Strawberry Nougat Chocolate Bars
Ingredients
For the Nougat Layer:
1/2 cup unsalted butter
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1/4 cup light corn syrup
1/4 cup sweetened condensed milk
1/2 tsp vanilla extract
1/4 cup freeze-dried strawberries, finely ground
1/4 tsp salt
For the Chocolate Layer:
2 cups semisweet or milk chocolate chips
1 tbsp coconut oil or vegetable shortening
For the Strawberry Topping (Optional):
1/4 cup freeze-dried strawberries, coarsely crushed
2 tbsp white chocolate, melted (for drizzle)
Instructions
Prepare the Nougat Layer
In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine the butter, sugar, corn syrup, and sweetened condensed milk. Stir continuously until the mixture reaches a smooth consistency.
Increase heat slightly and bring the mixture to a gentle boil. Continue stirring for about 4–5 minutes until it thickens and begins to pull away from the sides of the pan.
Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla extract, ground freeze-dried strawberries, and salt. Mix until evenly combined.
Shape the Nougat
Line an 8×8-inch baking dish with parchment paper, leaving some overhang for easy removal. Spread the nougat mixture evenly in the dish. Smooth the top with a spatula.
Refrigerate for about 1 hour, or until the nougat is firm enough to cut.
Cut into Bars
Once the nougat has set, lift it out of the pan using the parchment overhang. Cut it into rectangular bars (or your desired shape). Place the bars on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
Prepare the Chocolate Coating
In a microwave-safe bowl, melt the chocolate chips and coconut oil in 30-second intervals, stirring between each, until smooth and glossy.
Dip each nougat bar into the melted chocolate, ensuring it is fully coated. Use a fork to lift the bar out, letting excess chocolate drip off. Place the coated bars back on the parchment-lined baking sheet.
Decorate and Set
While the chocolate is still wet, sprinkle the bars with crushed freeze-dried strawberries.
Drizzle with melted white chocolate if desired for a decorative touch.
Let the bars set at room temperature or refrigerate for faster results.
Serve and Store
Enjoy immediately, or store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week.