I was well into my thirties before I discovered that Chex mix could be made gluten-free without losing any of the crunch or flavor. Growing up, it was always the regular stuff from a box, and I figured that was just how it had to be.
That changed when my daughter was diagnosed with celiac disease a few years back. Suddenly, all our favorite snacks were off-limits. But here’s what I learned—gluten-free Chex cereal works just as well as the original, and when you add marshmallows and chocolate to make it taste like s’mores, nobody even thinks about what’s missing. Sometimes the best discoveries come from having to get creative in the kitchen.
Why You’ll Love This S’mores Chex Mix
- Gluten-free friendly – Everyone can enjoy this sweet treat without worrying about gluten, making it perfect for parties or family gatherings where dietary restrictions matter.
- Quick and easy – Ready in just 20 minutes or less, this recipe is perfect when you need a last-minute snack or dessert for unexpected guests.
- Classic s’mores flavor – All the nostalgic taste of campfire s’mores in a convenient snack mix form, with chocolate, marshmallows, and that perfect sweet-salty balance.
- No baking required – You can make this treat without turning on the oven, which is especially great during hot summer months or when you want something quick.
- Perfect for sharing – This addictive mix is ideal for movie nights, parties, or packing in lunch boxes since it’s easy to portion out and travels well.
What Kind of Cereal Should I Use?
For this s’mores Chex mix, you can use either corn or rice cereal squares, and both will give you great results. Corn Chex tends to have a slightly heartier crunch and holds up well to all the sweet coatings, while Rice Chex offers a lighter, crispier texture that some people prefer. If you’re strictly gluten-free, just double-check the box to make sure it’s certified gluten-free, as some cereals can have cross-contamination during processing. You could even mix both types if you want to add some texture variety to your snack mix.
Options for Substitutions
This s’mores mix is pretty forgiving when it comes to swaps, so here’s what you can change up:
- Corn or rice cereal squares: Any gluten-free cereal squares work great here – just make sure they’re sturdy enough to hold up to the chocolate coating. Avoid anything too sugary or it might get overly sweet.
- Dark chocolate chips: Milk chocolate or semi-sweet chips work perfectly if you prefer something sweeter. You can even use white chocolate chips for a different twist, though you’ll lose that classic s’mores flavor.
- Mini marshmallows: Regular marshmallows cut into smaller pieces work fine, or you can use freeze-dried marshmallows for extra crunch. Just keep the same amount by volume.
- Gluten-free peanuts: Swap these for any gluten-free nuts you like – almonds, cashews, or pecans all taste great. If you have nut allergies, try sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds instead.
- Gluten-free pretzels: Gluten-free graham crackers broken into bite-sized pieces make this even more s’mores-like. You could also use gluten-free oyster crackers or skip them entirely if you can’t find good gluten-free options.
- Butter: Coconut oil works as a dairy-free substitute – just use the same amount and make sure it’s solid when you add it.
Watch Out for These Mistakes While Cooking
The biggest mistake when making this s’mores Chex mix is overheating the chocolate, which can cause it to seize up and become grainy – melt it slowly in 30-second intervals in the microwave, stirring between each round. Another common error is adding the marshmallows too early, as they’ll melt completely instead of staying soft and chewy, so wait until the mixture has cooled slightly before folding them in. Make sure to use a large enough bowl when tossing everything with the powdered sugar, as cramped mixing leads to uneven coating and a messy kitchen. For the crunchiest results, let the mix cool completely before storing it in an airtight container, and always double-check that your peanuts and pretzels are certified gluten-free to avoid any cross-contamination issues.
What to Serve With S’mores Chex Mix?
This sweet and crunchy s’mores chex mix is perfect for movie nights, so I love serving it alongside some cold milk or hot chocolate to really lean into that campfire vibe. It also makes a great snack for parties – just put it out in bowls next to other finger foods like popcorn or regular chips. Since it’s already pretty sweet and filling on its own, you don’t need much else, but it pairs nicely with fresh fruit like strawberries or apple slices if you want something to balance out all that chocolate and marshmallow goodness. I also like to pack it up in individual bags for road trips or hiking snacks since it travels so well.
Storage Instructions
Store: Keep your s’mores Chex mix in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. I like to use a big glass jar or plastic container with a tight lid to keep everything crispy. Just make sure it’s completely cooled before sealing it up, or the marshmallows might get sticky.
Portion Out: This mix is perfect for making individual snack bags! Divide it into small zip-top bags or containers for easy grab-and-go treats. I love packing these for road trips or keeping them in my desk drawer for afternoon snacking.
