If you’re looking for a soft, chewy, and nutty holiday treat, look no further than this pistachio nougat! It’s fun, festive, and delicious, and best of all, there’s no baking required. This shortcut version of soft nougat is made with marshmallows and a little microwave magic!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Pistachio nougat is easy to fall in love with because it hits that perfect mix of soft, chewy texture and rich, nutty flavor without being overly heavy.
The marshmallow base I use makes it surprisingly simple to whip up, with no tricky candy stages while still giving you that classic soft nougat feel. You just need a microwave – no pot, no need to boil, and it’s still delicious. The pops of green pistachios add texture, color, and flavor, making each bite look as good as it tastes!
It’s also a wonderfully versatile treat: elegant enough for holiday gifting or Christmas dessert boards, yet casual enough to nibble straight from the container. Plus, it’s naturally gluten free, so it works for a variety of different dietary needs, too!
Pistachios bring a warm, subtly sweet nuttiness that pairs beautifully with the creamy marshmallow, giving the nougat a balanced, crave-worthy finish!
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Ingredients List
- 3 cups white chocolate chips
- 16 ounces mini marshmallows
- 2 Tbsp butter (I use salted)
- 1 ½ cups pistachios (shells removed)
- 2 Tbsp honey (or to taste)
Ingredient Tips and Substitutions
- If you use unsalted butter, add a pinch of salt to compensate (and I recommend salted nuts as well)
- The honey is optional, but I like the flavor pairing. You can omit it entirely, or use ½-1 tsp of extract (like vanilla) to add other flavors to your nougat
- You could add a few drops of green food coloring if you want to make the nougat green overall!
- Other good mix-in options could include dried fruits (cranberries are a great pairing), other nuts (like hazelnuts, almonds, etc), or 1 tsp extract (vanilla, almond, or pistachio) for added flavor! Add at the same time as the nuts and honey
- For a version made with gummy candy, check out my classic Marshmallow Nougat Recipe!
Step By Step Instructions
- Line a 13×9” baking pan with parchment paper or wax paper, and coat it in nonstick spray (it’ll be very sticky)!
- Add the marshmallows, white chocolate chips, and butter to a large, microwave-safe bowl. Cook on high power for 1 minute, stir, and then cook in additional 30-second increments, stirring after each, until the mixture is fully melted and smooth
- Fold in the honey and pistachios and stir until they’re well distributed
- Pour the mixture into your prepared pan. Use a spatula (or your hands) greased with nonstick spray to press it into an even layer. It will be very sticky!
- Cover and place in the fridge to cool and firm, usually around 2 hours (overnight is fine too). Once fully set, remove and use a sharp knife sprayed with nonstick spray to cut it into squares (I do 1” size, but it’s your choice). Enjoy!
Pairing Suggestions
Drinks
- Espresso or Strong Coffee – The bitterness cuts through the nougat’s sweetness and highlights the nutty pistachio flavor
- Green Tea – Light, earthy, and not too sweet; it balances the chewy, sugary texture!
- Prosecco – Bubbly and crisp, offering a refreshing contrast to the dense nougat
- Amaretto on the Rocks – Enhances the almond-like depth in pistachios and complements the candy’s creamy base. Try my Pistachio Amaretto Sour for a great complement!
Other Sweet
- Vanilla Ice Cream – A cool, neutral base that lets the pistachio flavor shine
- Lemon Bars – Bright acidity that keeps the sweetness from feeling heavy
- Shortbread Cookies – Buttery, crumbly, and simple—perfect beside soft, chewy nougat
Cheese & Savory Snacks
- Mild Goat Cheese – Tangy creaminess that balances the sugary nougat. Try my Air Fryer Goat Cheese Balls!
- Salted Nuts – Reinforces the pistachio flavor while offering a salty, savory contrast!
- Prosciutto Slices – Sweet + salty = magic. The nougat’s richness works surprisingly well with cured meats
Holiday Pairings
- Hot Cocoa – A cozy combo that feels extra festive around the holidays. Grinch Hot Chocolate is the perfect pairing!
- Mulled Wine – Warm spices complement the nougat’s soft sweetness beautifully. Try my easy Microwave Mulled Wine!
- Gingerbread Cookies – Seasonal spices play perfectly with pistachio and marshmallow
Recipe FAQs
What the Heck Is Nougat?
Nougat is traditionally a chewy, airy candy made by whipping sugar or honey with egg whites to create a fluffy, marshmallow-like base (or you can just use marshmallows for the base like this recipe). It can be soft or firm depending on the recipe and often includes nuts or dried fruit.
What Is Pistachio Nougat?
Pistachio nougat is a variation of classic nougat that’s loaded with pistachios for nutty flavor and added texture. In this recipe, it’s a marshmallow-style nougat, so it’s softer, sweeter, and quicker to make than traditional egg-white nougat.
