Let’s embark on a sweet kitchen adventure together, fellow flavor seekers! I’m so excited to share a recipe that has sweetened countless family gatherings: Old-Fashioned Gumdrop Nougat Candy. This isn’t just any candy; it’s a delightful blend of chewy nougat and colorful gumdrops, a treat that evokes childhood memories and creates new ones. The best part? It’s simpler to make than you might think, and the authentic flavors are well worth the effort.
The beauty of this Old-Fashioned Gumdrop Nougat Candy lies in its ability to transport you back to simpler times. I remember my grandmother making this every Christmas, and the aroma alone was enough to fill our home with warmth and joy. It’s amazing how a simple candy can create such a powerful connection.
I know many of you are seeking ways to bring your families closer through wholesome, flavorful meals, and this recipe is a perfect fit. The process of making Old-Fashioned Gumdrop Nougat Candy together can be just as rewarding as enjoying the finished product. Plus, it’s a fantastic way to get kids involved in the kitchen!
This recipe has been perfected over years of kitchen adventures, tweaking the ingredients and techniques to achieve that perfect balance of sweetness and chewiness. There’s something incredibly satisfying about creating a treat from scratch that your family will absolutely love. The goal is always authentic flavor, not complexity.
For those new to candy making, don’t worry! I’ll guide you through each step with clear instructions and plenty of helpful tips. We’ll focus on using quality ingredients and simple techniques to achieve that classic nougat texture and flavor.
I invite you to join me in creating this delightful Old-Fashioned Gumdrop Nougat Candy, a treat that will not only satisfy your sweet tooth but also bring a touch of nostalgia and joy to your home. Let’s create some sweet memories together!
INGREDIENTS You’ll Need:
Here’s what you’ll need to whip up a batch of this delightful Old-Fashioned Gumdrop Nougat Candy. Trust me, this Old-Fashioned Gumdrop Nougat Candy ingredient list focuses on quality over quantity for authentic flavors!
- 3 cups granulated sugar: The foundation of our sweet treat, providing the perfect level of sweetness.
- ¾ cup light corn syrup: This helps to create a smooth, chewy texture in your nougat.
- ¾ cup water: Essential for dissolving the sugar and creating the right consistency.
- 3 egg whites: Beaten to stiff peaks, these add lightness and airiness to the nougat.
- ½ teaspoon salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances the other flavors.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Adds a warm, classic flavor to the nougat.
- 1 cup mixed gumdrops, coarsely chopped: The star of the show, adding color and a chewy, fruity element. You can find the freshest ingredients for this Old-Fashioned Gumdrop Nougat Candy at your local candy store or even online.
- Powdered sugar: For dusting your work surface and the finished candy to prevent sticking.
For the best flavor in your Old-Fashioned Gumdrop Nougat Candy, I recommend sourcing high-quality vanilla extract. You’ll find the freshest ingredients for this Old-Fashioned Gumdrop Nougat Candy at your local grocery store or specialty food shop.
You can also experiment with different types of gumdrops to customize the flavor. My family loves when I add a mix of spice drops and fruit slices to our Old-Fashioned Gumdrop Nougat Candy for an extra burst of flavor! This Old-Fashioned Gumdrop Nougat Candy proves that authentic flavor comes from thoughtful ingredient choices.
Remember, the quality of your ingredients will directly impact the flavor of your Old-Fashioned Gumdrop Nougat Candy. So, take the time to select the best possible ingredients, and you’ll be rewarded with a truly delicious treat. Trust me, this Old-Fashioned Gumdrop Nougat Candy ingredient list focuses on quality over quantity for authentic flavors!
You can also explore Fruity Gumdrop Nougat Candy – Savvy Saving Couple.
Let’s Create This Together!
Now for the fun part! Let’s walk through the steps to create this amazing Old-Fashioned Gumdrop Nougat Candy. It might seem a bit intimidating at first, but trust me, it’s totally doable with a little patience and attention to detail.
- Prepare Your Workspace: First, lightly grease an 8×8 inch baking pan and dust it with powdered sugar. This will prevent the Old-Fashioned Gumdrop Nougat Candy from sticking.
- Combine Sugar, Corn Syrup, and Water: In a heavy-bottomed saucepan, combine the granulated sugar, corn syrup, and water. Stir until the sugar is dissolved.
- Cook to Hard-Ball Stage: Place the saucepan over medium heat and cook, without stirring, until the mixture reaches the hard-ball stage (250-265°F) on a candy thermometer. This is a crucial step, so keep a close eye on the temperature! In my kitchen, this flavorful Old-Fashioned Gumdrop Nougat Candy typically takes about 15-20 minutes to reach this stage.
