Chewy Pistachio Nougat Candy (Printable Version)

Chewy nougat rich with toasted pistachios and dried apricots, cherries, and cranberries for a sweet bite.

# What You'll Need:

→ Nuts & Fruit

01 - 1 cup shelled, unsalted pistachios, lightly toasted
02 - 1/2 cup dried apricots, diced
03 - 1/3 cup dried cherries, diced
04 - 1/3 cup dried cranberries, diced

→ Sugar Syrup

05 - 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
06 - 1/2 cup light corn syrup
07 - 1/4 cup honey
08 - 1/4 cup 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

→ Extras

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

# Directions:

01 - Line an 8 x 8-inch baking pan with edible wafer paper or parchment, leaving an 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 a candy thermometer and continue cooking without stirring until syrup reaches 290°F.
03 - In a stand mixer, beat egg whites with cream of tartar and salt until soft peaks form.
04 - Remove hot syrup from heat. With mixer running on medium speed, slowly pour the syrup in a thin stream into the egg whites to prevent curdling.
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 a sturdy spatula, working gently to maintain aeration.
08 - Transfer nougat mixture to prepared pan and spread evenly with a spatula. Top with additional wafer paper if desired.
09 - Allow nougat to cool and set at room temperature for a minimum of 4 hours undisturbed.
10 - Lift nougat from pan using wafer paper overhang. Cut into uniform squares using a sharp knife dipped in oil to prevent sticking.

# Expert Hints:

01 -
  • A beautiful balance of sweet honey nougat, roasted pistachios, and colorful dried fruits.
  • Naturally vegetarian and gluten-free, making it suitable for various dietary needs.
  • Can be prepared in advance and stored for up to two weeks.
02 -
  • Ensure your egg whites are at room temperature for maximum volume when beating.
  • Use a sharp, lightly oiled knife when cutting to achieve clean, non-stick edges.
  • Verify that your dried fruits and syrup are certified gluten-free if serving guests with dietary restrictions.
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