Looking for a sweet, colorful, and chewy treat that brings back nostalgic memories of holiday candy trays? This Fruity Gumdrop Nougat Candy is an easy, no-bake dessert bursting with charm and flavor. With just four ingredients and a microwave, you can whip up a batch of this creamy, chewy nougat that’s loaded with fruity gumdrops — perfect for gifting, parties, or festive snacking.
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Why You’ll Love This Easy Gumdrop Nougat Recipe
Fruity Gumdrop Nougat Candy is more than just a pretty treat — it’s incredibly simple and satisfies both kids and adults. Here’s why this recipe stands out:
- No candy thermometer required: Completely beginner-friendly.
- Quick to make: Only 10 minutes of active prep.
- Microwave method: No stovetop needed.
- Light and fluffy: Unlike dense fudge, this candy is soft and airy.
- Perfect for holidays: Make-ahead friendly and ideal for gift trays.
- Colorful and nostalgic: Brings back vintage candy vibes with every bite.
Whether you’re preparing a holiday dessert platter or just want a fun homemade sweet, this gumdrop nougat will become a family favorite.
Colorful Ingredients That Make It Pop
• White Chocolate Chips: Create a creamy base and sweet vanilla flavor that pairs perfectly with fruity candies.
• Mini Marshmallows: Give the nougat its chewy, airy structure — essential for that classic nougat texture.
• Unsalted Butter: Adds richness and helps melt the chocolate and marshmallows evenly.
• Fruity Dots Gumdrops: The colorful highlight! These chewy fruit candies add texture, bold color, and a sweet-tart contrast to the nougat.
Simple Swaps and Ingredient Alternatives
Need to make some changes? Here are easy swaps for dietary needs or pantry limitations:
- White Chocolate Chips → Use white vanilla baking chips or melting wafers for a similar result.
- Fruity Dots Candy → Try spice drops, quartered gummy worms, or fruit jellies for a new flavor profile.
- Butter → Substitute with vegan butter or coconut oil for a dairy-free version.
- Marshmallows → Use plant-based marshmallows to make it vegetarian or allergy-friendly.
For extra fun, use seasonal gumdrops (red and green for Christmas, pink and red for Valentine’s Day) to match any holiday.
How to Make Fruity Gumdrop Nougat Candy Step-by-Step
- Prepare your pan
Line a 9×13-inch baking dish with wax or parchment paper. Spray it lightly with nonstick spray to prevent sticking. - Melt the base
In a large microwave-safe bowl, combine white chocolate chips, mini marshmallows, and butter.
Microwave on high for 90 seconds. Pause halfway through (around 45 seconds) to stir well. Microwave for an additional 30 seconds, stirring again at the 15-second mark. The mixture should be smooth, fluffy, and creamy. - Add gumdrops
Fold in 2 cups of Dots gumdrops. Mix quickly to distribute evenly throughout the nougat. - Spread and set
Transfer the nougat mixture to your prepared pan. Work fast — it thickens quickly.
Use clean hands sprayed with nonstick spray to press and smooth the surface. - Chill to firm
Refrigerate the pan for at least 6 hours or until fully set. To speed up the process, freeze for 2 hours. - Cut into squares
Once firm, remove the nougat from the pan. Spray a sharp knife with nonstick spray and cut into 1½-inch squares. Store with wax paper between layers to avoid sticking.
Expert Tips for Perfect Fruity Gumdrop Nougat Candy
- Have everything prepped: This candy sets fast, so measure ingredients and prep your pan before melting.
- Use quality chocolate: Cheap white chips may not melt smoothly. Ghirardelli or premium baking chips are ideal.
- Spray everything: Nonstick spray on hands, spatulas, and knives makes this sticky task much easier.
- Chill before cutting: If nougat is too sticky to slice, place it in the freezer for 30 minutes before cutting.
- Line your pan properly: Use parchment or wax paper — never make this candy directly in the pan!
Creative Pairings & Fun Variations
Fruity Gumdrop Nougat Candy is versatile and pairs well with other festive treats:
- Serve with: Hot cocoa, spiced cider, or peppermint bark for a cozy dessert spread.
- Add-ins: Try mixing in toasted nuts, crushed peppermint, or a few drops of vanilla extract for extra depth.
- Holiday themes: Use gumdrops in seasonal colors or sprinkle festive nonpareils on top before chilling.
- Make-ahead: Store nougat in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 weeks or freeze for up to 3 months. Use wax paper between layers.
