If you’re looking for the perfect cozy treat to celebrate the season, this Fall Snack Mix Recipe brings together a delightful blend of salty, sweet, crunchy, and spicy flavors that will make your taste buds dance with joy. Packed with mini pretzels, roasted nuts, dried cranberries, and a warm maple pumpkin spice glaze, this snack mix is an irresistible fall favorite that’s easy to whip up and perfect for sharing with friends or enjoying by the fireside.
Ingredients You’ll Need
All the ingredients in this Fall Snack Mix Recipe are simple pantry staples that come together to create a perfectly balanced medley. Each component adds its own special texture, flavor, or pop of color, making the final mix as delicious as it is visually inviting.
- 2 cups of mini pretzels: Provide a satisfying crunch and salty base that complements the sweeter elements.
- 1 cup of roasted almonds: Add a hearty, nutty flavor with a crunchy bite.
- 1 cup of pecans: Bring a buttery richness that deepens the overall taste profile.
- 1 cup of dried cranberries: Offer tartness and a chewy texture to balance the savory nuts and pretzels.
- 1 cup of candy-coated chocolates (such as M&M’s): Give bursts of sweetness and colorful fun throughout the mix.
- 1 cup of caramel corn: Introduces a light, crisp sweetness with buttery caramel notes.
- 1 teaspoon of pumpkin spice seasoning: Infuses the mix with warm autumnal spices for that cozy fall vibe.
- ½ teaspoon of salt: Enhances all the flavors and balances the sweetness perfectly.
- ½ cup of maple syrup: Acts as a natural sweetener that coats the mix for stickiness and flavor depth.
- 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter, melted: Adds richness and helps bind the maple syrup and spices to the mix.
How to Make Fall Snack Mix Recipe
Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Baking Sheet
Start by preheating your oven to 300°F (150°C) and prepare a large baking sheet lined with parchment paper. This step ensures even baking and makes cleanup much easier, so you can focus on enjoying the process.
Step 2: Combine Your Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, toss together the mini pretzels, roasted almonds, pecans, dried cranberries, and candy-coated chocolates. Mixing these before adding the syrup ensures each ingredient is evenly distributed and ready to soak up the delicious glaze.
Step 3: Make the Maple Pumpkin Spice Glaze
On medium-low heat, combine melted butter and maple syrup in a small saucepan, stirring gently until they blend into a smooth, shiny syrup. Remove from heat and whisk in the pumpkin spice seasoning and salt, creating the warm, fragrant coating that defines this fall snack mix.
Step 4: Coat the Mix
Pour the flavorful glaze over your combined snack ingredients and toss thoroughly. This helps every bite get a perfect balance of sweet, salty, and spice, ensuring that no crunch is left untouched.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Spread your glazed snack mix evenly on the prepared baking sheet. Pop it into the oven and bake for about 20 minutes, remembering to stir halfway through. This baking step enhances crunchiness and melds the flavors beautifully.
Step 6: Cool and Add Caramel Corn
Once baked, let the mix cool completely on the baking sheet. Cooling sets the glaze and crisps everything up perfectly. When cool, gently toss in the caramel corn to add a final touch of sweetness and extra crunch.
Step 7: Enjoy or Store
Transfer your finished Fall Snack Mix into an airtight container if saving for later, or dive in right away for a warm, festive treat you won’t want to share (although sharing is encouraged!).
How to Serve Fall Snack Mix Recipe
Garnishes
If you want to jazz up your presentation, try sprinkling a few extra dried cranberries or pecans on top when serving. Even a light dusting of extra pumpkin spice or a drizzle of melted white chocolate can elevate your Fall Snack Mix to something truly special.
Side Dishes
This snack mix pairs beautifully with warm apple cider or a spiced pumpkin latte for the ultimate autumn spread. It’s also fantastic alongside a creamy cheese platter or fresh fruit for a balanced snack board that impresses guests.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve the mix in cute mason jars tied with rustic twine for gift-giving or place it in colorful bowls on party tables. For kids’ parties, consider individual treat bags or mini paper cones decorated with fall motifs — making snacking easy and festive.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Your Fall Snack Mix Recipe keeps wonderfully in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. Just be sure to store it in a cool, dry place to maintain that perfect crunch and freshness.
