Here’s a classic Pan of Nougat Bars recipe — chewy, nutty, and perfectly sweet, like an old-fashioned candy bar in bar form 🍫✨
🍬 Pan of Nougat Bars
Serves: 24 bars
Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 10 minutes
Cooling time: 2 hours
🧂 Ingredients
For the base layer:
- 2 cups (12 oz / 340 g) semisweet chocolate chips
- ½ cup (125 g) creamy peanut butter
For the nougat layer:
- 4 tbsp (½ stick / 55 g) unsalted butter
- 1 cup (200 g) granulated sugar
- ¼ cup (60 ml) evaporated milk
- 1 (7 oz / 200 g) jar marshmallow crème (Fluff)
- 1½ cups (90 g) salted peanuts, roughly chopped
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
For the caramel layer:
- 14 oz (400 g) caramels (unwrapped)
- ¼ cup (60 ml) heavy cream
For the topping:
- 2 cups (12 oz / 340 g) milk chocolate chips
- ¼ cup (60 g) creamy peanut butter
🍳 Instructions
- Prepare the pan:
- Line a 9×13-inch (23×33 cm) baking pan with parchment paper or foil and lightly grease it.
- Bottom chocolate layer:
- Melt chocolate chips and peanut butter together (microwave in 30-second bursts or melt on stovetop over low heat).
- Spread evenly in the pan and refrigerate until firm (about 20 minutes).
- Nougat layer:
- In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Add sugar and evaporated milk; bring to a gentle boil.
- Cook for 4–5 minutes, stirring constantly.
- Remove from heat, stir in marshmallow crème, peanuts, and vanilla until smooth.
- Spread over the chocolate layer and refrigerate 15 minutes.
- Caramel layer:
- Melt caramels and cream together over low heat, stirring until smooth.
- Pour over the nougat layer and spread evenly. Chill again for 15–20 minutes.
- Top chocolate layer:
- Melt remaining chocolate chips with peanut butter.
- Spread over caramel layer evenly.
- Chill and cut:
- Refrigerate for at least 2 hours or until fully set.
- Lift out of the pan using parchment, cut into bars or squares.
🍫 Tips
- For clean cuts, dip your knife in hot water and wipe between slices.
- Store bars in the fridge up to 2 weeks, or freeze for up to 3 months.
- Try swapping peanuts for almonds, cashews, or pretzels for a twist.
Would you like a no-bake version (great for quick candy-style bars)?
