Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Minimal Ingredients : Only four ingredients needed—no fancy equipment or baking required!
- Quick & Easy : Ready in under 30 minutes with minimal effort.
- Customizable : Add your favorite mix-ins like dried fruit, pretzels, or sprinkles for variety.
- Perfect for Sharing : A crowd-pleasing treat ideal for parties, holidays, or gifting.
- No-Bake Magic : No oven needed—just melt, layer, and chill!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Makes 16–20 bars
- 1 (12 oz) package soft nougat candy (like store-bought nougat or homemade equivalent)
- 1 cup creamy peanut butter (or substitute almond butter for a nut-free option)
- 1 (12 oz) package milk chocolate chips (or semi-sweet/dark chocolate for a richer flavor)
- 1 cup chopped nuts (such as peanuts, almonds, or cashews)
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prep the Pan
- Line an 8x8-inch square baking pan with parchment paper, leaving some overhang on the sides for easy removal. Lightly grease the parchment paper with cooking spray or butter.
Step 2: Layer the Nougat
- Warm the nougat slightly in the microwave or on the stovetop to soften it. Spread it evenly across the bottom of the prepared pan, pressing it down gently with a spatula to create a smooth, even layer.
Step 3: Add the Peanut Butter
- Warm the peanut butter slightly (if needed) to make it easier to spread. Dollop the peanut butter over the nougat layer and use a spatula to spread it evenly.
Step 4: Melt the Chocolate
- In a microwave-safe bowl, melt the chocolate chips in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval, until smooth and fully melted. Alternatively, melt the chocolate using a double boiler on the stovetop.
Step 5: Top with Chocolate and Nuts
- Pour the melted chocolate over the peanut butter layer, spreading it evenly with a spatula.
- Sprinkle the chopped nuts evenly over the chocolate layer, pressing them lightly into the surface to help them adhere.
Step 6: Chill
- Place the pan in the refrigerator and chill for at least 1–2 hours , or until the layers are firm and set.
Step 7: Slice and Serve
- Once set, lift the nougat block out of the pan using the parchment paper overhang. Cut into squares or bars of your desired size.
- Store in an airtight container in the fridge or at room temperature.
Why This Recipe Works
- Layered Delight : The combination of chewy nougat, creamy peanut butter, and rich chocolate creates a perfect balance of textures and flavors.
- No-Bake Simplicity : Melting and layering make this recipe accessible for bakers of all levels.
- Customizable Crunch : Chopped nuts add texture, but you can swap them for other toppings like sprinkles, crushed cookies, or dried fruit.
Variations to Try
- Nut-Free Option : Substitute the nuts with crushed pretzels, sunflower seeds, or granola for crunch.
- Fruit Twist : Stir in dried cranberries, cherries, or raisins into the melted chocolate before pouring it over the bars.
- Dark Chocolate Lovers : Use dark chocolate chips for a more intense, less sweet flavor.
- Extra Layers : Add a layer of caramel or marshmallow fluff between the nougat and peanut butter for extra indulgence.
- Mini Bars : Cut into smaller pieces for bite-sized treats perfect for parties or gifting.