Delicious Hard Almond Nougat: 5 Easy Steps to make it at Home

Turrón de Alicante, also known as hard almond nougat, is a traditional Spanish treat with a special place during Christmas. This crunchy delight is a festive must-have alongside its softer counterpart, turrón de Jijona. The best part? You can easily make it at home! When you prepare this nougat yourself, you ensure it’s made with just almonds, honey, and sugar. Completely free of additives.

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Prep Time 15

Cook Time 20

Cooling Time 2

Course Dessert

Cuisine Mediterranean

Servings 10

Ingredients

250g (2 cups) whole almonds (toasted)
150g (3/4 cup) honey
150g (3/4 cup) sugar
1 egg white (beaten until stiff peaks form)
Wafer paper (to line the mold, optional)

Instructions

Toast the Almonds
Begin by toasting the almonds in the oven until they are golden brown. This step enhances their flavor and adds that perfect crunch to the nougat.
Prepare the Honey and Sugar Syrup
In a saucepan, combine the honey and sugar, then heat until the mixture reaches 140°C (285°F). This is the critical point for achieving the right consistency. Stir continuously to avoid burning.
Whisk the Egg Whites
Beat the egg whites until stiff peaks form. Once ready, slowly incorporate them into the hot syrup mixture while stirring constantly. This will give the nougat its fluffy texture.
Mix in the Almonds
Once the mixture has cooled slightly, fold in the toasted almonds. Ensure all almonds are evenly coated with the nougat mixture.
Shape and Let Cool
Line a rectangular mold with wafer paper. Pour the nougat mixture into the mold, pressing down firmly to ensure an even distribution. Let it cool completely before cutting it into bars.

Notes

Pro Tip: If you don’t make the nougat too thick, it will be easier to cut and serve.

Keyword christmas, dessert