Homemade nougatine – crunchy shards for cake decoration

Homemade nougatine – crunchy shards for cake decoration is a easy French recipe that serves 8. 150 calories per serving. Recipe by Hervé Cuisine on YouTube.

Prep: 10 min | Cook: 20 min | Total: 40 min

Cost: $2.40 total, $0.30 per serving

Ingredients

  • 250 g Granulated white sugar (Granulated, preferably white crystal)
  • 125 g Sliced or chopped almonds (Lightly toasted before use)
  • 1 c. à café Fresh lemon juice (A few drops to prevent caramel crystallization)

Instructions

  1. Prepare ingredients and oven

    Preheat the oven to 180°C. Measure the sugar and almonds. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

    Time: PT3M

    Temperature: 180°C

  2. Toast the almonds

    Spread the almonds in an even layer on the sheet and bake for 5 minutes until lightly golden. Remove and let cool.

    Time: PT5M

    Temperature: 180°C

  3. Caramelize the sugar

    Pour the sugar into a heavy‑bottomed saucepan. Heat over medium heat without adding water. Stir gently with a wooden spoon at the first signs of melting until you obtain a smooth golden‑amber caramel.

    Time: PT7M

  4. Coat the almonds

    Immediately pour the toasted almonds into the hot caramel. Gently mix with the wooden spoon so each almond is well coated.

    Time: PT3M

  5. Spread the nougatine

    Transfer the mixture onto a large sheet of parchment paper. Place a second sheet on top and roll with a rolling pin until about 3 mm thick.

    Time: PT4M

  6. Cut and let cool

    Remove the top sheet, let the nougatine cool completely (2‑3 min). Cut into shards or desired shapes with a sharp knife.

    Time: PT3M

Nutrition Facts

Calories
150
Protein
2 g
Carbohydrates
15 g
Fat
8 g
Fiber
1 g

Dietary info: Vegetarian, Gluten-free, low-carb, low-calorie, very-low-calorie, low-fat

Allergens: Almonds (tree nuts)

Last updated: March 12, 2026

Amazon Associates

Amazon Associates PartnerTrusted

As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases made through links on this page. This helps support our site at no extra cost to you. Clicking on ingredient or equipment links will take you to amazon.com where you can purchase these items.

Homemade nougatine – crunchy shards for cake decoration

Recipe by Hervé Cuisine

Homemade nougatine made with caramelized sugar, toasted almonds and a splash of lemon juice. An ultra‑fine crisp that elevates tiered cakes, ice creams and biscuits. Easy, quick and additive‑free!

EasyFrenchServes 8

Shop all ingredients on Amazon in one click • Printable PDF with shopping checklist

Source Video
20m
Prep
5m
Cook
10m
Cleanup
35m
Total

Cost Breakdown

$2.40
Total cost
$0.30
Per serving

Critical Success Points

  • Caramelize the sugar without burning it
  • Coat the almonds quickly before the caramel hardens
  • Roll the still‑warm nougatine between two papers to prevent it from sticking

Safety Warnings

  • Caramel reaches over 170°C: handle with kitchen gloves and avoid any skin contact
  • Never touch the caramel with your fingers; in case of burn, rinse immediately with cold water

You Might Also Like

Similar recipes converted from YouTube cooking videos

Sweet and Savory Tomato Tart with Onions

Sweet and Savory Tomato Tart with Onions

A gourmet shortcrust tart that combines the sweetness of maple syrup and balsamic vinegar with caramelized onions, thick slices of heirloom tomatoes and a hint of mustard. Perfect for lunch or dinner, it will delight sweet‑savory lovers.

2 hrs 13 min
Serves 6
$6
5 views
FrenchMedium
Curry de volaille à l'ananas et riz pilaf

Curry de volaille à l'ananas et riz pilaf

Un plat complet et savoureux associant un poulet au curry parfumé à l'ananas, lait de coco et épices, servi avec un riz pilaf cuit à la vapeur sous papier sulfurisé. Rapide à préparer, idéal pour un dîner équilibré.

1 hr 19 min
Serves 4
$12
2 views
FrenchMediumFrench
Zucchini Coconut Curry

Zucchini Coconut Curry

A creamy zucchini curry with coconut, flavored with curry and sesame oil. Simple, quick and perfect for a vegetarian or vegan dinner, served with basmati rice or quinoa.

1 hr
Serves 4
$6
7 views
FrenchEasy
Mirabelle Tart with a Gingerbread Flan Base

Mirabelle Tart with a Gingerbread Flan Base

An indulgent tart with fresh mirabelles resting on a creamy gingerbread‑flavored flan base, all in a crisp shortcrust pastry. Perfect for sunny days, this recipe combines the sweetness of fruit with the warm spices of winter.

3 hrs 37 min
Serves 8
$15
7 views
FrenchMedium
How to Turn One Egg into a Michelin-Star Dessert

How to Turn One Egg into a Michelin-Star Dessert

A classic French dessert of airy poached meringue islands floating in a silky vanilla custard sauce, finished with an optional caramel sugar cage and fresh raspberries. Made with just one egg, milk, cream, vanilla and sugar, this elegant dish looks restaurant‑quality yet is doable at home.

55 min
Serves 2
$6
28 views
FrenchMedium
Brioche King's Crown

Brioche King's Crown

A fluffy brioche shaped like a crown, flavored with orange blossom (or rum) and decorated with pearl sugar and candied ginger. Ideal for a snack or brunch all year round.

2 hrs 30 min
Serves 8
$7
14 views
FrenchMedium