Copycat Brach’s Nougats

A Nostalgic Candy Recipe Made at Home

Few candies evoke nostalgia quite like Brach’s Nougats. Soft, chewy, pastel-colored, and studded with jewel-like fruit pieces, these classic candies were once a staple in candy dishes, holiday mixes, and pick-and-choose candy bins. For many people, they bring back memories of family gatherings, holiday baking, or sneaking a handful from a grandparent’s candy jar.

This Copycat Brach’s Nougat recipe recreates the familiar flavor and texture of the original candy using simple ingredients and an easy stovetop method. No candy thermometer is required, and there is no need for specialized confectionery skills. The result is a sweet, tender nougat candy that closely resembles the store-bought version, but with the added bonus of being homemade and customizable.

This recipe is ideal for holidays, gift giving, bake sales, or anytime you want to make a batch of candy that feels both retro and comforting.

What Are Brach’s Nougats?

Brach’s Nougats are not traditional European nougat, which is typically made with honey, egg whites, and nuts. Instead, they are an American-style confection made from a marshmallow-based mixture combined with white chocolate and butter. The texture is soft, creamy, and slightly chewy rather than firm or crunchy.

What truly defines Brach’s Nougats is the addition of fruit-flavored jelly slices, which add sweetness, color, and a subtle chew. The contrast between the creamy nougat base and the fruity candy pieces is what makes these treats so distinctive.

This copycat version mirrors that balance while allowing flexibility in fruit flavors, colors, and even add-ins.

Why Make Homemade Nougats?

Making nougats at home offers several advantages over buying them prepackaged:

You control the ingredients and quality
The candy is fresher and softer
You can customize fruit flavors and ratios
Perfect for gifting and holidays
No special equipment required
Great for beginner candy makers

This recipe is also an excellent introduction to stovetop candy making because it relies on melting and combining rather than precise temperature control.

Ingredient Overview

Butter

4 tablespoons butter

Butter adds richness and helps prevent the mixture from becoming overly stiff. It also contributes to the smooth mouthfeel of the finished candy.

Mini Marshmallows

2 (10-ounce) bags mini marshmallows

Marshmallows are the foundation of this nougat. When melted, they provide sweetness, structure, and elasticity. Mini marshmallows melt more evenly than large ones.

White Chocolate Chips

2 bags white chocolate chips

White chocolate gives the nougat its creamy sweetness and signature flavor. Choose a good-quality brand that melts smoothly.

Fruit Slices

3 (10-ounce) bags fruit slices
Cut in half and lightly tossed in granulated sugar

Fruit slices provide flavor, color, and texture. Brach’s fruit slices are ideal, but other brands can be substituted. Tossing them in sugar prevents sticking and helps them distribute evenly throughout the candy.

Equipment Needed

Large heavy-bottomed saucepan
Silicone spatula or wooden spoon
Sharp knife
Cutting board
9 x 13-inch baking dish
Parchment paper
Nonstick cooking spray

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Pan and Fruit Slices

Line a 9 x 13-inch baking dish with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the sides for easy removal. Lightly spray the parchment with nonstick cooking spray.

Cut the fruit slices in half using a sharp knife. Place them in a bowl and toss lightly with a small amount of granulated sugar. This step helps prevent the fruit pieces from sticking together once added to the nougat.

Set aside.

Step 2: Melt the Butter

In a large, heavy-bottomed saucepan, melt the butter over low heat. Keep the heat gentle to avoid browning.

Once fully melted, move immediately to the next step to prevent overheating.

Step 3: Add the Marshmallows

Add the mini marshmallows to the melted butter. Stir continuously over low heat until the marshmallows begin to melt.

This step requires patience. Do not rush by increasing the heat, as marshmallows can scorch easily. Stir slowly and consistently until the mixture is smooth and fully melted.

Step 4: Melt in the White Chocolate

Once the marshmallow mixture is smooth, reduce the heat to the lowest setting. Add the white chocolate chips in batches, stirring continuously until completely melted and incorporated.

The mixture should be thick, glossy, and smooth. If it becomes difficult to stir, remove the pan briefly from the heat and continue stirring until smooth.

Step 5: Fold in the Fruit Slices

Remove the saucepan from the heat. Immediately add the prepared fruit slices and gently fold them into the nougat mixture using a spatula.

Work quickly but carefully to distribute the fruit evenly without tearing or crushing the pieces.

Step 6: Spread and Set

Transfer the nougat mixture into the prepared baking dish. Use a spatula lightly greased with nonstick spray to spread the mixture evenly.

Press gently to ensure the mixture fills the corners and forms an even layer.

Allow the candy to cool at room temperature for at least 2 hours, or until fully set. Do not refrigerate during this stage, as chilling can cause condensation and affect texture.

Step 7: Cut Into Pieces

Once set, lift the candy out of the pan using the parchment paper overhang. Place on a cutting board.

Lightly grease a sharp knife and cut the nougat into small squares or rectangles. Clean and re-grease the knife as needed for clean cuts.

Texture and Flavor Notes

These copycat nougats should be:

Soft and slightly chewy
Creamy without being sticky
Sweet with bursts of fruity flavor
Easy to bite, not tough or hard

The balance between the marshmallow base and fruit slices is essential to achieving the classic texture.

Storage and Shelf Life

Store in an airtight container at room temperature
Separate layers with parchment paper
Keeps well for up to 2 weeks
Avoid heat and humidity

These candies do not require refrigeration and are best enjoyed at room temperature.

Make-Ahead and Gifting Tips

This recipe is ideal for making ahead, especially during the holiday season.

Make up to one week in advance for gifting
Package in decorative tins or cellophane bags
Include parchment layers to prevent sticking
Label with ingredients for allergy awareness

Homemade nougats make thoughtful gifts for teachers, neighbors, and hosts.

Variations and Customizations

Color-Themed Nougats

Use specific fruit slice colors to match holidays or events, such as red and green for Christmas or pastel colors for Easter.

Citrus Nougats

Use only orange, lemon, and lime slices for a bright citrus-forward candy.

Extra Creamy Nougats

Add an additional half bag of white chocolate chips for a richer base.

Nut-Free Candy Table Addition

This recipe is naturally nut-free, making it a great option for parties and school events.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Using high heat, which can scorch the marshmallows
Skipping parchment paper, making removal difficult
Adding fruit slices while the mixture is too hot, which can cause melting
Refrigerating before fully set

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use large marshmallows?
Yes, but they take longer to melt and require more stirring.

Can I substitute flavored marshmallows?
Plain marshmallows are recommended to maintain the classic flavor.

Why toss the fruit slices in sugar?
This prevents sticking and helps preserve their shape.

Can I double the recipe?
Yes, but use a very large pot and work quickly.

Serving Ideas

Add to holiday candy trays
Serve alongside cookies and fudge
Include in party favor bags
Pair with coffee or hot chocolate

A Note on Nostalgia and Homemade Candy

Recipes like this one are more than just sweets. They are edible memories. Making Copycat Brach’s Nougats at home recreates a candy many people thought was only available from store shelves. The process is simple, the ingredients are familiar, and the result is deeply comforting.

Homemade candy also brings people together. Whether you are making these with children, gifting them to friends, or setting them out during the holidays, they tend to spark conversation and memories.

Final Thoughts

This Copycat Brach’s Nougat recipe delivers everything you expect from the classic candy: softness, sweetness, and colorful bursts of fruit flavor. It is approachable for beginners, adaptable for experienced cooks, and reliable enough for large batches.

With minimal equipment and simple ingredients, this recipe proves that homemade candy does not need to be intimidating. Once you try it, it is likely to become a regular addition to your holiday baking rotation.