If you’re as passionate about peanut butter and chocolate as I am, then you’re in for a treat! We’re whipping up a homemade version of the indulgent Reese’s Fast Break Peanut Butter Nougat Candy. Imagine creating your very own creamy, chocolaty, peanut buttery delight right in your kitchen.
Table of Contents
How to make Reese’s Fast Break Peanut Butter Nougat Candy
Reese’s Fast Break is a candy bar made by Hershey under the Reese’s brand. It features a soft nougat layer on the bottom, a layer of Reese’s peanut butter on top, and a milk chocolate coating.
Ingredients
For the Nougat:
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/3 cup light corn syrup
- 1/4 cup water
- 1 egg white
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Peanut Butter Layer:
- 1 cup creamy peanut butter
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
For the Chocolate Coating:
- 2 cups milk chocolate chips
- 2 tablespoons coconut oil or shortening (to help thin the chocolate for coating)
Instructions
Prepare the Nougat:
- In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine the granulated sugar, corn syrup, and water. Stir until the sugar dissolves and the mixture begins to boil.
- In a separate, clean bowl, beat the egg white until it forms stiff peaks.
- Once the sugar mixture reaches 242°F (soft ball stage), slowly pour it into the beaten egg white, continually beating at low speed. Add the vanilla extract and continue to beat until the mixture becomes fluffy nougat.
- Spread the nougat onto a parchment-paper-lined baking sheet, forming a rectangle about ½ inches thick. Allow it to cool and set.
Prepare the Peanut Butter Layer:
- Mix the creamy peanut butter and powdered sugar until well combined.
- Once the nougat is set, spread this peanut butter mixture evenly over the nougat layer. Let it set in the refrigerator while you melt the chocolate.
Chocolate Coating:
- In a double boiler or microwave, gently melt the milk chocolate chips with the coconut oil or shortening, stirring until smooth.
- Once melted, remove the peanut butter and nougat slab from the refrigerator and cut it into bar-sized pieces.
- Using forks or dipping tools, dip each bar into the melted chocolate to coat evenly, tapping off excess chocolate.
- Place the coated bars on a parchment paper-lined tray and set them in the refrigerator until the chocolate hardens.
Tips for Success
- Temperature is Key: Using a candy thermometer will help ensure the sugar mixture reaches the correct temperature for the nougat.
- Smooth Layers: When spreading the nougat and peanut butter layers, aim for evenness to create uniform bars.
- Melting Chocolate: Adding coconut oil or shortening to the chocolate helps achieve a smooth, easy-to-dip consistency, preventing the chocolate from seizing.
- Preventing Sticky Situations: Lightly greasing your hands and tools can make handling the nougat and peanut butter layers easier.
- Storage: Store your Reese’s Fast Break replicas in an airtight container in the refrigerator to maintain freshness and prevent melting.
What to serve with
Serving your homemade Reese’s Fast Break Peanut Butter Nougat Candy is an opportunity to elevate this delightful treat into a full dessert experience. Pairing it with complementary flavors and textures can enhance the enjoyment of this candy.
1. Beverages:
- Milk: The classic pair – milk and chocolate. A glass of cold milk alongside Reese’s Fast Break bars makes for a comforting and satisfying combination. The milk’s creaminess complements the rich chocolate and peanut butter flavors.
- Coffee: A bold, rich coffee serves as the perfect adult complement to the sweetness of the candy. The bitterness of coffee balances the sweetness, while its warm notes enhance the chocolate and peanut butter flavors.
- Tea: For a lighter option, serve with a cup of herbal or black tea. A chai or Earl Grey can offer a delightful fragrance and a touch of bitterness that complements the sweetness of the candy bars.
2. Ice Cream: Creating a decadent sundae by pairing your Reese’s Fast Break bars with vanilla or chocolate ice cream can double down on the indulgence. Chop the bars into bite-sized pieces and sprinkle them over the ice cream. Add a drizzle of peanut butter or chocolate sauce for even more decadence.
3. Fruits: For a refreshing contrast, serve alongside fresh fruits like strawberries, bananas, or apples. The natural acidity and sweetness of fruits can cut through the rich flavors of peanut butter and chocolate, creating a balanced dessert palette. You can even dip the fruits in the leftover chocolate for an extra treat.
4. Toppings for Baking: Chopped Reese’s Fast Break bars make an excellent topping or mix-in for other baked goods. Use them to decorate cupcakes, brownies, or even peanut butter cookies to add texture and elevate the chocolate and peanut butter theme.
