Hey fellow food lovers! Nyla here, and I’m SO thrilled you’re joining me in my corner of the internet where we turn every meal into a special occasion!

I’m so excited to share my recipe for Old-Fashioned Gumdrop Nougat Candy! It’s not just any candy; it’s a delicious time capsule that brings back memories of cozy holidays and sweet family traditions. But of course, I had to give it my Grill Drip twist.

It all started one late night, as most of my culinary adventures do. I wanted to recreate the Old-Fashioned Gumdrop Nougat Candy my grandma used to make, but I wanted to amp up the flavor. The result? A happy accident turned into an absolute favorite.

The mix of the chewy gumdrops and the fluffy nougat is pure magic, but what really sets this recipe apart is the little touch of citrus zest I add. It brightens everything up and keeps it from being too sweet. It’s seriously a game changer!

Get ready to experience a dessert that’s both nostalgic and excitingly new. Let’s dive into the delicious world of Old-Fashioned Gumdrop Nougat Candy together!

INGREDIENTS You Need

This Old-Fashioned Gumdrop Nougat Candy ingredient list is all about bold flavors that actually work together! Don’t worry, you can grab everything you need during your normal shopping trip.

Ingredients for Old-Fashioned Gumdrop Nougat Candy including gumdrops, sugar, cherries, and nuts

Here’s what you’ll need:

2 cups granulated sugar: The base for our sweet adventure.
1 cup light corn syrup: Keeps the nougat smooth and chewy.
1/2 cup water: Hydrates the sugar for perfect consistency.
2 egg whites: Creates the fluffy, cloud-like texture.
1/4 teaspoon salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances the other flavors.
1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Adds a classic, comforting flavor.
1/2 cup mixed gumdrops, coarsely chopped: The star of the show! Adds chewy texture and nostalgic flavor.
1/4 cup candied cherries, quartered: Adds a pop of color and sweetness.
1/4 cup chopped nuts (pecans or walnuts): For a little crunch and nutty flavor.
Powdered sugar: For dusting and preventing sticking.

No worries if you don’t have candied cherries on hand. I’ve used dried cranberries, and they work great in my Old-Fashioned Gumdrop Nougat Candy! You can also use any nuts you prefer. Almonds or even macadamia nuts can add a fun twist.

This Old-Fashioned Gumdrop Nougat Candy gets its amazing taste from the quality of the ingredients. Make sure your vanilla extract is pure, and your gumdrops are fresh and chewy.

Here’s my secret that takes it from good to incredible: a pinch of orange zest. Trust me, it brightens up the flavors and adds a unique twist! Store any leftover ingredients in airtight containers to keep them fresh for your next batch.

Let’s Make Some!

Time to create some delicious magic with this Old-Fashioned Gumdrop Nougat Candy! Don’t be intimidated; I’ll guide you through every step.

Prepare the Pan: Lightly grease an 8×8 inch pan and dust it with powdered sugar. This ensures the Old-Fashioned Gumdrop Nougat Candy doesn’t stick and comes out easily.
Combine Sugar and Syrup: In a medium saucepan, combine the granulated sugar, corn syrup, and water. Stir until the sugar is dissolved.
Cook to Soft Ball Stage: Cook over medium heat, without stirring, until the mixture reaches the soft ball stage (235-240°F on a candy thermometer). This is where the magic starts happening!
Whip Egg Whites: While the sugar mixture is cooking, beat the egg whites with salt in a large bowl until stiff peaks form.
Slowly Add Sugar Mixture: Gradually pour the hot sugar mixture into the egg whites in a thin stream, while continuing to beat on high speed. Be careful, this mixture is HOT!
Beat Until Thick: Continue beating until the mixture becomes thick and glossy, about 5-7 minutes. In my kitchen, this Old-Fashioned Gumdrop Nougat Candy usually takes about 6 minutes to reach the perfect consistency.
Add Flavorings: Stir in the vanilla extract, chopped gumdrops, candied cherries, and chopped nuts. Make sure everything is evenly distributed throughout the nougat.
Pour into Pan: Pour the mixture into the prepared pan and spread evenly.
Cool Completely: Let the nougat cool completely at room temperature, about 2-3 hours. This is where patience comes in!
Cut and Dust: Once cooled, cut the nougat into squares and dust generously with powdered sugar. This prevents the pieces from sticking together. Your Old-Fashioned Gumdrop Nougat Candy should smell absolutely incredible right now!

