Go Back Email Link
–+ servings
A photo of maple cayenne snack mix with popcorn, gluten-free pretzels, pepitas, pecans, and chex mix.
5 from 2 votes

Sweet and Spicy Chex Mix

This gluten-free maple cayenne Chex mix is sweet, a little spicy, and completely snackable. Rice Chex, gluten-free pretzels, popcorn, pecans, pepitas, and dried cranberries get tossed in a sticky maple-cinnamon coating with a hint of cayenne heat.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe Rate this Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Cooling Time 15 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Servings 12 servings

Ingredients

For the Snack Mix:

  • 3 cups gluten-free rice chex cereal
  • 2 cup gluten-free pretzels - I used Snyders gluten-free pretzel sticks
  • 2 cups salted popcorn
  • 1/2 cup pecans
  • 1/2 cup dried cranberries
  • 1/2 cup pepitas

For the Maple Sauce:

  • 1/2 cup maple syrup
  • 1/4 cup brown sugar
  • 2 tablespoons salted butter
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 2 teaspoons cinnamon
  • 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon sea salt

**Use the toggle button above to turn the instruction photos on and off!

Instructions

  • Preheat oven to 300°F. Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper or a silpat.
  • Combine 3 cups gluten-free rice chex cereal, 2 cup gluten-free pretzels, 2 cups salted popcorn, 1/2 cup pecans, 1/2 cup pepitas, and 1/2 cup dried cranberries in a large bowl.
  • In a small saucepan, combine 1/2 cup maple syrup, 1/4 cup brown sugar, 2 tablespoons salted butter, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, 2 teaspoons cinnamon, 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper, and 1/2 teaspoon sea salt. Bring to a boil over medium heat.
  • Once boiling, let it cook for 3-4 minutes without stirring. The mixture will thicken slightly. Remove from heat and whisk until smooth.
  • Pour the maple coating over the snack mix and stir until everything is evenly coated.
  • Spread in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet.
  • Bake for 20 minutes, stirring halfway through.
  • Let cool completely on the baking sheet, about 15-20 minutes. The mix will feel soft when it comes out of the oven but firms up as it cools.

Notes

  • Gluten-free pretzels: I use Snyder's Gluten-Free Pretzel Sticks. Gratify, Glutino, and Quinn are also good options.
  • Rice Chex: Make sure to grab Rice Chex, not Wheat Chex. Cinnamon Chex also works well here.
  • Storage: Keep in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week.
  • Want more heat? Increase the cayenne to 1/2 teaspoon.

Nutrition

Calories: 347kcal | Carbohydrates: 66g | Protein: 3g | Saturated Fat: 2g | Sodium: 821mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 18g
QR Code linking back to recipe