Name: Cranberry Almond Nougat
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 25 min
Ingredients: 2 cups granulated sugar; 1 cup light corn syrup; 1/4 cup water; 2 large egg whites; 1/4 teaspoon salt; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1 cup dried cranberries; 1 1/2 cups toasted almonds; Edible rice paper sheets (optional)

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Oh my gosh, you guys! I just made cranberry almond nougat, and it looks so pretty. The colors and textures are just irresistible!

I love how chewy and sweet it is, with crunchy almonds and tart cranberries in every bite. Honestly, I couldn’t stop nibbling while cutting it.

Imagine enjoying a piece with your coffee or gifting it to friends. It’s fancy but super easy to make—I promise you’ll feel like a pro.

So, let’s make it together! I’ll show you how simple it is to create this chewy, nutty, fruity treat at home.

Why You’ll Love This Cranberry Almond Nougat Recipe

Perfect Balance of Sweet and Tart: The sweet nougat base is complemented by the tartness of cranberries and the nuttiness of toasted almonds, creating an irresistible flavor profile.
Simple to Make: This recipe is surprisingly easy with just a few ingredients. All you need is patience for the candy to set!
Customizable: You can experiment with other dried fruits or nuts if cranberries and almonds aren’t your favorites.
Holiday Favorite: This makes an excellent holiday gift or a sweet treat to enjoy during the winter season.
No Special Equipment Needed: With just a candy thermometer and some basic kitchen tools, you can create a professional-looking homemade nougat.

Required Kitchen Tools

Before we dive into the recipe, let’s check out the essential tools needed to make your cranberry almond nougat:

Medium Saucepan: You’ll need this to heat up the sugar and syrup.
Candy Thermometer: A crucial tool to make sure the sugar reaches the perfect temperature for creating the right texture in your nougat.
Large Mixing Bowl: For mixing the egg whites and salt.
Electric Mixer or Whisk: To beat the egg whites until stiff peaks form.
Baking Dish (8×8 inches recommended): This will serve as your nougat mold. Make sure it’s lined with parchment paper.
Spatula: To help mix and scrape everything into the baking dish.
Sharp Knife: For cutting your nougat into neat squares or bars once it’s set.

Ingredients

Here’s everything you’ll need to make this incredible cranberry almond nougat (full measurements are in the recipe card below):

Granulated Sugar: The base of the candy. You’ll need about 2 cups to get that sweet, chewy consistency.
Light Corn Syrup: This is used to prevent crystallization and help with the smooth texture of the nougat.
Water: To help dissolve the sugar and syrup mixture.
Egg Whites: These create the fluffy, airy texture of the nougat. They should be beaten until stiff peaks form.
Salt: Just a pinch to balance the sweetness.
Vanilla Extract: Adds depth to the flavor and enhances the sweetness of the nougat.
Dried Cranberries: These provide a tart, chewy contrast to the sweetness of the nougat.
Toasted Almonds: The crunchy almonds complement the chewy texture of the nougat perfectly.
Edible Rice Paper Sheets (Optional): These can be used to keep the nougat from sticking to itself or to the parchment paper.

Step-by-Step Instructions for Cranberry Almond Nougat

1. Prepare the Baking Dish

Start by lining an 8×8-inch baking dish with parchment paper. If you have edible rice paper, you can line the bottom and sides with it to prevent sticking, but this is optional.

2. Toast the Almonds

Place the almonds on a baking sheet and toast them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes or until they are lightly browned and fragrant. You can also toast them in a skillet over medium heat, stirring frequently to prevent burning. Once toasted, set them aside to cool.

3. Make the Sugar Syrup

In a medium saucepan, combine the granulated sugar, corn syrup, and water. Attach a candy thermometer to the side of the saucepan. Heat the mixture over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the temperature reaches 250°F (121°C). At this point, the sugar should be fully dissolved.

4. Whip the Egg Whites

While the sugar syrup is heating, start whipping your egg whites. In a large mixing bowl, beat the egg whites with a pinch of salt until soft peaks form. When soft peaks form, add the vanilla extract. Continue beating until stiff peaks are achieved. This should take about 5-7 minutes with an electric mixer.

5. Combine the Syrup with the Egg Whites

Once the sugar syrup reaches the desired temperature of 250°F (121°C), remove it from the heat. Gradually pour the hot sugar syrup into the whipped egg whites, making sure to pour it slowly and carefully to avoid splattering. Continue to beat the egg whites at high speed while adding the syrup. This will cause the mixture to thicken and become glossy.

6. Fold in the Cranberries and Almonds

Once the nougat mixture is thick and glossy, gently fold in the toasted almonds and dried cranberries. Make sure they are evenly distributed throughout the nougat.

7. Transfer to the Baking Dish

Transfer the nougat mixture into your prepared baking dish. Use a spatula to spread it out evenly and press it down gently to pack it into the dish. Smooth the top to make it as even as possible.

8. Let it Set

Allow the nougat to cool at room temperature for about 4-6 hours or until it has fully set. You can also refrigerate it to speed up the setting process. Once the nougat is set and firm to the touch, it’s ready to be cut.

9. Slice and Serve

Using a sharp knife, cut the nougat into small squares or bars. If you used edible rice paper, it should be easy to peel off the pieces without damaging the nougat. Serve immediately or package the pieces in decorative boxes to gift!

Variations for Cranberry Almond Nougat

Feel free to experiment with different flavor combinations by swapping out the cranberries and almonds for your favorite ingredients. Here are a few ideas:

Dried Cherries and Pistachios: Use dried cherries for a slightly tart flavor and substitute pistachios for almonds for a lovely green contrast.
Apricots and Walnuts: For a more exotic flavor, dried apricots and walnuts work beautifully in nougat.
Coconut and Cashews: Add shredded coconut and toasted cashews for a tropical twist.
Chocolate Chips: Fold in some dark or milk chocolate chips to add richness and sweetness to your nougat.

How to Serve Cranberry Almond Nougat

This nougat is versatile and can be served in various ways. Here are a few ideas:

As a Snack: Enjoy a piece of nougat on its own when you’re craving something sweet.
In Gift Boxes: Perfect for homemade gifts, especially during the holiday season.
With Tea or Coffee: Pair it with your favorite hot beverage for a delightful treat.
In Dessert Platters: Add it to dessert platters alongside other sweets for a colorful and tasty spread.

Storing Cranberry Almond Nougat

In an Airtight Container: Store the nougat in an airtight container to keep it fresh for up to 2 weeks. You can store it at room temperature.
In the Freezer: For longer storage, wrap the nougat tightly in plastic wrap and freeze it. To defrost, simply leave it out at room temperature for a few hours before serving.

Nutrition for Cranberry Almond Nougat

Here’s a breakdown of the approximate nutritional values for a 1-inch square piece of cranberry almond nougat:

Nutrient	Amount per Serving (1-inch square)
Calories	120
Total Fat	5g
Saturated Fat	0.5g
Cholesterol	0mg
Sodium	5mg
Carbohydrates	18g
Dietary Fiber	1g
Sugars	16g
Protein	2g

Please note, nutritional values may vary depending on the ingredients you choose to use and the size of the portions.