Brighten up snack time with these vibrant Gluten-Free Homemade Nerd Clusters—an irresistible treat bursting with tangy-sweet Nerds candy and crispy textures! This playful recipe features a melt-in-your-mouth blend of miniature marshmallows, unsalted butter, and vanilla extract, folded together with gluten-free crispy rice cereal for ultimate crunch. The bold pop of rainbow-hued Nerds candies brings a delightful burst of flavor and color, making these clusters perfect for parties, festive occasions, or a fun midday pick-me-up. With a quick prep time of just 10 minutes and no baking required, these gluten-free candy clusters are as easy to make as they are to enjoy. Plus, their convenient make-ahead option means you can savor these chewy, crispy bites anytime!
Prepare a baking sheet by lining it with parchment paper. Lightly coat with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
In a large pot, melt the unsalted butter over low heat. Add the miniature marshmallows and a pinch of kosher salt, stirring constantly until the marshmallows are completely melted and the mixture is smooth.
Remove the pot from heat and quickly stir in the vanilla extract.
Gently fold the gluten-free crispy rice cereal into the melted marshmallow mixture until well combined.
Allow the mixture to cool slightly but not harden. This will take about 1 to 2 minutes.
Add the Nerds candy to the mixture, using a gentle folding motion to distribute them evenly without crushing the candy.
Using a spoon or with oiled hands, scoop tablespoon-sized amounts of the mixture onto the prepared baking sheet.
Shape each scoop into loose clusters, ensuring the candy is visible on the surface.
Allow the clusters to cool at room temperature for at least 15 minutes, or until they are set.
Once cooled and set, transfer the clusters to an airtight container for storage. They can be kept at room temperature for up to a week.
Calories |
3038 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 28.2 g | 36% | |
| Saturated Fat | 14.0 g | 70% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 62 mg | 21% | |
| Sodium | 1762 mg | 77% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 646.5 g | 235% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 4.0 g | 14% | |
| Total Sugars | 401.5 g | ||
| Protein | 16.2 g | 32% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 7 mg | 1% | |
| Iron | 28.8 mg | 160% | |
| Potassium | 255 mg | 5% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.