Four Ingredient Nougat Bars: The Easiest Candy You’ll Ever Make (and Love!)
If you’ve ever craved something sweet, chewy, and melt-in-your-mouth good — but didn’t want to spend hours in the kitchen — these Four Ingredient Nougat Bars are your new best friend. They’re a nostalgic, no-bake treat that combines creamy, chewy nougat with crunchy peanuts and soft, colorful candy. Think of them as the perfect balance of texture and flavor — smooth, nutty, and delightfully sweet. Best of all, they come together in just minutes with minimal effort and no fancy ingredients.
These bars are perfect for holidays, potlucks, or anytime you need a quick homemade dessert that looks (and tastes) like it came straight from a candy shop.
🍫 Ingredients (and Why They Work So Well)
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1. 2 (12-ounce) bags of white chocolate chips
The white chocolate forms the creamy base of the nougat. Its rich sweetness complements the chewy marshmallows and gives the bars their smooth, luscious texture.
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2. 2 tablespoons of butter
Butter adds silky richness and ensures the mixture melts evenly without seizing. It also deepens the flavor, balancing the sweetness with a touch of creaminess.
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3. 1 (16-ounce) bag of mini marshmallows
Marshmallows are the secret to the nougat-like chewiness. When melted with the chocolate and butter, they create that signature stretchy, soft texture that makes these bars irresistible.
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4. 2 cups of salted peanuts (or M&M candies, or both!)
Peanuts provide a salty crunch that balances the sweetness perfectly. If you use M&Ms, you’ll get pops of color and a fun candy-coated finish. For an even better flavor combo, use half peanuts and half M&Ms!
👩🍳 Step-by-Step Instructions for Perfect Four Ingredient Nougat Bars
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Step 1: Prepare Your Pan
Line a 9x13-inch baking dish with parchment paper or foil, leaving a little overhang on the sides for easy removal later. Lightly spray with non-stick cooking spray.
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Step 2: Melt the White Chocolate and Butter
In a large microwave-safe bowl, combine the white chocolate chips and butter. Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until smooth and fully melted. Be careful not to overheat — white chocolate can scorch easily.
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Step 3: Add the Marshmallows
Stir the mini marshmallows into the warm chocolate mixture. Microwave for another 20–30 seconds, then stir until the marshmallows are melted and the mixture is thick and gooey.
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Step 4: Fold in the Peanuts and M&Ms
Quickly fold in the peanuts (and/or M&Ms) while the mixture is still warm. Work fast — the nougat will start to set as it cools.
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Step 5: Press and Set
Spread the mixture evenly into your prepared pan, pressing it down gently with a spatula. Let it sit at room temperature for about 2 hours, or refrigerate for 30–40 minutes if you’re impatient to dig in.
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Step 6: Slice and Serve
Lift the nougat slab out using the parchment paper, then cut it into bars or squares. Serve immediately or store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week.
💖 Why Everyone Loves These Nougat Bars
- Only four ingredients — no fancy candy thermometers or complicated steps.
- Perfect texture balance — soft nougat, crunchy nuts, and chewy candy.
- Crowd-pleasing flavor — they’re sweet but not overwhelming, with a lovely hit of salt.
- Customizable — swap peanuts for almonds, cashews, or even pretzel bits for extra crunch.
- No-bake convenience — ideal for busy days, holidays, or when your oven is already full.
🔥 Pro Tips for Perfect Nougat Bars
- Use quality white chocolate chips — cheaper ones can separate or taste waxy.
- Work quickly when adding peanuts and M&Ms — the nougat sets fast.
- Add a drizzle of melted milk or dark chocolate over the top before setting for a gourmet finish.
- Chill slightly before cutting for clean, even squares.
- Add color for the holidays — use red and green M&Ms for Christmas, pastels for Easter, or orange and brown for Halloween.
🍽️ Serving Suggestions
Serve your Four Ingredient Nougat Bars as part of a dessert platter alongside cookies, brownies, and fudge. They also make adorable gift treats — wrap them individually in wax paper and tie with ribbon for homemade candy bars that everyone will love. Pair with a cup of hot cocoa, coffee, or vanilla milkshake for the ultimate indulgence.
✨ Final Thoughts: The Sweet Simplicity of Nougat Bars
These Four Ingredient Nougat Bars prove that you don’t need a long list of ingredients or hours in the kitchen to create something truly special. Every bite delivers creamy, chewy, and crunchy perfection — the kind of treat that makes everyone ask for the recipe. Whether you’re making them for a party, a bake sale, or just a cozy movie night, this recipe guarantees sweet success every single time.

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