If you're a candy lover on a gluten-free diet, finding safe and delicious treats can be a challenge. But fear not! You can now make your own gluten-free Milky Way candy bars at home. Milky Way bars have been a favorite candy bar for generations, with their combination of nougat, caramel, and milk chocolate. With just a few simple gluten-free ingredients, you can recreate this beloved candy bar in the comfort of your own home. Plus, these homemade gluten-free milky way candy bars don't have barley malt extract, artificial flavors, or soy lecithin. They taste even better than the original milky way candy bar, and I promise you will love these dark chocolate milky way bars!
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One of the joys of Milky Way bars is their availability in fun size packages in many convenience stores. But did you know that many candy bars on the market contain gluten-containing ingredients? This means that if you have a gluten sensitivity or celiac disease, you might not be able to indulge in your favorite candy bar. The candy aisle can be a treacherous place, and it's important to read labels carefully to avoid gluten. In the United States, you must check the label carefully to ensure that there are no artificial flavors that contain gluten. Gluten-free candy must be certified or marked clearly on the label if you have a gluten intolerance.
When it comes to candy, there are so many varieties available, from decadent candies like caramel candies to chocolate-covered varieties. However, with a gluten-free diet, you need to be extra careful to avoid cross contamination and gluten ingredients. Homemade candy bars, made with gluten-free ingredients, can be a fun and delicious alternative to store-bought candy. With a little bit of parchment paper, some sugar, and a few key ingredients, you can make your own candy dishes at home and create your own candy haul with all sorts of gluten-free candies, including Milky Way bars.
Are Milky Ways Gluten Free?
Unfortunately, Milky Way bars are not gluten-free. A quick glance at the ingredient list reveals that Milky Way bars contain gluten-containing ingredients such as barley malt, which is a type of gluten ingredient, and other artificial flavors. Additionally, the nougat in Milky Way bars contains dairy ingredients, which means they're not suitable for those on a dairy-free diet.
Milky Way bars are known for their milk chocolate bars with nougat and caramel. The original flavor, along with other classic flavors, are popular among candy lovers. However, for those on a gluten-free diet, the chocolate flavor in Milky Way bars is off-limits due to the presence of gluten-containing ingredients.
The food industry has been making strides in producing gluten-free options, but cross-contamination is always a concern. Even if a product doesn't contain gluten ingredients, it can still be contaminated during the production process. While cocoa powder and sugar are naturally gluten-free, the presence of malted barley, a secret ingredient in many chocolate products, can render a product unsuitable for those on a gluten-free diet. So, unfortunately, Milky Way bars are not an option for those on a gluten-free diet. That's why I created this recipe!
Why You'll Love This Recipe
You're going to love this recipe because it uses basic ingredients and is perfect for those on a gluten-free and dairy-free diet (check out the substitutions if you want to make this recipe dairy-free). The ingredients list is short and sweet, with just a teaspoon of salt and a sprinkle of sea salt needed to enhance the flavor. Plus, this recipe can be easily scaled up or down to create the perfect batch size for your needs.
The bar filling is a chewy nougat made with gluten-free ingredients, which is perfect for those who love the texture of classic Milky Way bars but need to avoid gluten-containing ingredients. To make the nougat, simply blend the ingredients in a food processor and press the mixture into a lined loaf pan. Once frozen, cut into fun size bars and dip them in melted chocolate before sprinkling with sea salt.
One of the best things about this recipe is the use of a secret ingredient that adds depth and complexity to the flavor profile. The result is a bar that is reminiscent of classic Milky Way bars, but with a unique twist that sets it apart. And with the help of parchment paper, this recipe is easy to make and yields a delicious and satisfying treat that's perfect for snacking on your favorite foods without worrying about gluten-containing ingredients.
Key Ingredients
The key ingredients in this recipe are crucial for creating the perfect Milky Way bars filling, and most of them are naturally gluten-free products. Let's take a closer look at each one of the following ingredients and why they're important:
- Marshmallow fluff: This light and fluffy filling is a key ingredient in creating the nougat layer of the bars. It adds a chewy texture and sweet flavor to the bars.
