Old-Fashioned Jelly Nougat Candy
Craving a nostalgic, sweet treat that takes you back to the good old days? This Old-Fashioned Jelly Nougat Candy is a delightful mix of chewy nougat, fruity jelly, and just the right amount of sweetness—perfect for a candy lover’s dream!
Imagine soft, creamy nougat filled with vibrant, flavorful jelly, creating the perfect chewy, sweet combination. This homemade candy is a fun throwback to the classics, with each bite offering a nostalgic, satisfying taste that’s hard to beat.
These jelly nougat candies are perfect for any candy lover, great for gifting, or simply enjoying as a treat. The fruity jelly and smooth nougat create a candy that’s both sweet and indulgent, leaving you craving more!
Ready to make this sweet, nostalgic treat? Let’s whip up some Old-Fashioned Jelly Nougat Candy and enjoy a chewy, fruity bite of old-school goodness today!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- A Classic Treat, Reimagined: Soft nougat meets chewy gummies—just like the ones from old-fashioned candy shops.
- Simple Pantry Ingredients: No corn syrup or weird additives here. Just butter, chocolate, marshmallows, and your favorite gummy candies.
- Holiday-Ready: This candy is perfect for Christmas trays, party bags, or gift tins.
- No Candy Thermometer Needed: This recipe skips the fuss of boiling sugar stages—it’s easy, approachable, and beginner-safe.
- Customizable & Colorful: Use Dots, spice drops, or chopped jelly candies to match any season or color theme.
What You Need to Know Before You Start
Prep & Chill Time:
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Chill Time: 2–3 hours
Total Time: ~3 hours 15 minutes
Servings:
This recipe makes about 64 small squares (cut from a 9×13 pan). Great for sharing or wrapping as gifts.
Difficulty:
Very easy! No thermometer, no boiling sugar—just melt, stir, and chill.
Required Kitchen Tools
- Microwave-safe mixing bowl (or double boiler)
- Silicone spatula or wooden spoon
- 9×13 inch baking dish
- Parchment paper or foil
- Sharp knife (for cutting squares)
- Measuring cups
Ingredients for Old Fashioned Jelly Nougat Candy
Here’s everything you’ll need to make this soft, creamy candy:
- 2 (10-ounce) bags mini marshmallows – These are the base for the nougat texture.
- 1 (24-ounce) package almond bark – Or substitute with 2 bags of white chocolate chips if almond bark isn’t available.
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter – Adds richness and smoothness.
- 2 to 3 cups jelly candies or Dots (cut in half) – Choose colorful gummies for that classic look and fruity bite.
You’ll find exact amounts and substitutions in the recipe card at the end.
How to Make Old Fashioned Jelly Nougat Candy — Step-by-Step
1. Prepare Your Pan
Line a 9×13 inch baking dish with parchment paper or aluminum foil. Leave an overhang on the sides so you can lift the candy out later. Lightly butter or spray the paper so the candy doesn’t stick.
2. Melt the Base
In a large microwave-safe bowl, combine the almond bark, mini marshmallows, and butter. Microwave in 30-second bursts, stirring well after each time, until fully melted and smooth. This usually takes 2 to 3 minutes total. Be patient and stir thoroughly to avoid overheating.
Double boiler method? If you prefer stovetop, melt everything slowly over low heat, stirring constantly until smooth.
3. Stir in the Jelly Candies
Once the mixture is smooth and creamy, let it cool for 2–3 minutes (so it doesn’t melt the gummies). Then, fold in your chopped jelly candies. Stir gently so they’re evenly spread through the nougat base.
4. Pour and Spread
Pour the mixture into your prepared pan. Use a spatula to smooth the top. It’ll be thick and sticky—just press it gently into the corners and try to get an even layer.
5. Chill to Set
Refrigerate for at least 2–3 hours, or until firm enough to cut. Once chilled, lift the slab out using the parchment paper and place it on a cutting board.
