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Chewy Homemade Nougat Bars: The Ultimate Guide to Perfect, Sticky-Sweet Treats


  • Author: Georgina
  • Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
  • Yield: 20 bars 1x

Description

Soft, chewy nougat layered with creamy caramel, crunchy peanuts, and a chocolate shell—these homemade bars beat anything store-bought.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 tbsp unsalted butter
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/4 cup evaporated milk
  • 1 1/2 cups marshmallow crème
  • 1/4 cup creamy peanut butter (optional)
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 11 oz soft caramels (e.g., Kraft)
  • 2 tbsp heavy cream
  • 1 1/2 cups salted roasted peanuts (or preferred nuts)
  • 2 cups semi-sweet or milk chocolate chips
  • 2 tbsp coconut oil or shortening

Instructions

  1. In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat.
  2. Add sugar and evaporated milk, stirring constantly until it begins to boil.
  3. Continue boiling for 5 minutes while stirring to prevent scorching.
  4. Remove from heat, then stir in marshmallow crème, peanut butter (if using), and vanilla.
  5. Pour the nougat layer into a parchment-lined 9×13 baking dish. Spread evenly and let cool.
  6. In a heatproof bowl, combine caramels and heavy cream. Microwave in 30-second bursts, stirring until smooth.
  7. Pour over the cooled nougat layer, spreading evenly.
  8. Sprinkle nuts over the warm caramel layer and gently press in to stick.
  9. Melt chocolate chips with coconut oil using a double boiler or microwave.
  10. Pour chocolate over the nut layer and smooth with a spatula.
  11. Chill in the fridge for at least 1 hour before cutting into bars.

Notes

Store in an airtight container for up to 2 weeks at room temperature, or refrigerate/freeze for longer shelf life. Line pan with parchment for easy removal.

  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 10 minutes
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: No-Bake
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 bar
  • Calories: 260
  • Sugar: 20g
  • Sodium: 120mg
  • Fat: 15g
  • Saturated Fat: 8g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 6g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 30g
  • Fiber: 1g
  • Protein: 4g
  • Cholesterol: 5mg

Keywords: nougat, chewy nougat bars, homemade candy, chocolate nougat, praline nougat