🍬 4-Ingredient Nougat Bars
Yields 12–16 bars | Prep: 10 min | Chill: 1–2 hrs | Total: ~2 hrs
🛒 Ingredients
2 (10 oz) bags miniature marshmallows (about 6 cups)
2 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
2 (12 oz) bags white chocolate chips (or almond bark for smoother melt)
1 ½ cups red and green gumdrops, chopped into small pieces
🎨 Festive Tip: Use pastel gumdrops for Easter, orange/black for Halloween, pink/red for Valentine’s!
👩🍳 Step-by-Step Instructions
1️⃣ Make the Marshmallow Base
In a large microwave-safe bowl, combine marshmallows and melted butter.
Microwave on high for 1–2 minutes, until puffy and soft.
Stir vigorously with a greased spatula until smooth and glossy. (It will look like melted marshmallow fluff!)
2️⃣ Melt the White Chocolate
In a separate microwave-safe bowl, melt white chocolate chips in 30-second bursts, stirring between each, until completely smooth (~1.5–2 mins total).
💡 Pro Tip: Add ½ tsp coconut oil to help it melt evenly and shine brighter!
3️⃣ Combine Everything
Pour the melted white chocolate over the marshmallow mixture.
Stir quickly and thoroughly until fully blended — it will become thick and sticky.
4️⃣ Fold in Gumdrops
Gently fold in chopped gumdrops until evenly distributed. Don’t overmix — you want pops of color throughout!
5️⃣ Press Into Pan
Line an 8x8-inch baking dish with parchment paper or foil, leaving overhang on two sides for easy removal.
Transfer the nougat mixture to the pan.
Use a spatula (or hands lightly greased with butter) to press it into a smooth, even layer.
6️⃣ Chill Until Set
Refrigerate for at least 1–2 hours, or until firm and sliceable.
7️⃣ Slice & Serve
Lift the slab out using the parchment overhang.
Cut into bars or squares with a sharp knife (wipe blade between cuts for clean edges).
Store in an airtight container at room temp or fridge.
🍽️ Serving Idea: Dust lightly with powdered sugar for a snowy effect!
🌈 Creative Variations & Pro Tips
🥜 Nutty Crunch: Swap gumdrops for ½ cup chopped toasted almonds or peanuts — like a homemade Snickers bar!
🍓 Fruity Twist: Use dried cranberries, cherries, or mini M&Ms instead
🍫 Chocolate Swirl: Swirl in melted milk or dark chocolate before chilling for marbled magic
🖤 Dark Chocolate Version: Use dark chocolate chips — balances the sweetness perfectly
🧊 Make-Ahead Friendly: Keep refrigerated up to 1 week or freeze (wrapped tightly) for 1 month
🎁 Gift It! Cut into small squares, wrap in cellophane, and tie with ribbon — instant holiday magic!
🧠 Food Science Fun: Why This Works So Well
The marshmallow + butter combo melts into a stable, stretchy base — just like the filling in store-bought nougat. When you add white chocolate, it binds everything together while adding richness. Then, as it chills, the sugars crystallize slightly, giving that perfect chew without stickiness.
And the gumdrops? They add tart-sweet bursts and a nostalgic gummy texture — like fruity treasure in every bite.
❤️ Final Thought: Sweetness Made Simple
In a world of complicated recipes and endless choices, sometimes what we need most is simple joy.
This recipe brings people together — kids giggling as they stir, grandparents remembering candies from childhood, friends sharing a platter at a party.
It’s not gourmet. It’s not fancy.
But it is full of love, color, and chewy deliciousness — and honestly? That’s more than enough.