- Nutella: This hazelnut spread helps to bind the marshmallow fluff and provides a rich and nutty flavor to the bars.
- Greek yogurt: This ingredient adds a tangy flavor and creamy texture to the bars filling. It also adds a healthy dose of protein to the recipe.
- Pitted dates: These naturally sweet and chewy fruits add a caramel-like flavor to the filling and help to bind the ingredients together.
- Salt: Just a pinch of salt is needed to balance out the sweetness of the filling and add depth to the flavor.
- Dark chocolate: This rich and decadent ingredient is used to coat the bars and give them that classic Milky Way look. It also provides a bittersweet contrast to the sweetness of the filling. Make sure to check the product label to make sure there isn't any palm oil or natural flavors added to the chocolate.
Each ingredient in this list of gluten-free candies is carefully chosen to create a delicious and satisfying bars filling that's perfect for snacking. By using a gluten-free ingredient list, those on a gluten-free diet can indulge in the classic flavors of Milky Ways without having to worry about gluten-containing ingredients. And with the addition of dark chocolate, these bars are sure to satisfy even the most discerning sweet tooth.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Here's how to make these delicious Milky Way bars:
Prepare the Baking Dish:
Line a loaf pan with parchment paper, making sure that the paper hangs over the edges. This will make it easy to lift the bars out of the pan once they're frozen.
Make the Filling:
Combine marshmallow fluff and Nutella in a bowl, stirring until well combined. Spread the mixture into the bottom of the prepared loaf pan, making sure that it's evenly distributed.
Make the Cream Mixture:
Combine Greek yogurt, pitted dates, and salt in a food processor. Process the mixture until it's smooth and creamy. It should have a spreadable consistency.
Assemble the Bars:
Spread the cream mixture over the marshmallow fluff and Nutella layer in the loaf pan. Use a spatula to smooth the top of the cream mixture, making sure that it's evenly distributed.
Freeze the Bars:
Place the loaf pan in the freezer for at least 2 hours, or until the bars are firm.
Cut and Dip the Bars:
Remove the loaf pan from the freezer and lift the bars out of the pan using the parchment paper. Use a sharp knife to cut the bars into 1 inch pieces. Dip each bar into melted dark chocolate and place it on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
Add the Finishing Touches:
Sprinkle each bar with a pinch of sea salt. Place the bars in the freezer for an additional 10-15 minutes to allow the chocolate to set.
Enjoy:
Remove the bars from the freezer and serve. These gluten-free Milky Way bars are the perfect sweet treat for any occasion.
Expert Tips and Tricks
Here are some expert tips for making these gluten-free Milky Way bars:
- Use a food processor to make the cream mixture. This will help to ensure that the mixture is smooth and creamy, with no lumps or chunks.
- To make it easier to lift the bars out of the loaf pan, leave some excess parchment paper hanging over the sides of the pan. This will create a handle that you can use to lift the bars out of the pan.
- When spreading the cream mixture over the marshmallow fluff and Nutella layer, use a spatula to ensure that the layer is even and smooth.
- To make sure that the bars have a clean and professional look, dip them in melted chocolate using a fork. This will help to ensure that the bars are evenly coated in chocolate.
- Sprinkle the sea salt on the bars while the chocolate is still wet. This will help to ensure that the salt sticks to the chocolate and doesn't fall off.
- After dipping the bars in chocolate, place them in the freezer for an additional 10-15 minutes to allow the chocolate to set completely. This will help to ensure that the bars have a nice, firm texture.
By following these expert tips, you'll be able to create perfectly delicious and visually appealing gluten-free Milky Way bars. So get ready to impress your friends and family with this sweet treat!
Two Ways to Melt Chocolate
Here are two ways to melt chocolate:
- Double Boiler Method:
- Fill a small saucepan with a few inches of water and bring it to a simmer.
- Place a heat-proof bowl on top of the saucepan, making sure that the bottom of the bowl is not touching the water.
- Add the chocolate to the bowl and stir occasionally until it's melted.
- Microwave Method:
- Break the chocolate into small pieces and place them in a microwave-safe bowl.
