white chocolate chips, and melted butter. Stir constantly as the ingredients melt, creating a smooth, homogenous mixture. This should take just a few minutes, and you’ll know it’s ready when it’s fully melted and smooth.
Step 3: Fold in the Gumdrops
Once the mixture is melted, carefully fold the halved gumdrops into the smooth marshmallow-chocolate mixture. Be gentle to avoid breaking up the gumdrops, and make sure they are evenly distributed throughout the mixture. The gumdrops will add color, texture, and a tangy sweetness to each bite of the nougat.
Step 4: Set the Nougat
Now, transfer the nougat mixture into the prepared baking dish. Spread it out evenly with a spatula or spoon, making sure it fills the dish to the edges. Once the mixture is evenly distributed, allow it to set at room temperature.
Patience is key in this step. Let the nougat rest overnight, or for at least a few hours, so that it firms up and reaches the perfect consistency.
Step 5: Slice and Serve
Once the nougat is completely set, use the parchment paper overhang to carefully lift the nougat slab out of the dish. Place it on a cutting board and slice it into bars of your desired size. The bars should be chewy, colorful, and perfectly set, ready for serving.
Tips for Perfect Nougat Bars
- Gumdrop Variations: You can switch out the red and green gumdrops for other colors or flavors if you prefer. Just keep in mind that the gumdrops should be firm enough to hold up in the mixture.
- Storage: These nougat bars will last for several days when stored in an airtight container at room temperature. If you want to keep them longer, you can refrigerate them, but be aware that the texture may become firmer.
- Add-Ins: Feel free to get creative with your nougat bars by adding extra mix-ins like crushed nuts, dried fruit, or even a bit of coconut.
Why This Recipe is a Holiday Tradition
The Four Ingredient Nougat Bars are more than just a treat—they are a sweet piece of nostalgia, evoking memories of the holiday season, family gatherings, and the joy of sharing delicious food with loved ones. With their easy preparation, chewy texture, and festive colors, these bars are a fun, accessible way to add a little extra sweetness to your holidays.
Whether you’re baking for a holiday party, preparing gifts for friends and family, or simply craving a nostalgic treat, these nougat bars will bring a smile to everyone’s face. They may be simple, but they’re packed with flavor and fun.
So next time you’re looking for an easy, no-bake treat, give these Four Ingredient Nougat Bars a try. They’ll take you back to the days of childhood holiday tables and will become a new tradition in your kitchen, too.