How to Make Delicious Nut and Fruit Nougat at Home

If you have a sweet tooth and love a mix of chewy and crunchy textures, then this Nut and Fruit Nougat recipe is perfect for you! Nougat is a classic confectionery made with whipped egg whites, sugar, honey, and an assortment of nuts and dried fruits. It is a delightful treat that can be enjoyed at any time of the day. In this article, we will guide you through a simple, step-by-step recipe to make this delicious treat right at home.

Ingredients You’ll Need

To make Nut and Fruit Nougat, gather the following ingredients:

Egg Whites: 2 large egg whites, at room temperature
Sugar: 1 ½ cups of granulated sugar
Honey: ¾ cup of high-quality honey
Water: ¼ cup of water
Nuts: 1 ½ cups of mixed nuts (almonds, pistachios, cashews, hazelnuts)
Dried Fruits: 1 cup of mixed dried fruits (cranberries, raisins, apricots)
Vanilla Extract: 1 teaspoon of pure vanilla extract
Salt: A pinch of salt
Edible Rice Paper: Optional, for lining the mold

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare the Ingredients: Start by preheating your oven to 325°F (160°C). Place the mixed nuts on a baking sheet and roast them in the oven for about 10 minutes until they are golden and fragrant. Let them cool completely. Chop the dried fruits into small pieces and set them aside.
Prepare the Baking Mold: Line a rectangular baking pan with parchment paper. You can also use edible rice paper to line the bottom, which gives the nougat a professional touch and makes it easier to handle.
Create the Sugar Syrup: In a medium saucepan, combine the granulated sugar, honey, and water. Place the saucepan over medium heat and stir until the sugar has completely dissolved. Once dissolved, stop stirring and allow the mixture to boil. Use a candy thermometer to monitor the temperature until it reaches 250°F (121°C).

Whip the Egg Whites: While the sugar syrup is heating, place the egg whites in a clean, dry bowl and start beating them at medium speed until soft peaks form. Add a pinch of salt to stabilize the egg whites.
Combine the Mixture: Once the sugar syrup reaches 250°F (121°C), slowly pour it into the whipped egg whites while continuing to beat at medium speed. Be cautious and pour the syrup in a thin, steady stream to avoid cooking the egg whites too quickly.
Continue Whipping: Increase the mixer speed to high and continue whipping the mixture until it becomes thick, glossy, and holds firm peaks. This process should take about 5-7 minutes. Add the vanilla extract and mix well.
Incorporate Nuts and Fruits: Gently fold the roasted nuts and dried fruits into the nougat mixture using a spatula. Make sure they are evenly distributed throughout the mixture.
Pour and Spread: Pour the nougat mixture into the prepared baking pan and spread it evenly with a spatula. Press down gently to ensure a smooth, even surface.
Let It Set: Allow the nougat to set at room temperature for at least 4-6 hours or overnight. If you are in a hurry, you can place it in the refrigerator for faster setting, but note that it may become slightly firmer than usual.
Cut and Serve: Once the nougat is set, use a sharp knife to cut it into rectangular pieces or your desired shape. You can wrap the individual pieces in wax paper or cellophane for storage.

Tips for Perfect Nougat Every Time

Use Fresh Ingredients: The quality of your ingredients will directly affect the taste of your nougat. Always use fresh, high-quality nuts and dried fruits for the best flavor.
Control the Temperature: A candy thermometer is essential when making nougat. The syrup needs to reach the correct temperature for the nougat to set properly. Too low, and it will be too soft; too high, and it will become too hard.
Be Patient: The key to good nougat is patience. Allow it enough time to set properly before cutting. This will make it easier to cut and prevent it from crumbling.

Health Benefits of Nut and Fruit Nougat

Aside from its delicious taste, nougat can also be a healthier sweet option when consumed in moderation. Here are a few benefits:

Rich in Protein: Thanks to the nuts and egg whites, nougat is a good source of protein, which is essential for muscle building and repair.
Packed with Antioxidants: Dried fruits like cranberries and apricots are high in antioxidants, which help fight free radicals in the body.
Contains Healthy Fats: Nuts provide healthy monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats, which are beneficial for heart health.

Perfect Occasions for Serving Nougat

Nut and Fruit Nougat is versatile and can be enjoyed in many ways:

Festive Treat: Nougat makes a wonderful addition to any festive dessert table. It is colorful, visually appealing, and can be customized with different nuts and fruits to suit the season.
Homemade Gift: Wrap individual pieces in decorative paper or place them in a beautiful box to give as a thoughtful homemade gift.
On-the-Go Snack: Nougat is a convenient snack to carry in your bag for a quick energy boost during busy days.

Storage Tips

To keep your nougat fresh and chewy, store it in an airtight container at room temperature. If you live in a humid area, it’s best to keep it in the refrigerator. Properly stored, nougat can last up to two weeks, but it’s so delicious that it’s unlikely to last that long!

Conclusion

Making Nut and Fruit Nougat at home is easier than you might think! With a few simple ingredients and a bit of patience, you can create a delightful confection that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you enjoy it as a treat for yourself or as a special gift for someone else, homemade nougat is sure to impress.

Now that you know how to make this delicious treat, why not give it a try? You might just discover your new favorite homemade candy!