6. Cut into Squares
Using a sharp knife, cut into small squares (about 1 inch each). Clean the blade between cuts to keep edges neat.
Serving and Decoration Ideas
- Holiday Touch: Use red and green spice drops for a festive Christmas version.
- Spring Theme: Choose pastel jelly beans or colorful gumdrops for Easter or baby showers.
- Gift it Up: Wrap individual squares in wax paper or place in candy boxes for homemade gifts.
- Add a Dusting: Optional—but you can dust the tops lightly with powdered sugar for an extra-fancy look.
Storing Old Fashioned Jelly Nougat Candy
- At Room Temperature: Store nougat squares in an airtight container at room temp for up to 1 week. Keep them cool and dry—away from direct heat or sunlight.
- In the Fridge: If your kitchen is warm, you can refrigerate them for up to 2 weeks. Just place parchment between the layers so they don’t stick.
- Freezing: These freeze surprisingly well! Wrap tightly in wax paper and freeze in a zip-top bag for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before serving.
Tips and Tricks for Success
- Don’t Rush the Melting: If using the microwave, always melt in short bursts and stir well. Overheating can scorch the chocolate or toughen the marshmallows.
- Cool Before Mixing Gummies: Stirring jelly candies into a piping-hot base can make them melt and bleed color—let the mixture cool a little before folding them in.
- Use Fresh Candies: Old or stale gumdrops can get hard and ruin the texture. Always use soft, fresh ones for best results.
- Cut with a Hot Knife: Run your knife under hot water and wipe dry before slicing for cleaner cuts.
Variations for Old Fashioned Jelly Nougat Candy
- Add a Nutty Crunch: Stir in ½ cup chopped toasted almonds or pecans for texture.
- Flavor Twist: Add ½ teaspoon of vanilla, almond, or even orange extract to the melted base for extra depth.
- Chocolate Version: Use chocolate almond bark instead of white for a chocolate nougat version.
- Holiday Spice: Add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg for a warm holiday flavor.
Nutrition Information
| Nutrient (per piece) | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | ~90 kcal |
| Total Fat | 3g |
| Saturated Fat | 2g |
| Carbohydrates | 15g |
| Sugar | 12g |
| Protein | 0.5g |
| Sodium | 20mg |
Note: Nutrition values are estimates based on using almond bark and Dots candy.
Old-Fashioned Jelly Nougat Candy
Course: Uncategorized15
minutes90
kcal3+
hourIngredients
2 (10-ounce) bags mini marshmallows
1 (24-ounce) package almond bark (or 2 bags white chocolate chips)
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
2 to 3 cups jelly candies or Dots, cut in half
Directions
- Prepare Pan: Line a 9×13 inch dish with parchment or foil. Lightly butter or spray it.
- Melt Base: In a large microwave-safe bowl, combine almond bark, butter, and marshmallows. Microwave in 30-second bursts, stirring each time, until melted and smooth (2–3 minutes total).
- Cool and Stir In Gummies: Let mixture cool slightly, then gently stir in cut jelly candies.
- Pour and Smooth: Pour mixture into the pan. Spread evenly with a spatula.
- Chill: Refrigerate for 2–3 hours until fully set.
- Cut and Serve: Remove from the pan, peel off parchment, and cut into small squares.
FAQs
Can I use white chocolate chips instead of almond bark?
Yes, just be sure to melt them gently and add a teaspoon of shortening if needed to help with smoothness.
My candy turned out too sticky. What went wrong?
It may not have chilled long enough or your marshmallows were overheated. Let it firm up completely in the fridge before slicing.
Can I make this ahead of time for the holidays?
Absolutely! You can make it up to 1–2 weeks ahead and store it airtight in the fridge or freezer.
Conclusion
This Old Fashioned Jelly Nougat Candy is pure, chewy comfort in every bite. I love making it during the holidays, but honestly—it’s good any time of year. The best part? You can mix in your favorite colors and flavors, so it’s never the same twice. Just melt, stir, and chill. That’s all there is to it.