- Microwave the chocolate in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval, until the chocolate is melted.
By using either of these methods, you'll be able to melt the chocolate quickly and easily. The double boiler method is great for larger quantities of chocolate, while the microwave method is perfect for smaller amounts. Choose the method that works best for you and get ready to make some delicious chocolate-covered treats!
What chocolate should I use?
When making these Milky Way bars, it's best to use a high-quality dark chocolate bar for dipping. You can melt the chocolate using the double boiler method and then dip the bars into the melted chocolate. You can also use excess chocolate to drizzle over the top of the bars for added decoration. There are numerous types of dark chocolate bars to choose from, so pick your favorite and get ready to enjoy this delicious treat! And don't forget to line your baking dish with parchment paper for easy removal and cleanup.
Ingredient Substitutions
Instead of store-bought candy, make your own candy bars at home using gluten-free ingredients. Here are some ingredient substitutions you can try when making these Milky Way bars:
- For a creamier filling, try using cream cheese instead of Greek yogurt.
- If you have celiac disease, make sure to use certified gluten-free ingredients and check the allergen statement on all products.
- Instead of using dark chocolate, try using white chocolate for a different flavor.
- For a different flavor, try using a creamy caramel in place of the marshmallow fluff and Nutella.
By making these ingredient substitutions, you can create your own unique version of the classic Milky Way candy bar. Whether you're trying to avoid gluten or simply looking for a new flavor profile, there are plenty of ways to customize this recipe to suit your tastes. So get creative and have fun experimenting with different ingredients!
Recipe Variations
Here are some recipe variations you can try for these Milky Way bars:
- Add some color to your bars by drizzling them with colored frosting.
- Top your bars with a rich chocolate ganache frosting for an extra decadent treat.
- For a creamier filling, try using cream cheese instead of Greek yogurt.
- Add a bit of coffee to the filling for a subtle mocha flavor.
- Use cold coffee leftover from your morning brew instead of water for a coffee-infused filling.
- For a tropical twist, add shredded coconut to the filling.
- Replace the pitted dates in the filling with almond meal for a nutty flavor.
- Create a bar with almonds by pressing whole almonds into the filling before freezing.
- Swap out the dark chocolate for chocolate with almonds for an added crunch.
- For a different flavor profile, try using white chocolate with cream in the filling.
By trying out these recipe variations, you can create a unique and delicious treat that's tailored to your taste preferences. Whether you're looking for something new or just want to switch things up a bit, these variations are sure to satisfy your sweet tooth.
Storage Instructions
To store these Milky Way bars, place them in an airtight container and store them in the freezer. Use parchment paper to separate the bars and prevent them from sticking together. When you're ready to enjoy them, simply remove the bars from the freezer and let them thaw for a few minutes before eating. By following these storage instructions, your bars will stay fresh and delicious for several weeks.
FAQ
Milky Way bars are made by layering creamy caramel, nougat, and milk chocolate. The caramel and nougat are made separately and then combined to form the filling of the candy bar.
The fluffy stuff in a Milky Way is nougat. Nougat is a sweet and chewy mixture made from egg whites, sugar, and nuts.
Milky Way bars are made out of milk chocolate, creamy caramel, and nougat.
The nougat in Milky Way bars is made from corn syrup, sugar, hydrogenated palm kernel oil, and egg whites.
Gluten-Free Milky Way Candy Bars Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 cups marshmallow fluff
- ½ cup nutella
- 1 cup plain greek yogurt
- 8 pitted dates
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 7 ounces dark chocolate melted
Instructions
- Line a loaf pan with parchment paper and set it aside.
- Combine marshmallow fluff and Nutella.
- Press the mixture into the bottom of the loaf pan.
- In a food processor, combine greek yogurt, dates, and salt.
- Pour the yogurt mixture on top of the marshmallow fluff mixture.
- Let freeze in the freezer for at least 2 hours.
- Lift the bars out of the pan using the parchment paper. Take a shark knife and cut into 1 inch bars.
- Dip each bar into the melted chocolate and place on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Sprinkle with flaky sea salt.
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