Keep Crispy: If your mix starts to lose its crunch after a few days, spread it on a baking sheet and pop it in a 250°F oven for about 5 minutes. Let it cool completely before storing again, and it’ll be back to that perfect crispy texture you love.
| Preparation Time | 10-15 minutes |
| Cooking Time | 3-5 minutes |
| Total Time | 13-20 minutes |
| Level of Difficulty | Easy |
Estimated Nutrition
Estimated nutrition for the whole recipe (without optional ingredients):
- Calories: 2850-3100
- Protein: 32-38 g
- Fat: 120-135 g
- Carbohydrates: 400-440 g
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Ingredients
For the base mixture:
- 3 cups crispy corn or rice cereal squares
- 1 cup dark chocolate chips
- 1 tbsp butter
- 1 cup mini marshmallows
For mixing in:
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1 cup dry roasted peanuts (gluten free)
- 1 cup gluten free pretzels
- 1 cup dark chocolate chips
- 1 cup mini marshmallows
Step 1: Melt Chocolate and Butter
- 1 cup dark chocolate chips
- 1 tbsp butter
In a large microwavable bowl, combine 1 cup of dark chocolate chips and 1 tablespoon of butter.
Microwave on high for 30-35 seconds, stir, and return to the microwave for another 20-30 seconds until the chocolate is completely smooth and melted.
Step 2: Mix in Mini Marshmallows
- 1 cup mini marshmallows
Add 1 cup mini marshmallows to the melted chocolate and butter mixture.
Stir to combine, then microwave for another 30 seconds.
Stir until the mixture is smooth and all the marshmallows are mostly melted.
Be careful not to overheat, as this can make the chocolate thick and stiff.
Step 3: Coat the Cereal
- 3 cups crispy corn or rice cereal squares
Add 3 cups of crispy corn or rice cereal squares to the chocolate-marshmallow mixture.
Gently stir to coat the cereal evenly with the mixture, being careful not to crush the cereal.
Allow the coated cereal mixture to cool completely before proceeding.
Step 4: Add Powdered Sugar
- 1 cup powdered sugar
Once the cereal is completely cool and coated, add 1 cup of powdered sugar a little at a time.
Stir and toss gently to fully coat the chocolate-covered cereal.
I like to use a large spoon or spatula and turn the mixture over lightly to keep the cereal pieces whole.
Step 5: Mix in Peanuts, Pretzels, and Remaining Toppings
- 1 cup dry roasted peanuts (gluten free)
- 1 cup gluten free pretzels
- 1 cup dark chocolate chips
- 1 cup mini marshmallows
Stir in 1 cup dry roasted peanuts, 1 cup gluten free pretzels, the remaining 1 cup dark chocolate chips, and 1 cup mini marshmallows into the coated cereal mix.
Toss to distribute all the mix-ins evenly.
Serve and enjoy your gluten free snack mix!
Easy Gluten-Free Smores Chex Mix Recipe
Ingredients
For the base mixture:
- 3 cups crispy corn or rice cereal squares
- 1 cup dark chocolate chips
- 1 tbsp butter
- 1 cup mini marshmallows
For mixing in:
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1 cup dry roasted peanuts (gluten free)
- 1 cup gluten free pretzels
- 1 cup dark chocolate chips
- 1 cup mini marshmallows
Instructions
- In a large microwavable bowl, combine 1 cup of dark chocolate chips and 1 tablespoon of butter. Microwave on high for 30-35 seconds, stir, and return to the microwave for another 20-30 seconds until the chocolate is completely smooth and melted.
- Add 1 cup mini marshmallows to the melted chocolate and butter mixture. Stir to combine, then microwave for another 30 seconds. Stir until the mixture is smooth and all the marshmallows are mostly melted. Be careful not to overheat, as this can make the chocolate thick and stiff.
- Add 3 cups of crispy corn or rice cereal squares to the chocolate-marshmallow mixture. Gently stir to coat the cereal evenly with the mixture, being careful not to crush the cereal. Allow the coated cereal mixture to cool completely before proceeding.
- Once the cereal is completely cool and coated, add 1 cup of powdered sugar a little at a time. Stir and toss gently to fully coat the chocolate-covered cereal. I like to use a large spoon or spatula and turn the mixture over lightly to keep the cereal pieces whole.
- Stir in 1 cup dry roasted peanuts, 1 cup gluten free pretzels, the remaining 1 cup dark chocolate chips, and 1 cup mini marshmallows into the coated cereal mix. Toss to distribute all the mix-ins evenly. Serve and enjoy your gluten free snack mix!
