Gumdrop Sweet Bars

Featured in: Desserts to Satisfy Every Craving

Mix white chocolate, marshmallows, and gumdrops for a fun holiday no-bake dessert that’s amazing to share or gift.
A woman in a kitchen with a stove and oven.
Updated on Wed, 07 May 2025 18:16:38 GMT
Cheerful holiday bars with red and green candies on a plate, surrounded by festive decor. Pin it
Cheerful holiday bars with red and green candies on a plate, surrounded by festive decor. | cookingkitchn.com

Festive Homemade Christmas Gumdrop Nougat Candy

I'm excited to show you my go-to holiday sweet that always brings back wonderful memories. This no-fuss gumdrop nougat captures Christmas joy perfectly - think soft, stretchy nougat packed with bright red and green gumdrops. You won't need to bake anything, yet you'll end up with a treat that's both eye-catching and delicious. And guess what? It's so straightforward that kids can jump in and help too.

What Makes This Treat So Special

You'll quickly fall in love with this homemade candy because:

  • The chewy nougat and fruity gumdrops create an irresistible combo
  • Makes fantastic DIY presents that everyone appreciates
  • Those colorful gumdrops make it look store-bought
  • You don't need to bake it, saving time during the hectic holidays

Simple Ingredients You'll Need

  • Mini Marshmallows: They transform into a chewy, stretchy base when melted.
  • White Chocolate Chips: Adds a velvety richness to our nougat mixture.
  • Unsalted Butter: Creates a smooth texture as everything melts together.
  • Red and Green Gumdrops: The colorful, festive centerpiece of our holiday candy.

Quick How-To Guide

Slice and Share
When firm, grab the parchment edges to lift out the whole block. Use a good knife to cut squares, then watch them disappear as people enjoy!
Chill Time
Put your pan in the fridge to set everything. A few hours works in a pinch, but leaving it overnight makes cutting much easier.
Easy Spreading
Transfer this beautiful mix to your prepared pan. Here's a trick - use greased parchment to press it flat without getting sticky hands.
Add Those Pretty Gumdrops
After everything's melted, mix in your cut-up gumdrops. They'll look stunning scattered through the creamy base. Stir well to distribute them evenly.
Simple Melting Magic
First, melt butter in a large pot over gentle heat. Toss in marshmallows and white chocolate chips, stirring non-stop until smooth. Keep the heat low to avoid burning.

Tricks for Perfect Results

  • Sharp Knife Success: Using a really sharp blade makes cutting your candy clean and easy.
  • Patient Chilling: Don't rush the setting process if you want neat squares.
  • Greased Paper Trick: This handy method lets you flatten the mixture without making a mess.
A close-up view of colorful holiday fudge squares with red and green pieces, surrounded by festive red and green candies. Pin it
A close-up view of colorful holiday fudge squares with red and green pieces, surrounded by festive red and green candies. | cookingkitchn.com

Keeping Your Candy Fresh

Store your nougat in a sealed container and it'll stay good for about a week. Need to prepare ahead? Just place pieces between parchment sheets and pop in the freezer for up to 3 months. Remember to let them sit out about an hour before you plan to eat them.

A Colorful Holiday Delight

This homemade gumdrop nougat adds a pop of color to any holiday spread or gift package. The way the soft nougat combines with those fruity gumdrops gets everyone grinning. Whether you're giving them away or keeping them for yourself, each colorful square spreads a little bit of holiday happiness.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ What’s the point of using a double boiler?
It keeps your marshmallows and chocolate from burning and makes them smooth.
→ Why skip Chipits chocolate?
They don’t melt well – go for proper white chocolate chips instead.
→ How do I stop it from sticking?
Lay down parchment when storing layers and pressing the mix into your dish.
→ Can I swap the candies?
For sure! Try other colorful gumdrops or sweets that fit the vibe.
→ How long will it stay fresh?
They last well in a sealed box with parchment between layers.

Gumdrop Sweet Bars

Chewy candy bars with marshmallows, melted white chocolate, and bright gumdrops. Perfect for sharing or gifting.

Prep Time
25 Minutes
Cook Time
120 Minutes
Total Time
145 Minutes
By: Sophia

Category: Sweet Delights

Difficulty: Easy

Cuisine: American

Yield: 60 Servings (60)

Dietary: Vegetarian, Gluten-Free

Ingredients

01 450g of white chocolate chips.
02 1 1/2 cups of chopped gumdrops.
03 2 tablespoons of butter.
04 500g of mini marshmallows.

Instructions

Step 01

Completely cover an 8x8 pan with parchment, leaving some paper hanging over the edges so you can pull it out easily.

Step 02

Slice the gumdrops in half, and keep them to the side for later.

Step 03

Put a bowl that handles heat on top of a pot with lightly simmering water.

Step 04

Throw butter, marshmallows, and white chocolate chips into the bowl over your double boiler.

Step 05

Keep stirring until everything’s melted and there are no lumps left.

Step 06

Be careful not to overheat; you’re just looking to melt, not cook!

Step 07

Once everything is melted, move the bowl off the heat.

Step 08

Leave it alone for 2 minutes to cool off a little.

Step 09

Gently fold the cut gumdrops into the melted stuff so they’re spread evenly.

Step 10

Dump the whole mix into the already-prepped pan.

Step 11

Press it flat using parchment paper, so it’s evenly spread in the pan.

Step 12

Smooth the top layer with greased parchment, so nothing sticks.

Step 13

Pop it in the fridge for at least 2 hours or leave it overnight to firm up.

Step 14

Once it’s firm, slice it up into 60 small squares.

Step 15

Stack pieces separated by parchment paper if you need to store them.

Notes

  1. No need to bake this.
  2. Perfect for gift boxes.
  3. Go for good-quality white chocolate.
  4. Lasts quite a while.

Tools You'll Need

  • Square 8x8 pan.
  • Bowl for double boiler.
  • Greased parchment paper.
  • A good sharp knife.

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Contains dairy (butter and white chocolate).

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 85
  • Total Fat: 3 g
  • Total Carbohydrate: 15 g
  • Protein: 1 g