This Chickpea Snack Mix stands out for its perfect balance of sweet, savory, and crunchy textures, combining cinnamon-roasted chickpeas, almonds, pumpkin seeds, dried cherries, and dark chocolate.
Not only is it irresistibly flavorful, but it also packs a nutritional punch: chickpeas and nuts provide plant-based protein, fiber, and heart-healthy fats, while the combination of dried fruit and dark chocolate adds natural antioxidants.
With moderate sugar and plenty of wholesome ingredients, this snack supports energy and satiety, making it ideal for busy days, after-school snacks, or healthy office munching.
Quick to prepare and versatile for meal prep, it’s an everyday snack that feels indulgent without compromising nutrition.
The roasting process brings out deep, nutty flavors and ensures satisfying crunch in every bite, making this recipe a standout option for anyone seeking a wholesome yet tasty snack solution.
Must-Have Tools for Perfect Results
Rimmed Baking Sheet
A high-quality, rimmed baking sheet provides an even surface for roasting chickpeas and nuts, ensuring consistent browning and easy handling. Perfect for all baking and roasting tasks.
Parchment Paper
Prevents sticking and simplifies cleanup while protecting the baking sheet, making it an essential tool for snacks, cookies, and roasted vegetables.
Wire Cooling Rack
Allows roasted chickpeas and nuts to cool evenly, maintaining their crisp texture. It’s versatile for cooling baked goods or draining fried foods.
Mixing Bowl
A sturdy, medium-sized mixing bowl is ideal for tossing chickpeas with oil, maple syrup, and spices. Also useful for salads, batters, and marinating proteins.
Measuring Spoons
Accurate measurement of spices, oil, and maple syrup ensures perfect flavor balance every time, making these indispensable for both sweet and savory cooking.
Quick Chickpea Snack Mix
Equipment
- 1 Rimmed Baking Sheet
- 1 Parchment Paper
- 1 Medium mixing bowl
- 1 Wire cooling rack
- Measuring Spoons
Ingredients
- 1 can 15 oz low-sodium chickpeas, rinsed and drained
- ½ tablespoon coconut oil melted
- ½ tablespoon pure maple syrup
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- ⅛ teaspoon smoked paprika optional
- ¼ cup raw pumpkin seeds pepitas
- ¼ cup raw almonds or pecan halves
- ⅓ cup dried cherries
- ¼ cup dark chocolate chips
Instructions
- Oven Preparation: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and position a rack in the center. Line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and make cleanup effortless, ensuring an even surface for roasting chickpeas and nuts.
- Chickpea Drying: Place the rinsed chickpeas on a double layer of paper towels and pat them thoroughly dry. Remove any loose skins as needed; while it’s not necessary to get them all, removing extra moisture ensures they roast crisp and crunchy.
- Initial Roasting: Spread the chickpeas in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet without adding oil or seasonings yet. Bake for 10 minutes, which allows the chickpeas to firm up and start developing that signature roasted crunch before coating.
- Flavor Coating: Carefully remove the pan from the oven and drizzle the chickpeas with melted coconut oil and maple syrup. Sprinkle with ground cinnamon, kosher salt, and smoked paprika, then gently toss to coat evenly, taking care to avoid burns from the hot pan.
- Secondary Roasting: Return the coated chickpeas to the oven and bake for another 10 minutes, allowing the spices to infuse and the chickpeas to turn golden brown and slightly caramelized for maximum flavor.
- Adding Nuts: Remove the pan once again and add pumpkin seeds and almonds in a single layer among the chickpeas. Continue baking for 8–10 minutes, until the nuts are lightly toasted and the chickpeas achieve a crispy, crunchy texture.
- Cooling Process: Transfer the roasted chickpeas and nuts to a wire cooling rack and let them cool completely. Cooling ensures that the chickpeas maintain their crisp texture and prevents sogginess from residual heat.
- Finishing Touches: Once cool, combine the roasted mix with dried cherries and dark chocolate chips in a large bowl. Stir gently to distribute evenly, then portion into serving bowls or store in an airtight container for later snacking.
Notes
- For extra crisp chickpeas, make sure to dry them thoroughly before roasting.
- Feel free to swap almonds with pecans or walnuts depending on preference.
- Smoked paprika is optional but adds a subtle depth of flavor.
- Use parchment paper to prevent sticking and simplify cleanup.
- This snack mix is best consumed within a week for maximum freshness.
- Dark chocolate can be substituted with cacao nibs for a less sweet version.
Chef’s Secrets For Crispy Chickpeas
To achieve perfectly crunchy chickpeas, always start by drying them completely and roasting them plain for the first 10 minutes.
This step firms up the beans before coating with oil and maple syrup.
Gently tossing halfway through ensures even caramelization and avoids burning.
Using a rimmed baking sheet with a single layer allows airflow around each chickpea and nut, producing a golden-brown, evenly roasted snack every time.
Serving Suggestions For Snack Mix
This chickpea mix works beautifully as a midday pick-me-up, lunchbox addition, or party snack.
Pair it with a cup of herbal tea or a glass of almond milk for a satisfying treat. It also makes an excellent topping for oatmeal, yogurt, or smoothie bowls, adding both crunch and protein.
For holiday gatherings, serve it in small festive bowls or mason jars to impress guests.
Storage Tips For Longevity
Store the chickpea snack mix in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week.
To maintain maximum crispiness, avoid plastic zip-top bags, which can soften the chickpeas. Instead, use a parchment-lined container or resealable glass jar.
Do not freeze, as the texture of both chickpeas and nuts degrades when frozen and thawed.
Frequently Asked Questions And Answers
1. Can I use canned chickpeas without rinsing?
Always rinse and drain canned chickpeas to remove excess sodium and starch, which helps them roast more evenly and become crispier.
2. Can I make this recipe nut-free?
Yes! Simply substitute nuts with extra pumpkin seeds, sunflower seeds, or roasted soy nuts to keep it crunchy and protein-packed.
3. How spicy is the smoked paprika?
Smoked paprika is mild and adds a subtle smoky flavor, not heat. You can omit it or add a pinch of cayenne if you prefer a spicier kick.
4. Can I sweeten this differently?
Maple syrup can be swapped with honey, agave, or coconut nectar. Each adds a slightly different flavor but maintains the caramelization and sweetness.
5. How do I prevent chickpeas from burning?
Ensure the pan is not overcrowded, toss halfway through roasting, and watch closely during the final 5–10 minutes. Adjust oven temperature slightly lower if needed.
This recipe has been adapted and simplified from the original version by wellplated. We’ve refined the steps for a smoother cooking experience and added helpful notes, nutrition insights, and essential kitchen tools to make it even easier for home cooks.