What Is Nougat Made Of?
Nougat can be made in several ways. Traditional nougat uses sugar or honey cooked to a specific temperature. Then the sugar syrup is whipped with egg whites to soft peaks for a fluffy, chewy texture that’s slightly denser than a meringue.
Marshmallow nougat (like this recipe) uses marshmallows and white chocolate, which makes it easier, softer, and more beginner-friendly. Butter, nuts, dried fruit, or flavor extracts can be added in either case to customize the texture and taste.
Tips For the Best Pistachio Nougat
- Marshmallow nougat is very sticky – so just remember to use nonstick spray everywhere! Your pan, your hands or spatula for smoothing it, and even your knife for cutting it. Wrap individual pieces in wax paper to prevent sticking there, too!
- Once the marshmallow base is melted, it begins to set up rather quickly. Make sure your pan is prepared in advance and that your mix-ins are measured and laid out so you can work quickly and efficiently!
- Mixing bowl tough to clean? Soak it in hot water to melt the sugars and loosen things up!
Storage and Serving
Storage Tips
- Store at Room Temperature: Keep the nougat in an airtight container at room temp for up to 1 week. Marshmallow nougat stays soft and chewy when it isn’t refrigerated
- Layer With Parchment: If stacking pieces, place parchment or wax paper between layers to prevent sticking (or wrap pieces individually)
- Avoid Heat or Sunlight: Nougat softens quickly, so keep it in a cool, dry spot away from direct sunlight or warm appliances (fridge storage is fine too)
- Freezing (Optional): You can freeze it for longer storage! Simply wrap tightly in plastic, then store in a freezer-safe bag for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temp before serving
Serving Tips
- Pretty Presentation: Serve pieces on a festive platter or wooden board and sprinkle with crushed pistachios for color and texture!
- Flavor Boost: Drizzle with melted white chocolate, dip half the piece for a dipped effect, or dust with powdered sugar for a snowy finish (this can also help prevent sticking when stacking on a plate)
- Gift-Ready: Wrap pieces individually in wax paper or add them to holiday treat boxes; nougat travels well and looks impressive!
- Pistachio Mug Cake
- Pistachio Pudding Shots
Final Thoughts
This marshmallow honey pistachio nougat is a shortcut microwave version of the classic confection that comes out just as soft and sweet, with no stand mixer, no candy thermometer, and (almost) no patience required!
It’s perfect for holiday cookie trays and makes a lovely edible Christmas gift, but truly works for any winter occasion thanks to the nutty pistachio flavor. I usually add it in between various cookies and fudge to offer different textural options!
So, if you’re looking for something new to try this holiday season, give this simple honey pistachio nougat a try. It’s naturally gluten free, no bake thanks to the microwave, and all sorts of delicious for the perfect sweet treat anytime!
Honey Pistachio Marshmallow Nougat (Microwave Recipe)
Equipment
Ingredients
- 3 cups white chocolate chips
- 16 ounces mini marshmallows
- 2 Tbsp butter (I use salted)
- 1 ½ cups salted pistachios (measure after removing from shell)
- 2 Tbsp honey (or to taste)
Instructions
- Line a 13×9” baking pan with parchment paper or wax paper, and coat it in nonstick spray (it’s going to be very sticky)!
- Add the marshmallows, white chocolate chips, and butter to a large, microwave-safe bowl. Cook on high power for 1 minute, stir, and then cook in additional 30-second increments, stirring after each, until the mixture is fully melted and smooth3 cups white chocolate chips, 16 ounces mini marshmallows, 2 Tbsp butter
- Fold in the honey and pistachios and stir until they’re well distributed2 Tbsp honey, 1 ½ cups salted pistachios
- Pour the mixture into your prepared pan. Use a spatula (or your hands) greased with nonstick spray (to prevent sticking) to press it into an even layer
- Cover and place in the fridge to cool and firm, usually around 2 hours (overnight is fine too). Once fully set, remove and use a sharp knife sprayed with nonstick spray to cut it into squares (I do 1” squares, but it’s your choice). Enjoy!
Notes
- If you use unsalted butter, add a pinch of salt to compensate (and I recommend salted nuts as well)
- The honey is optional, but I like the flavor pairing. You can omit it entirely, or use ½-1 tsp (depending how strong of a flavor you want) of extract (like vanilla, pistachio, or almond) to add other flavors to your nougat
- You could add a few drops of green food coloring if you want to make your nougat green!
- Other good mix-in options could include dried fruits (like cranberries), or other nuts to mix it up! Add any additions at the same time as the pistachios and honey
- Exact nutritional values will vary based on brand and flavor of ingredients, any swaps or additions, size of cuts, and quantity consumed, so please consider this a guideline only
Nutrition