A Nostalgic Treat with a Modern Twist
This Fruity Gumdrop Nougat Candy recipe brings back memories of old-fashioned holiday sweets — with a modern, microwave-friendly method. It’s the perfect treat to make with kids, serve at parties, or package up in cute wrappers for edible gifts.
Make a batch (or two) and watch everyone light up with joy over this chewy, fruity, festive delight.
The Sweet Finish
Fruity Gumdrop Nougat Candy is more than just a holiday recipe — it’s a colorful celebration in every bite. Its soft, chewy texture, vibrant fruity centers, and creamy white chocolate base make it a standout treat for any festive table. Whether you’re looking for a nostalgic dessert, a kid-friendly kitchen project, or an easy no-bake gift idea, this recipe delivers joy with every square.
Bring this timeless classic back into your traditions — one chewy, colorful piece at a time.
Frequently Asked Questions About Fruity Gumdrop Nougat Candy
Can I make Fruity Gumdrop Nougat Candy without a microwave?
Yes! You can melt the marshmallows, butter, and white chocolate using a double boiler on the stovetop. Stir constantly over low to medium heat until smooth and fully combined. Be careful not to overheat the chocolate.
How long does Fruity Gumdrop Nougat Candy last?
When stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator, this candy lasts up to 2 weeks. If you want to extend shelf life, freeze pieces for up to 3 months, separating layers with parchment paper.
Why is my nougat sticky or too soft?
This usually happens if it hasn’t chilled long enough or if low-quality white chocolate was used. Freeze the candy for 30 minutes before slicing and always use a sharp knife sprayed with nonstick spray. Make sure to use premium white chips for best texture.
Can I customize the gumdrops or add other mix-ins?
Absolutely. You can swap Dots with spice drops, gummy worms, or fruit slices. Add crushed peppermint, chopped nuts, or even a dash of vanilla extract to personalize the flavor. Make it your own!
More Relevant Recipes
- No-Bake Peanut Butter Buckeye Bars: These rich, creamy, and chocolatey bars are a no-bake treat, just like Fruity Gumdrop Nougat Candy. With layers of peanut butter and chocolate, they’re perfect for festive dessert trays and easy holiday gifting.
- Chex Scotcheroos – Easy No-Bake Bars: A sweet and chewy cereal-based treat with hints of butterscotch and chocolate, these bars deliver the same no-fuss preparation and nostalgic flavor experience as the classic gumdrop nougat candy.
- Peppermint Oreo Truffle Balls: Festive, bite-sized, and indulgent, these no-bake truffles offer a creamy center and a candy coating, making them an ideal complement to gumdrop nougat candy on a holiday dessert platter.
Fruity Gumdrop Nougat Candy
- Total Time: 6 hours 10 minutes
- Yield: 24 pieces
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Fruity Gumdrop Nougat Candy is an easy, no-bake treat made with marshmallows, white chocolate, and fruity Dots gumdrops. This festive candy is soft, chewy, and perfect for holidays or gift-giving.
Ingredients
- 18 ounces white chocolate chips: provides the creamy, sweet base
- 16 ounces mini marshmallows: adds a chewy, airy texture
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter: helps melt ingredients and adds richness
- 2 cups Dots Fruity Candy: gives vibrant color and fruity bursts
Instructions
- Line a 9×13-inch pan with parchment or wax paper and spray it with nonstick spray.
- In a large microwave-safe bowl, combine white chocolate chips, mini marshmallows, and butter.
- Microwave the mixture for 90 seconds, pausing at 45 seconds to stir.
- Microwave for another 30 seconds, stirring again at the 15-second mark until smooth and fluffy.
- Quickly stir in the 2 cups of Dots Fruity Candy until evenly distributed.
- Transfer the mixture into the prepared pan. Use clean hands sprayed with nonstick spray to press and smooth the top.
- Chill in the refrigerator for at least 6 hours or until firm. For faster setting, place in the freezer for 2 hours.
- Once set, remove from the pan and cut into 1½-inch cubes using a sharp knife sprayed with nonstick spray.
Notes
- Use high-quality white chocolate chips for best results (like Ghirardelli).
- If the nougat is too sticky to cut, freeze for 30 minutes before slicing.
- Store candy in layers separated by parchment paper in an airtight container in the fridge.
- For added flair, use seasonal gumdrop colors or sprinkle decorative toppings before chilling.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Bake
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 piece
- Calories: 264
- Sugar: 35g
- Sodium: 43mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 1g
- Carbohydrates: 44g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 7mg