Craving something truly decadent that marries the rich, intricate flavors of dark chocolate, creamy caramel, and nutty peanut all crowned upon a cloud of soft nougat? Look no further! Allow me to introduce you to a homemade recipe that rivals even the most gourmet store-bought treats: Unreal Dark Chocolate Caramel Peanut Nougat Bars. This isn’t just a recipe; it’s a gateway to crafting an irresistible, gourmet snack right in your kitchen.
Table of Contents
How to make Unreal Dark Chocolate Caramel Peanut Nougat Bars
Unreal Dark Chocolate Caramel Peanut Nougat Bars are a type of candy bar made by Unreal, a brand known for creating healthier, more natural alternatives to traditional candy. These bars are designed to offer a more wholesome version of classic candy bars, using cleaner ingredients and avoiding artificial additives or preservatives.
Ingredients
For the Nougat:
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/3 cup light corn syrup
- 1/3 cup water
- 1 large egg white at room temperature
- 1/4 teaspoon cream of tartar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Caramel Peanut Layer:
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, cut into pieces
- 1/2 cup heavy cream at room temperature
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup roasted peanuts
For the Chocolate Coating:
- 16 ounces dark chocolate, finely chopped
- 2 tablespoons coconut oil
Instructions
Preparing the Nougat:
- Line an 8-inch square baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the sides for easy removal.
- In a small saucepan, combine the granulated sugar, corn syrup, and water. Cook over medium heat, stirring until the sugar dissolves. Then, increase the heat and bring to a boil without stirring until the temperature reaches 240°F (soft ball stage).
- While the sugar syrup is cooking, beat the egg white and cream of tartar to stiff peaks in a stand mixer.
- Once the syrup reaches the soft ball stage, slowly pour it into the beaten egg whites with the mixer running on low. Increase to high and continue to whisk until the nougat is thick and glossy, then fold in the vanilla extract.
- Pour the nougat into the prepared pan, smoothing the top with a spatula. Let it set for at least 1 hour.
Making the Caramel Peanut Layer:
- In a medium saucepan, melt the sugar over medium heat, stirring frequently until it turns a deep amber color.
- Carefully stir in the butter until melted, then slowly drizzle in the heavy cream (the mixture will bubble up) and add the salt. Stir until smooth.
- Add the peanuts to the caramel, and then pour over the set nougat layer. Spread into an even layer and allow to cool completely.
Preparing the Chocolate Coating:
- Melt the dark chocolate and coconut oil together in a heat-proof bowl set over a pot of simmering water, stirring until smooth.
- Let the chocolate cool slightly for a few minutes.
Assembling the Bars:
- Using the parchment paper overhang, lift the nougat and caramel layer out of the pan. Cut into bar-sized pieces with a sharp, greased knife.
- Dip each bar into the melted chocolate to coat completely, shaking off excess. Place on a parchment-lined tray.
- Refrigerate the dipped bars for at least 30 minutes to set the chocolate.
Tips for Success:
- Temperature Precision: A candy thermometer is crucial for getting the nougat and caramel stages just right. Too hot or too cool, and the texture won’t be what you’re looking for.
- Quality Ingredients: Use high-quality dark chocolate for a richer taste and smoother finish.
- Patience is Key: Allow the nougat and caramel to set completely before cutting. This will make the process much cleaner and easier.
- Stirring Caramel: When making caramel, stir gently. Aggressive stirring can cause the sugar to crystallize.
- Customize: Feel free to adjust the types of nuts or even the chocolate type based on your preference.
What to serve with
Unreal Dark Chocolate Caramel Peanut Nougat Bars are a decadent treat all on their own, but pairing them with complementary items can elevate your snacking or dessert experience.
1. Beverages
Coffee
- Espresso or Black Coffee: The bitterness and strong flavor of an espresso or a regular black coffee contrast beautifully with the sweetness of the caramel and chocolate, cleansing the palate between bites.
- Cappuccino or Latte: For those who prefer a milder coffee taste, a latte or cappuccino offers a creamier texture that complements the chewy and crunchy textures in the Unreal Dark Chocolate Caramel Peanut Nougat Bars.
Tea
- Black Tea: A robust black tea can match the intensity of dark chocolate while highlighting the peanut and caramel flavors.
- Herbal Tea: Mint or chamomile teas provide a light, refreshing counterpoint to the rich, dense nougat bars.
Adult Beverages
- Dessert Wines: Port, sherry, or a sweet Riesling works well with chocolate and enhances the sweetness of caramel and nougat.
- Whiskey or Bourbon: The smoky notes of whiskey or bourbon offer a nice contrast to the sweetness of the bars.
2. Dairy and Ice Cream
- Vanilla Ice Cream: A scoop of vanilla ice cream and a nougat bar make an indulgent dessert. The ice cream’s cold, creamy texture complements the chewy caramel and crunchy peanuts.
- Whipped Cream: Serve the nougat bars with a dollop of whipped cream to add a light, airy contrast to the dense, rich texture of the bars.
3. Fruits
- Fresh Berries: Offer a bowl of fresh strawberries, raspberries, or blueberries. Their natural acidity and slight tartness can cut through the richness of the chocolate and caramel.