Don’t worry if your Old-Fashioned Gumdrop Nougat Candy looks a little imperfect; homemade treats have character! The most important thing is the taste. While your Old-Fashioned Gumdrop Nougat Candy is doing its thing, get ready for some amazing aromas! I love to put on some music to have my own little kitchen dance party while I wait.

How to Serve Up This!

People literally do happy dances when this Old-Fashioned Gumdrop Nougat Candy hits the table! Here’s how I love to serve it up.

I love to enjoy this Old-Fashioned Gumdrop Nougat Candy with a warm cup of coffee or hot chocolate. The creamy nougat and chewy gumdrops pair perfectly with a hot beverage on a chilly day.

For a bold flavor pairing, try serving it with a side of salted caramel sauce for dipping. The saltiness of the caramel enhances the sweetness of the candy in the most delightful way. It’s like a party in your mouth!

This candy is perfect for holiday gatherings, family celebrations, or even as a special treat for yourself. It’s also a fantastic homemade gift for friends and neighbors during the holidays. I like to package it in cute little boxes tied with festive ribbons.

For presentation, arrange the Old-Fashioned Gumdrop Nougat Candy squares on a decorative platter. Add a few sprigs of fresh mint or rosemary for a pop of color and freshness. A light dusting of powdered sugar adds an elegant touch.

Got leftovers? (If you do, you’re stronger than I am!) Transform them into a delicious ice cream topping. Chop the nougat into small pieces and sprinkle it over your favorite ice cream for a sweet and chewy treat. This Old-Fashioned Gumdrop Nougat Candy is perfect for those weeknight dinners that need to be special!

For a fusion variation, try adding a pinch of chili powder to the nougat mixture. It adds a surprising kick that balances the sweetness perfectly. My friends went wild when I served it to them during our last game night! If you’re loving this comfort food twist, you’ll go crazy for my candy-corn-poke-cake which also has fusion elements.

FAQs:

Got questions? I’ve got answers! Here are some common concerns about making Old-Fashioned Gumdrop Nougat Candy, along with my tried-and-true solutions.

Q: Will kitchen newbies succeed with this Old-Fashioned Gumdrop Nougat Candy?

A: Absolutely! While it requires a bit of precision, this recipe is totally doable for beginners. Just follow the steps carefully and use a candy thermometer to ensure your sugar mixture reaches the right temperature. And remember, even if it’s not perfect, it’ll still taste amazing!

Q: What if I don’t have a candy thermometer?

A: A candy thermometer is super helpful, but if you don’t have one, you can use the cold water test. Drop a small amount of the sugar mixture into a glass of cold water. If it forms a soft, pliable ball, it’s ready!

Q: What if my nougat is too sticky?

A: If your nougat is too sticky, it likely didn’t cook long enough. Next time, make sure to reach the soft ball stage on your candy thermometer. You can find a good Old-Fashioned Gumdrop Nougat Candy recipe for Christmas treats at this link: Nougat candy recipe for Christmas treats.

Q: Can I use different types of gumdrops?

A: Of course! Feel free to experiment with different flavors and colors of gumdrops. I’ve tried using spice drops for a more intense flavor, and it turned out great. This Old-Fashioned Gumdrop Nougat Candy version was a huge hit with my family!

Q: How can I prep this Old-Fashioned Gumdrop Nougat Candy for busy weeknights?

