Of course! These 4-Ingredient Easy Chewy Nougat Bars are a dream come true for anyone who loves the classic candy but is intimidated by candy thermometers and complex steps. This is a simplified, no-cook method that delivers a wonderfully chewy, creamy, and delicious result.
The Magic of 4-Ingredient Nougat Bars
This recipe uses a clever combination of melted marshmallows and sweetened condensed milk to create a stable, chewy base that mimics traditional nougat, without any cooking required.
Easy Chewy Nougat Bars Recipe
Ingredients:
· 1 (10 oz) bag of large marshmallows
· 1 (14 oz) can of sweetened condensed milk
· 3 cups Rice Krispies cereal
· 1 (10-12 oz) bag of high-quality white chocolate chips
Optional Add-ins & Coatings:
· 1 cup roasted, salted peanuts (highly recommended for a Snickers-like bar)
· 1/2 cup dried cranberries or cherries
· 1/2 cup toasted coconut
· Melted dark or milk chocolate for dipping
Instructions:
- Prepare the Pan:
· Line an 8×8 or 9×9 inch square baking pan with parchment paper, leaving some overhang on two sides. This will act as a sling to easily remove the bars later. Lightly grease the paper.
- Melt the Base:
· In a large, microwave-safe bowl, combine the entire bag of marshmallows and the sweetened condensed milk.
· Heat in the microwave on high for 1 minute. Remove and stir. If the marshmallows aren’t completely melted, heat in additional 30-second bursts, stirring each time, until the mixture is smooth.
- Combine the Ingredients:
· Immediately stir the white chocolate chips into the hot marshmallow mixture. Keep stirring until the chips are completely melted and the mixture is uniform. The heat from the marshmallows is enough to melt them!
· If you are using any optional add-ins like peanuts, stir them in now.
- Add the Cereal for Texture:
· Gently fold in the Rice Krispies cereal until they are evenly distributed. Be careful not to over-stir and crush the cereal.
- Press and Chill:
· Transfer the mixture to your prepared pan. Using a sheet of parchment paper or lightly greased hands, press the mixture down firmly and evenly into the pan.
- Set:
· Refrigerate for at least 2-3 hours, or until completely firm.
- Slice and Serve:
· Use the parchment paper sling to lift the entire block of nougat out of the pan. Place it on a cutting board.
· Using a sharp knife, cut into bars or squares.
· For a special touch, you can dip the bottoms of the bars in melted chocolate and let them set on a parchment-lined tray.
Pro-Tips for Perfect Bars
· Grease Your Utensils: The mixture is very sticky. Lightly greasing your spatula and your hands with butter or cooking spray will make pressing it into the pan much easier.
· Press Firmly: The key to getting bars that hold together is to press the mixture into the pan very firmly.
· High-Quality White Chocolate: The flavor of your nougat relies heavily on the white chocolate. Using a good brand like Ghirardelli or Guittard will yield a far superior result compared to generic chips.
· Don’t Overheat: Be careful not to overheat the marshmallow mixture, as it can make the nougat too hard or cause the white chocolate to seize.
· Storage: Store these bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will stay firm and chewy for up to a week. They can become soft at room temperature.
Why This Recipe Works
· Marshmallows + Condensed Milk: This duo creates a pliable, sweet, and stable base that sets up firm yet remains chewy.
· White Chocolate Chips: They melt into the base, adding a rich, creamy flavor and helping the bars hold their shape, replacing the need for traditional sugar syrups.
· Rice Krispies: They are the secret ingredient for the perfect chewy texture and a subtle crunch, without adding a strong “cereal” flavor.
Enjoy your incredibly easy and delicious homemade nougat bars! They are the perfect sweet treat for a quick gift, a party platter, or just a satisfying snack.