A Sweet Treat with a Crunchy Twist
If you’re looking for a delicious treat that’s both sweet and nutty, this DIY Nutty Nougat is just the thing. It’s packed with a variety of nuts and dried fruits, making each bite a delightful mix of flavors and textures. Plus, it’s surprisingly easy to make at home!
What is Nougat?
Nougat is a chewy confection made from sugar, honey, and egg whites, often mixed with nuts and sometimes fruit. This version, however, skips the egg whites and uses cheese and sour cream as the base, giving it a rich and creamy texture.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy to Make: This nougat comes together quickly, with simple ingredients that you probably already have in your kitchen.
- Versatile: You can swap out the nuts and dried fruits for your favorites, making this recipe completely customizable.
- Perfect for Gifting: Wrapped up in a pretty box, this nougat makes a fantastic homemade gift.
Ingredients
- 350 g cheese (soft, like cream cheese or mascarpone)
- 100 g sour cream
- 20 g gelatin
- 100 ml water
- 60 g honey
- 5 ml vanilla extract
- 100 g walnuts
- 50 g hazelnuts
- 50 g pistachios
- 40 g dried apricots
- 100 g dried cranberries
- 100 g dates
Method
Step 1: Prepare the Gelatin
Start by blooming the gelatin. Sprinkle 20 g of gelatin over 100 ml of cold water in a small bowl. Let it sit for about 10 minutes until it softens and absorbs the water.
Step 2: Mix the Base
In a large bowl, beat together 350 g of cheese and 100 g of sour cream until smooth. This forms the creamy base of your nougat.
Step 3: Melt the Gelatin
Heat the bloomed gelatin gently in the microwave or over a double boiler until completely melted. Stir it into the cheese mixture, ensuring it’s well combined.
Step 4: Sweeten It Up
Add 60 g of honey and 5 ml of vanilla extract to the cheese mixture. These ingredients add sweetness and flavor, giving your nougat that classic taste.
Step 5: Add the Nuts and Fruits
Fold in 100 g of walnuts, 50 g of hazelnuts, 50 g of pistachios, 40 g of chopped dried apricots, 100 g of dried cranberries, and 100 g of chopped dates. Make sure everything is evenly distributed throughout the mixture.
Step 6: Set the Nougat
Line a loaf pan with parchment paper, then pour the nougat mixture into the pan. Smooth the top with a spatula. Refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or until firm.
Step 7: Slice and Serve
Once the nougat is set, remove it from the pan and slice it into pieces. Enjoy this treat as a sweet snack, or wrap up slices in parchment paper for a lovely homemade gift.
Tips and Variations
- Nuts: Feel free to use any combination of nuts you like. Almonds, pecans, or even cashews would work well in this recipe.
- Dried Fruits: Swap out the dried apricots and cranberries for other dried fruits like cherries, raisins, or mango.
- Storage: Store your nougat in an airtight container in the fridge for up to two weeks.
Nutrition Information
While nougat is a treat to be enjoyed in moderation, it’s good to know what you’re eating. Here’s a rough breakdown of the nutrition per serving:
- Calories: 150
- Protein: 4 g
- Fat: 9 g
- Carbohydrates: 16 g
- Sugar: 10 g
This homemade nutty nougat is a delicious and satisfying treat, perfect for the holiday season or any time you want to indulge in something sweet. Whether you’re enjoying it yourself or sharing it with friends and family, this nougat is sure to be a hit!