- Beat Egg Whites: While the sugar mixture is cooking, beat the egg whites with salt in a large bowl until stiff peaks form. Perfect time to appreciate the aromatic transformation!
- Slowly Pour Hot Syrup into Egg Whites: Once the sugar mixture reaches the hard-ball stage, remove it from the heat. Slowly and carefully pour the hot syrup into the beaten egg whites, beating constantly with an electric mixer. Be extremely careful, as the syrup is very hot!
- Continue Beating: Continue beating the mixture until it becomes thick and glossy. This may take several minutes. Don’t be surprised if your Old-Fashioned Gumdrop Nougat Candy develops a beautiful, creamy texture as you beat it.
- Add Vanilla and Gumdrops: Stir in the vanilla extract and the chopped gumdrops. Make sure the gumdrops are evenly distributed throughout the nougat.
- Pour into Prepared Pan: Pour the mixture into the prepared baking pan and spread it evenly.
- Dust with Powdered Sugar: Dust the top of the nougat with powdered sugar to prevent sticking.
- Let Cool Completely: Allow the Old-Fashioned Gumdrop Nougat Candy to cool completely at room temperature, which may take several hours. This is important for achieving the right texture.
- Cut and Serve: Once the nougat is firm, cut it into squares and serve. Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature. Your Old-Fashioned Gumdrop Nougat Candy should fill the kitchen with amazing aromas by now
Here’s where I used to miss a key step with my Old-Fashioned Gumdrop Nougat Candy – learn from my experience! I’ve found that using a candy thermometer is essential for achieving the correct texture.
While your Old-Fashioned Gumdrop Nougat Candy is developing these flavors, take a moment to appreciate creating something special for your family! My family loves it when I add a touch of almond extract along with the vanilla. Also you can explore this candy recipe Old Fashioned Gumdrop Nougat Candy –
How We Love to Enjoy This!
This Old-Fashioned Gumdrop Nougat Candy isn’t just a treat; it’s a tradition. My family and I have so many ways to enjoy it, and I’m excited to share some of our favorites with you.
One of our favorite ways to enjoy this Old-Fashioned Gumdrop Nougat Candy is during the holidays. It’s a staple on our Christmas dessert table, alongside other family favorites. The family gathers quickly when this aromatic Old-Fashioned Gumdrop Nougat Candy appears with a cup of hot cocoa!
We also love to bring this Old-Fashioned Gumdrop Nougat Candy to potlucks and gatherings. It’s always a hit, and people are always surprised that it’s homemade. It’s perfect for those evenings when we want something truly satisfying!
For a simple yet elegant presentation, I like to arrange the cut squares of Old-Fashioned Gumdrop Nougat Candy on a platter and dust them with a bit more powdered sugar. This adds a touch of sophistication and makes them even more appealing.
Leftovers (if there are any!) can be chopped up and added to ice cream or used as a topping for cupcakes. This is a great way to use up any extra Old-Fashioned Gumdrop Nougat Candy and add a bit of fun to other desserts. Because good cooks waste nothing!
I’ve also experimented with seasonal variations of this Old-Fashioned Gumdrop Nougat Candy. In the fall, I add a pinch of cinnamon and nutmeg to the nougat for a warm, spicy flavor. In the spring, I use pastel-colored gumdrops to create a festive Easter treat.
No matter how we enjoy it, this Old-Fashioned Gumdrop Nougat Candy always brings a smile to our faces. It’s a simple treat with a big impact, and I hope it becomes a tradition in your family as well! You can also try Candy Corn Poke Cake.
FAQs: Your Questions Answered
I know many of you might have questions about making this Old-Fashioned Gumdrop Nougat Candy, so I’ve compiled a list of frequently asked questions to help you along the way.
- Does this Old-Fashioned Gumdrop Nougat Candy really satisfy hearty appetites?
Absolutely! The combination of chewy nougat and sweet gumdrops makes it a satisfying treat that’s perfect for any sweet tooth. - What if I don’t have a candy thermometer?
A candy thermometer is highly recommended for this recipe, as it ensures the sugar syrup reaches the correct temperature. However, if you don’t have one, you can use the cold-water test. Drop a small amount of the syrup into a bowl of cold water. If it forms a hard, easily pliable ball, it’s ready. - Can I use different types of gumdrops?
