Soy-Free Homemade Nerd Clusters

Satisfy your sweet tooth with these vibrant and chewy Soy-Free Homemade Nerd Clusters! This recipe puts a fun, allergen-friendly twist on a beloved candy classic, combining tangy freeze-dried fruits like strawberries, raspberries, and blueberries with a crisp, candy coating made from simple pantry ingredients. Free from soy and packed with natural fruit flavors, these easy-to-make treats are perfect for snacking, gifting, or adding a whimsical touch to any dessert platter. With just 20 minutes of prep time and a candy thermometer as your guide, you’ll whip up bite-sized clusters of colorful, fruity goodness that are as delightful to look at as they are to eat. Whether you’re recreating childhood candy memories or surprising friends with a homemade confection, these nerd clusters deliver a deliciously playful crunch in every bite!

Nutriscore Rating: 57/100

Prep Time:20 mins

Cook Time:15 mins

Total Time:35 mins

Servings: 8

Ingredients

• 1 cup Granulated sugar
• 0.5 cup Light corn syrup
• 0.25 cup Water
• 0.5 teaspoon Citric acid
• 1 teaspoon Gelatin
• 1 cup Freeze-dried fruit (strawberries, raspberries, blueberries)
• 1 tablespoon Unflavored powdered pectin
• 0 optional Food coloring

Directions

Step 1

Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone mat and set aside.

Step 2

In a medium saucepan, combine granulated sugar, light corn syrup, and water over medium heat.

Step 3

Stir until the sugar is dissolved and then bring the mixture to a boil. Do not stir once the boiling begins to avoid crystallization.

Step 4

Allow the mixture to reach a temperature of 300°F (hard crack stage) using a candy thermometer.

Step 5

While the syrup is cooking, in a small bowl, mix gelatin and citric acid with a tablespoon of warm water to dissolve and set aside.

Step 6

Once the syrup reaches 300°F, remove from heat immediately and stir in the gelatin mixture. Add the powdered pectin and stir quickly to combine.

Step 7

If using, add a couple of drops of food coloring and stir until evenly distributed. The color will depend on your preference, corresponding to the flavor of the freeze-dried fruits.

Step 8

Quickly fold in the freeze-dried fruit until they are well coated with the syrup mixture.

Step 9

Using a spoon, drop small clusters of the mixture onto the prepared baking sheet.

Step 10

Let the clusters cool completely at room temperature until they are hard and crunchy, about 30 minutes.

Step 11

Once fully set, break up any larger clusters and store in an airtight container for up to 2 weeks.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(481.6g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	1424.5

Total Fat 1.5g	0%
Saturated Fat 0.0g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 0.0g
Cholesterol 0mg	0%
Sodium 20.7mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 369.2g	0%
Dietary Fiber 19.2g	0%
Total Sugars 348.9g
Protein 3.0g	0%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 63.8mg	0%
Iron 1.5mg	0%
Potassium 601.4mg	0%

*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.

Source of Calories

Fat: 0.9%

Protein: 0.8%

Carbs: 98.3%