5. Whipped Cream or Yogurt: For those seeking a lighter yet creamy option, a dollop of whipped cream or a serving of Greek yogurt can accompany the Reese’s Fast Break bars. The yogurt’s tang or the whipped cream’s lightness can offer a pleasing contrast to the rich, dense candy bars.
6. Assorted Nuts: For an added crunch and a boost of savory notes, serve your candy with a side of assorted nuts like almonds, walnuts, or more peanuts. This not only complements the peanut element but also introduces a variety of textures for a more engaging snack.
7. Cheese Board: For a sophisticated twist, include small pieces of Reese’s Fast Break bars on a cheese board. Select cheeses with a creamy texture and mild to medium flavors, such as Brie or Gouda, to complement the candy without overpowering it.
8. Craft Beers or Dessert Wines: For a grown-up gathering, pair your homemade candy with craft beers, especially stouts or porters with chocolate and nutty notes. Dessert wines like Port or Muscat can also provide a lovely contrast to the sweetness and richness of the candy.
Ingredients Substitutes
Creating a homemade version of Reese’s Fast Break Peanut Butter Nougat Candy can be a fun and satisfying project. If you’re facing dietary restrictions or simply don’t have certain ingredients on hand, there are various substitutes you can use.
1. Chocolate Coating:
Standard Ingredient: Milk chocolate
Substitutes:
- Dark Chocolate: For a less sweet option with a deeper cocoa flavor.
- Dairy-Free/Vegan Chocolate: Use vegan chocolate brands that are available if you are avoiding dairy.
- White Chocolate: For a different twist on the flavor, it will significantly alter the classic taste.
2. Peanut Butter Layer:
Standard Ingredient: Creamy peanut butter
Substitutes:
- Crunchy Peanut Butter: Adds extra texture with bits of peanuts.
- Almond Butter or Sunflower Seed Butter: Great alternatives for those with peanut allergies.
- Reduced-Fat Peanut Butter: Can be used, but the texture and flavor may be slightly different.
3. Nougat:
Standard Ingredients: Sugar, corn syrup, and egg whites
Substitutes:
- Honey or Maple Syrup: Instead of corn syrup for a natural sweetener option.
- Aquafaba: A vegan alternative to egg whites, aquafaba is the liquid from canned chickpeas and can be whipped like egg whites.
- Agave Syrup: Another alternative to corn syrup, though it’s sweeter, so you may need to adjust the quantity.
4. Caramel Layer:
Standard Ingredients: Sugar, butter, cream, and vanilla extract
Substitutes:
- Coconut Oil or Vegan Butter: Substitute for butter if avoiding dairy.
- Coconut Cream or Cashew Cream: Dairy-free alternatives to cream.
- Brown Rice Syrup: A less processed option instead of corn syrup.
5. Vanilla Extract:
Substitute: If you don’t have vanilla extract, you can use an equal amount of maple syrup or almond extract for a slightly different flavor profile.
Final Thoughts
This Reese’s Fast Break Peanut Butter Nougat Candy recipe is not just about recreating a loved candy bar; it’s about enjoying the process and indulging in the mouthwatering results.
Ingredients
For the Nougat:
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/3 cup light corn syrup
- 1/4 cup water
- 1 egg white
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Peanut Butter Layer:
- 1 cup creamy peanut butter
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
For the Chocolate Coating:
- 2 cups milk chocolate chips
- 2 tablespoons coconut oil or shortening
Instructions
Prepare the Nougat:
- In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine the granulated sugar, corn syrup, and water. Stir until the sugar dissolves and the mixture begins to boil.
- In a separate, clean bowl, beat the egg white until it forms stiff peaks.
- Once the sugar mixture reaches 242°F (soft ball stage), slowly pour it into the beaten egg white, continually beating at low speed. Add the vanilla extract and continue to beat until the mixture becomes fluffy nougat.
- Spread the nougat onto a parchment-paper-lined baking sheet, forming a rectangle about ½ inches thick. Allow it to cool and set.
Prepare the Peanut Butter Layer:
- Mix the creamy peanut butter and powdered sugar until well combined.
- Once the nougat is set, spread this peanut butter mixture evenly over the nougat layer. Let it set in the refrigerator while you melt the chocolate.
Chocolate Coating:
- In a double boiler or microwave, gently melt the milk chocolate chips with the coconut oil or shortening, stirring until smooth.
- Once melted, remove the peanut butter and nougat slab from the refrigerator and cut it into bar-sized pieces.
- Using forks or dipping tools, dip each bar into the melted chocolate to coat evenly, tapping off excess chocolate.
- Place the coated bars on a parchment paper-lined tray and set them in the refrigerator until the chocolate hardens.