Yes! Feel free to experiment with different types of gumdrops to create your own unique flavor combinations. Spice drops, fruit slices, and even sugar-free gumdrops can be used. - How can I prevent the nougat from sticking to the pan?
Greasing the pan and dusting it with powdered sugar is crucial for preventing the nougat from sticking. You can also line the pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang for easy removal. - What if someone in my family prefers milder flavors in their Old-Fashioned Gumdrop Nougat Candy?
You can reduce the amount of vanilla extract or use milder-flavored gumdrops. Alternatively, you can make a separate batch with different flavorings to cater to everyone’s preferences. - How can I prepare this Old-Fashioned Gumdrop Nougat Candy ahead for busy weeks?
This Old-Fashioned Gumdrop Nougat Candy can be made a few days in advance and stored in an airtight container at room temperature. Just make sure it’s completely cooled before storing. - Can I add nuts or other ingredients to the nougat?
Yes, you can add nuts, dried fruit, or other ingredients to the nougat along with the gumdrops. Just make sure they are chopped into small pieces. Homemade Brach’s Nougat Candy Recipe with Gumdrop Variations. - What is the best way to cut the nougat into squares?
A sharp, lightly greased knife works best for cutting the nougat into squares. You can also use a pizza cutter for a more even cut.
I hope these FAQs have answered some of your questions and given you the confidence to try this Old-Fashioned Gumdrop Nougat Candy recipe. Remember, cooking is all about experimenting and having fun, so don’t be afraid to get creative and make it your own!
Final Kitchen Wisdom:
This Old-Fashioned Gumdrop Nougat Candy is more than just a recipe; it’s a way to connect with family and create lasting memories. It supports my family’s authentic meal goals by providing a simple, wholesome treat that everyone loves.
- Quality Vanilla: Using a high-quality vanilla extract makes a world of difference in the flavor of the nougat.
- Fresh Gumdrops: Choose fresh, soft gumdrops for the best texture and flavor.
- Candy Thermometer: Investing in a candy thermometer ensures the sugar syrup reaches the correct temperature, resulting in a perfectly chewy nougat.
- Chocolate Chip Nougat: Add ½ cup of mini chocolate chips to the nougat along with the gumdrops for a chocolatey twist.
- Peanut Butter Nougat: Stir in ¼ cup of peanut butter to the nougat for a nutty, savory flavor. My son, Timmy, loves peanut butter!
- Cranberry-Pistachio Nougat: Replace the gumdrops with ½ cup of dried cranberries and ¼ cup of chopped pistachios for a festive holiday treat.
I encourage you to make this Old-Fashioned Gumdrop Nougat Candy your own signature version. Experiment with different flavor combinations and ingredients to create a treat that your family will cherish. And don’t forget Old Fashioned Chocolate Pie.
I hope you and your family enjoy this Old-Fashioned Gumdrop Nougat Candy as much as mine does. May it bring you joy, laughter, and sweet memories for years to come! This Cotton Candy Fudge also brings a sweet nostalgia.
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Old-Fashioned Gumdrop Nougat Candy
This Old-Fashioned Gumdrop Nougat Candy is a delightful homemade treat, perfect for holiday gifting or a sweet indulgence. Chewy nougat is studded with colorful gumdrops for a festive and flavorful candy.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 36 pieces
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Bake
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 3 cups granulated sugar
- ¾ cup light corn syrup
- ¾ cup water
- 2 large egg whites
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup mixed gumdrops, coarsely chopped
- Powdered sugar, for dusting
Instructions
- In a heavy-bottomed saucepan, combine the sugar, corn syrup, and water. Cook over medium heat, stirring until the sugar dissolves.
- Continue to cook, without stirring, until the mixture reaches 260°F (hard-crack stage) on a candy thermometer.
- While the sugar mixture is cooking, beat the egg whites with the salt in a large bowl until stiff peaks form.
- Slowly drizzle the hot sugar mixture into the beaten egg whites, beating constantly on medium speed. Be careful as the mixture will be very hot.
- Continue beating until the mixture is thick and glossy, about 5-7 minutes.
- Stir in the vanilla extract and the chopped gumdrops.
- Pour the nougat mixture into a 9×13 inch pan lined with parchment paper and dusted with powdered sugar.
- Sprinkle the top with more powdered sugar.
- Let the nougat cool completely, at least 2 hours, or preferably overnight.
- Cut into squares and dust with additional powdered sugar before serving.
Notes
For a richer flavor, add 1/2 cup of chopped nuts (such as almonds or pecans) along with the gumdrops. Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week.