Freezing
If you want to save your snack mix for an even longer time, freezing is an option. Place it in a sealed freezer bag or container and freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy, simply thaw at room temperature—no reheating needed.
Reheating
To refresh the crunch, you can reheat the mix in a low oven (about 250°F or 120°C) for 5 to 10 minutes, stirring occasionally. This will revive the crispiness without melting the candy pieces.
FAQs
Can I substitute other nuts in this Fall Snack Mix Recipe?
Absolutely! Feel free to swap or mix in your favorite nuts like walnuts, cashews, or hazelnuts to tailor the crunch and flavor to your liking. Just make sure they’re roasted for the best taste.
Is it possible to make this recipe nut-free?
Definitely. You can omit the nuts and add extra pretzels, seeds like pumpkin or sunflower, or even crunchy cereal pieces to keep the texture interesting while accommodating allergies.
What if I don’t have pumpkin spice seasoning?
Mix your own with ground cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cloves in the right proportions, or simply use cinnamon with a pinch of allspice as a quick substitute. It won’t be exactly the same but will still taste deliciously fall-inspired.
Can I make this snack mix vegan?
Yes! Use vegan butter or coconut oil in place of unsalted butter, and choose vegan candy-coated chocolates or omit that element. Maple syrup is naturally vegan, so that part stays just the same.
How long does this Fall Snack Mix stay fresh?
Stored properly in an airtight container, this snack mix stays fresh and crunchy for up to one week. It’s best enjoyed sooner, but freezing can extend its life without sacrificing flavor.
Final Thoughts
There is something truly magical about a Fall Snack Mix Recipe that marries warm spices, sweet maple, crunchy nuts, and a touch of chocolate. It’s one of those simple pleasures that feel like a cozy hug in every bite. I encourage you to try making this recipe and savor the wonderful tastes of the season—trust me, it’s the perfect snack that you’ll want to keep coming back to autumn after autumn!
Print
Fall Snack Mix Recipe
- Prep Time: 0h 15m
- Cook Time: 0h 20m
- Total Time: 0h 35m
- Yield: Approximately 6 servings
- Category: Snack
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Fall Snack Mix is a delightful combination of mini pretzels, roasted almonds, pecans, dried cranberries, candy-coated chocolates, and caramel corn, all coated in a warm maple syrup glaze infused with pumpkin spice. Perfectly toasted and crisp, this sweet and salty snack is ideal for autumn gatherings or cozy evenings at home.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 2 cups mini pretzels
- 1 cup roasted almonds
- 1 cup pecans
- 1 cup dried cranberries
- 1 cup candy-coated chocolates (such as M&M’s)
- 1 cup caramel corn
- 1 teaspoon pumpkin spice seasoning
- ½ teaspoon salt
Wet Ingredients
- ½ cup maple syrup
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C) and line a large baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the mini pretzels, roasted almonds, pecans, dried cranberries, and candy-coated chocolates. Stir until evenly mixed.
- Prepare Maple Glaze: In a small saucepan over medium-low heat, combine the maple syrup and melted butter, stirring constantly until well blended. Remove from the heat and stir in the pumpkin spice seasoning and salt.
- Coat Snack Mix: Pour the maple syrup mixture over the dry snack mix and toss thoroughly to ensure all ingredients are evenly coated with the glaze.
- Bake the Mix: Spread the coated mixture evenly onto the prepared baking sheet. Bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes, stirring halfway through to promote even toasting and prevent burning.
- Cool the Mix: Remove the baking sheet from the oven and allow the snack mix to cool completely on the sheet. Cooling helps the flavors set and the mix to become crispy.
- Add Caramel Corn: Once cooled, gently add the caramel corn to the mix and toss lightly to combine without crushing the caramel pieces.
- Store or Serve: Transfer the finished Fall Snack Mix to an airtight container for storage or serve immediately for a delicious seasonal treat.
Notes
- For a nut-free version, omit the almonds and pecans and increase pretzels or dried fruit.
- You can substitute candy-coated chocolates with chocolate chips if preferred.
- Store the snack mix in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week to maintain freshness.
- Adjust pumpkin spice seasoning according to taste for a more robust flavor.
