Four Ingredient Nougat Bars

Instructions

Prepare Your Pan

  1. Line an 8×8 inch baking pan with parchment paper or aluminum foil, leaving some overhang on the sides for easy removal.
  2. Lightly spray the lining with cooking spray to prevent sticking.

Melt the Base

  1. In a medium saucepan over low heat, combine the white chocolate chips, butter, and mini marshmallows.
  2. Stir continuously and gently until everything is completely melted and smooth. This should take about 5-7 minutes.
  3. Be patient and keep the heat low to prevent the chocolate from scorching or seizing. The mixture should be creamy and well combined.

Add the Nuts

  1. Remove the saucepan from heat immediately once the mixture is smooth.
  2. Quickly fold in the peanuts, stirring until they’re evenly distributed throughout the nougat mixture.
  3. Work quickly as the mixture will begin to set as it cools.

Set the Bars

  1. Pour the nougat mixture into your prepared pan.
  2. Use a rubber spatula or the back of a spoon (lightly greased) to press the mixture evenly into the pan, smoothing the top surface.
  3. Allow the bars to cool at room temperature for about 30 minutes, then refrigerate for at least 2 hours or until completely firm.

Cut and Serve

  1. Once firm, use the parchment paper overhang to lift the nougat block out of the pan.
  2. Place on a cutting board and use a sharp knife to cut into bars or squares.
  3. For cleaner cuts, warm your knife under hot water, dry it, and then cut. Wipe and rewarm between cuts.

Variations and Tips

Nut Options:

  • Use cashews, almonds, or pecans instead of peanuts
  • Try a mixed nut combination for variety
  • Use roasted and salted nuts for the best flavor
  • For nut-free version, substitute with crispy rice cereal or pretzels

Flavor Additions:

  • Add 1 teaspoon vanilla extract when melting the base
  • Mix in ½ cup dried cranberries or cherries with the nuts
  • Add ½ teaspoon almond extract for an almond nougat flavor
  • Stir in ½ cup mini chocolate chips for chocolate chip nougat

Chocolate Drizzle:

  • Melt ½ cup dark or milk chocolate chips
  • Drizzle over the set nougat bars before cutting
  • Let chocolate harden in the refrigerator

Storage: Store nougat bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week, or refrigerate for up to 3 weeks. They can also be frozen for up to 3 months. Separate layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking.

Serving Size: Makes approximately 16-20 bars depending on how you cut them

Pro Tips:

  • Don’t rush the melting process – low and slow prevents burning
  • Use fresh marshmallows for the best texture
  • Line your pan well – this makes removal so much easier
  • These bars are softer at room temperature and firmer when chilled
  • They make excellent holiday gifts when wrapped in cellophane bags