Pin it
This crunchy-sweet chickpea mix has completely changed how I snack between meals—turning ordinary into extraordinary. When crispy cinnamon-baked chickpeas meet tangy cherries, crunchy nuts, and rich dark chocolate, you get this amazing blend that tackles both sweet and salty desires in one handful.
I whipped this mix up during a super hectic workweek when I needed quick snacks I could grab on the run. Now I make it whenever friends stop by because everyone always wants to know how to make it after they try it.
What You'll Need
- Chickpeas: They're the crunchy, protein-rich foundation that soaks up all the flavors
- Coconut oil: Gets everything nice and crispy with a hint of sweetness
- Maple syrup: Gives a caramel-like flavor without using regular sugar
- Cinnamon: Brings cozy flavor that works so well with the maple
- Kosher salt: Makes every other flavor pop and cuts the sweetness
- Smoked paprika: Adds that surprising smoky kick that makes this mix stand out
- Pumpkin seeds: Give you extra crunch and lots of nutrients
- Almonds: Bring good fats and a satisfying bite
- Dried cherries: Add a tangy zing against the sweet components
- Dark chocolate chips: Treat you to tiny bursts of chocolatey goodness
How To Make It
- Get Your Chickpeas Ready:
- Make sure your chickpeas are super dry after washing them. This step can't be skipped if you want crispy not chewy results. Pull off any loose skins you spot, but don't go crazy about it. Remember, drier chickpeas before cooking means crunchier chickpeas after.
- First Baking Round:
- Start by cooking the chickpeas with nothing on them for 10 minutes. This first plain bake helps get rid of moisture and starts the crisping. Lay them out flat so they all cook the same.
- Mix In The Flavors:
- Once they've had their first bake, that's when you add all your tasty stuff. The hot chickpeas will melt the coconut oil right away, helping spread all the spices around. Just watch your fingers with the hot pan and mix everything really well.
- Time For Nuts And Seeds:
- We put these in later so they don't burn but still get nice and toasty. As they warm up, they'll release their natural oils which makes everything smell and taste amazing.
- Put It All Together:
- Don't rush the cooling part. You need everything completely cool before mixing in the cherries and chocolate chips. If it's still warm, your chocolate will melt and your cherries might get tough. When it's all cooled down, you'll get that perfect mix of crispy, chewy, and melty in every handful.
Pin it
You might think skipping the smoked paprika wouldn't matter much, but it really does something special here. I found this out by chance when my regular paprika ran out. That subtle smokiness adds unexpected depth that works so well with the maple sweetness and tangy fruit.
How To Get Super Crunchy Chickpeas
Getting that perfect crunch comes down to three must-do steps. First, wipe your chickpeas completely dry with paper towels, swapping them out as they get wet. Next, bake them plain before adding any oil or spices. Last, let them cool right in the oven after baking with the door cracked open. Do this and your chickpeas will stay crunchy for days instead of going soft after a few hours.
Try These Different Versions
You can easily switch things up based on what you like or what's in your pantry. Want some heat? Throw in some cayenne or chili powder. Got a sweet tooth? Add extra maple syrup and sprinkle with cinnamon sugar after cooking. For a beach-inspired twist, swap in dried mango for cherries and add some toasted coconut. You can also try different nuts like walnuts, cashews, or hazelnuts to change up the crunch factor.
Pin it
Why Making Your Own Matters
Most grocery store mixes have all kinds of preservatives, too much salt, and loads of sugar. When you make it yourself, you decide what goes in. You can make it less sweet, pick better quality nuts and chocolate, and skip all the fake stuff. Plus, freshly roasted ingredients just taste way better than something that's been sitting on a shelf for who knows how long.
Ways To Enjoy It
This mix works for so much more than just snacking by itself. Toss some on top of yogurt for a breakfast with protein punch. Add it to a cheese plate for something sweet and savory that'll surprise your guests. Put it in little jars with cute labels to give as gifts. I even crush it up sometimes to sprinkle over ice cream for an amazing crunchy topping.
Frequently Asked Questions
- → What’s the trick for crispy chickpeas?
Make sure the chickpeas are completely dry before roasting, and bake them by themselves first for best results. Don’t skip this part!
- → Can I swap out the nuts or seeds?
Definitely! You can use pecans, walnuts, sunflower seeds, or whatever you like instead of almonds or pepitas.
- → What works instead of dried cherries?
If you don’t have cherries, try cranberries, raisins, or another dried fruit you enjoy.
- → Do I need to include chocolate?
Nope! You can leave out the chocolate for a less sweet option and still have a delicious snack.
- → How do I keep this mix fresh?
Store it in a container with a tight lid at room temperature for up to a week. Separating portions in small parchment bags keeps it crispy longer.
- → Is this mix freezable?
Freezing isn’t recommended since the chickpeas and nuts might get soft when thawed.