- Citrus Fruits: Slices or wedges of orange and lemon can be served alongside or on top of the bars. The citrus notes will provide a refreshing zest.
4. Nuts and Cheese
- Assorted Nuts: A side of salted almonds, cashews, or pecans can enhance the nuttiness in the nougat and provide a varying texture.
- Cheese Board: Create a small cheese board with selections like Brie, Gouda, or aged Cheddar. Cheese pairs wonderfully with sweet treats like nougat bars and can serve as an elegant dessert option.
5. Dessert Spreads and Sauces
- Salted Caramel Sauce: Drizzle salted caramel sauce over the nougat bars or on the side for dipping. It enriches the caramel flavor already present in the bars.
- Berry Compote: Serve a side of berry compote; the slight tartness and fruitiness will complement the heavy flavors of chocolate and caramel.
6. Baked Goods
- Miniature Pastries: Small pastries such as scones or mini-danishes can accompany the nougat bars, offering a variety of textures and flavors in the dessert course.
- Shortbread Cookies: These buttery, crumbly cookies pair well with the sweets, allowing for a balance between the richness of the bars and the subtle sweetness of the cookies.
Ingredients Substitutes
When making a homemade version of Unreal Dark Chocolate Caramel Peanut Nougat Bars, you may not have all the specific ingredients on hand or maybe catering to dietary restrictions.
Nougat Ingredients:
Sugar
Substitute: Honey, maple syrup, or agave nectar can be used as a less-processed alternative. Adjust amounts as they are sweeter than sugar.
Corn Syrup
Substitute: A popular alternative is brown rice syrup, which provides a similar consistency.
Egg Whites
Substitute: Aquafaba (the liquid from a can of chickpeas) is a vegan option that can be whipped similarly to egg whites.
Caramel Ingredients:
Heavy Cream
Substitute: For a dairy-free version, coconut cream or full-fat oat milk can mimic the richness of heavy cream.
Butter
Substitute: Vegan butter or coconut oil can replace dairy butter and still provide the needed fat for a caramel sauce.
Chocolate Coating:
Dark Chocolate
Substitute: If you’re not a fan of dark chocolate, you can use milk chocolate, or for a non-dairy option, consider a vegan chocolate or one sweetened with stevia or another sugar alternative.
Peanut Layer:
Peanuts
Substitute: For those with allergies or to simply change things up, you can use almonds, cashews, sunflower seeds, or even a seed-based butter spread on the nougat layer before adding caramel.
Binders and Additives:
Gelatin (if used)
Substitute: Agar-agar is a vegetarian alternative that can help achieve the firm texture in nougat.
Vanilla Extract
Substitute: Vanilla bean paste or a small amount of almond extract can provide a similar flavor profile.
Final Thoughts
By thoughtfully choosing substitutes and possibly tweaking methods, you should be able to recreate a delicious version of Unreal Dark Chocolate Caramel Peanut Nougat Bars that caters to your dietary preferences or pantry availability.
More Dark Chocolate Recipes:
Ingredients
For the Nougat:
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/3 cup light corn syrup
- 1/3 cup water
- 1 large egg white at room temperature
- 1/4 teaspoon cream of tartar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Caramel Peanut Layer:
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, cut into pieces
- 1/2 cup heavy cream at room temperature
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup roasted peanuts
For the Chocolate Coating:
- 16 ounces dark chocolate, finely chopped
- 2 tablespoons coconut oil
Instructions
Preparing the Nougat:
- Line an 8-inch square baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the sides for easy removal.
- In a small saucepan, combine the granulated sugar, corn syrup, and water. Cook over medium heat, stirring until the sugar dissolves. Then, increase the heat and bring to a boil without stirring until the temperature reaches 240°F (soft ball stage).
- While the sugar syrup is cooking, beat the egg white and cream of tartar to stiff peaks in a stand mixer.
- Once the syrup reaches the soft ball stage, slowly pour it into the beaten egg whites with the mixer running on low. Increase to high and continue to whisk until the nougat is thick and glossy, then fold in the vanilla extract.
- Pour the nougat into the prepared pan, smoothing the top with a spatula. Let it set for at least 1 hour.
Making the Caramel Peanut Layer:
- In a medium saucepan, melt the sugar over medium heat, stirring frequently until it turns a deep amber color.
- Carefully stir in the butter until melted, then slowly drizzle in the heavy cream (the mixture will bubble up) and add the salt. Stir until smooth.
- Add the peanuts to the caramel, and then pour over the set nougat layer. Spread into an even layer and allow to cool completely.
Preparing the Chocolate Coating:
- Melt the dark chocolate and coconut oil together in a heat-proof bowl set over a pot of simmering water, stirring until smooth.
- Let the chocolate cool slightly for a few minutes.
Assembling the Bars:
- Using the parchment paper overhang, lift the nougat and caramel layer out of the pan. Cut into bar-sized pieces with a sharp, greased knife.
- Dip each bar into the melted chocolate to coat completely, shaking off excess. Place on a parchment-lined tray.
- Refrigerate the dipped bars for at least 30 minutes to set the chocolate.
