Pistachio Nougat Candy (Printer-friendly)

Chewy nougat filled with toasted pistachios and a mix of dried apricots, cherries, and cranberries.

# What You'll Need:

→ Nuts & Dried Fruit

01 - 1 cup (140 g) shelled unsalted pistachios, lightly toasted
02 - 1/2 cup (75 g) dried apricots, diced
03 - 1/3 cup (50 g) dried cherries, diced
04 - 1/3 cup (50 g) dried cranberries, diced

→ Sugar Syrup

05 - 1 1/2 cups (300 g) granulated sugar
06 - 1/2 cup (120 ml) light corn syrup
07 - 1/4 cup (60 ml) honey
08 - 1/4 cup (60 ml) water

→ Egg White Mixture

09 - 2 large egg whites, at room temperature
10 - 1/4 teaspoon cream of tartar
11 - 1/4 teaspoon fine sea salt

→ Finishing

12 - 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
13 - Edible wafer paper for lining, optional

# Directions:

01 - Line an 8 x 8-inch baking pan with edible wafer paper or parchment, leaving overhang for easy removal.
02 - Combine sugar, corn syrup, honey, and water in a medium heavy-bottomed saucepan. Stir over medium heat until sugar dissolves completely. Attach candy thermometer and cook without stirring until syrup reaches 290°F.
03 - Beat egg whites with cream of tartar and salt in stand mixer until soft peaks form.
04 - Remove syrup from heat when it reaches 290°F. With mixer running on medium speed, slowly pour hot syrup in thin stream into egg whites.
05 - Increase mixer speed to high and beat until mixture thickens, becomes glossy, and holds stiff peaks, approximately 7 to 8 minutes.
06 - Beat in vanilla extract until fully incorporated.
07 - Quickly fold in pistachios, apricots, cherries, and cranberries using sturdy spatula with deliberate strokes.
08 - Transfer nougat mixture to prepared pan and spread evenly. Press additional wafer paper on top if desired.
09 - Allow nougat to cool and set at room temperature for minimum 4 hours undisturbed.
10 - Lift nougat from pan using parchment overhang and cut into 30 equal squares with sharp oiled knife.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • Vibrant Flavors: The combination of honey, vanilla, and various dried fruits creates a complex and rewarding flavor profile.
  • Perfect Texture: Achieving the 290°F temperature ensures a professional, chewy consistency that holds its shape.
  • Naturally Gluten-Free: A wonderful vegetarian and gluten-free option for festive dessert platters.
02 -
  • Oil Your Tools: Lightly oiling your knife before cutting will prevent the nougat from sticking and result in cleaner, sharper squares.
  • Check Labels: Ensure your corn syrup and dried fruits are certified gluten-free if catering to specific dietary requirements.
  • Room Temperature: Always start with room temperature egg whites to ensure they whip to the necessary stiff peaks.
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