A: You can chop the gumdrops, cherries, and nuts ahead of time and store them in airtight containers. This saves a lot of time when you’re ready to make the nougat.

Q: What if I mess up my Old-Fashioned Gumdrop Nougat Candy? (Spoiler: it’ll still taste incredible!)

A: Don’t worry! Even if it’s not picture-perfect, homemade candy always tastes amazing. Embrace the imperfections and enjoy the process. I’ve had batches that were a little too soft or a little too chewy, but they were always devoured. For more weeknight winners that don’t sacrifice on taste, check out my recipe for old-fashioned-chocolate-pie.

Q: How long does this candy last?

A: This Old-Fashioned Gumdrop Nougat Candy can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. The old fashioned nougat recipe with sugar and egg whites can be found here: Old fashioned nougat recipe with sugar and egg whites?. You can find another Old Fashioned Gumdrop Nougat Candy Recipe here: Old Fashioned Gumdrop Nougat Candy –.

CONCLUSION:

This Old-Fashioned Gumdrop Nougat Candy brings me so much joy because it connects me to my family’s traditions. It’s also just plain fun to make and share with loved ones.

Finished Old-Fashioned Gumdrop Nougat Candy cut into squares and dusted with powdered sugar

Here are My Old-Fashioned Gumdrop Nougat Candy Flavor Secrets:

Citrus Zest: Adds a bright, refreshing twist.
High-Quality Vanilla: Makes a huge difference in the overall flavor.
Fresh Gumdrops: Ensures the candy is chewy and flavorful.

I’ve tested a few delicious Old-Fashioned Gumdrop Nougat Candy variations:

Chocolate Nougat: Add cocoa powder to the nougat mixture for a chocolatey twist. Perfect for chocolate lovers!
Peppermint Nougat: Add peppermint extract and crushed candy canes for a festive holiday treat.
Maple Walnut Nougat: Use maple extract and chopped walnuts for a cozy, autumnal flavor. This reminds me of my strawberry-cool-whip-candy recipe with added twists.

The chocolate version is perfect for birthdays, the peppermint for Christmas, and the maple walnut for Thanksgiving. Trust your taste buds and get creative with your own flavor combinations! There are many traditional Christmas candy versions.

I’m so excited for you to try this recipe and create your own delicious memories. Don’t be afraid to experiment and have fun in the kitchen. I hope you love making and sharing this Old-Fashioned Gumdrop Nougat Candy as much as I do!

\n \n Print

Old-Fashioned Gumdrop Nougat Candy

Print Recipe

This Old-Fashioned Gumdrop Nougat Candy is a delightful treat that combines the chewy goodness of gumdrops with the creamy, melt-in-your-mouth texture of homemade nougat. Perfect for holidays or any special occasion, this candy is sure to bring back sweet memories.

Author: Nyla
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Yield: 24 servings
Category: Dessert
Method: No-Cook
Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale

1 cup granulated sugar
1/2 cup light corn syrup
1/4 cup water
2 egg whites
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 cup chopped gumdrops
1/2 cup chopped pecans or walnuts (optional)

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Instructions

In a heavy saucepan, combine sugar, corn syrup, and water. Cook over medium heat, stirring until sugar is dissolved.
Continue cooking, without stirring, until the mixture reaches the hard-ball stage (250-265°F or 121-129°C on a candy thermometer).
While the syrup is cooking, beat egg whites with salt in a large bowl until stiff peaks form.
Gradually pour the hot syrup in a thin stream over the beaten egg whites, beating constantly until the mixture is thick and glossy.
Stir in vanilla extract, chopped gumdrops, and nuts (if using).
Quickly spread the mixture into a buttered 8-inch square pan.
Let cool completely before cutting into squares.

Notes

For easier cutting, chill the nougat in the refrigerator for 30 minutes after it has cooled. Store in an airtight container at room temperature.