Save A festive, irresistible mix of roasted nuts, crunchy pretzels, dried cranberries, and a hint of sweet spice—perfect for holiday snacking or gifting.
This recipe quickly became my go-to for holiday gatherings because it offers the perfect balance of flavors and textures with minimal effort.
Ingredients
- Nuts: 1 cup raw cashews, 1 cup raw pecans, 1 cup raw almonds
- Sweet and Salty Components: 1 cup mini pretzels (use gluten-free if needed), 1/2 cup dried cranberries, 2 tablespoons unsalted butter melted, 2 tablespoons maple syrup or honey, 2 tablespoons brown sugar, 1 teaspoon sea salt, 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon, 1/4 teaspoon ground cayenne pepper (optional for a slight kick)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Combine Nuts:
- In a large bowl combine cashews pecans and almonds.
- Mix Sweet and Salty:
- In a small bowl whisk together melted butter maple syrup or honey brown sugar salt cinnamon and cayenne pepper if using.
- Coat Nuts:
- Pour the sweet and salty mixture over the nuts and toss to coat evenly.
- Spread Nuts:
- Spread the coated nuts in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet.
- Bake:
- Bake for 15 18 minutes stirring halfway through until the nuts are golden and fragrant.
- Add Pretzels & Cranberries:
- Remove from the oven and immediately add the pretzels and dried cranberries Toss gently to combine.
- Cool:
- Let the mixture cool completely on the baking sheet The coating will harden as it cools.
- Serve:
- Once cool transfer to a serving bowl or airtight container.
Save My family loves sharing this nut bowl during the holidays it always brings smiles and requests for seconds.
Serving Suggestions
Pair this nut bowl with sparkling wine or spiced cider for a festive touch that complements the sweet and salty flavors perfectly.
Storage Tips
Store your nut bowl in an airtight container to keep it fresh and crunchy for up to one week.
Variations
Try adding pumpkin seeds or sunflower seeds for extra crunch or adjust the spice level by varying the cayenne pepper amount.
Save This nut bowl is a quick and delicious snack perfect for any holiday occasion or gift basket.
Recipe FAQs
- → Can I use other nuts instead of cashews, pecans, or almonds?
Yes, walnuts, hazelnuts, or pistachios work well as substitutes to customize flavor and texture.
- → How can I make this nut bowl gluten-free?
Use gluten-free pretzels to ensure the mix remains gluten-free without compromising the crunchy texture.
- → What gives the bowl its sweet and salty flavor?
The combination of melted butter, maple syrup or honey, brown sugar, sea salt, cinnamon, and optional cayenne creates a balanced sweet and salty coating.
- → How should I store the nut bowl to maintain freshness?
Keep it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week to preserve crunch and flavor.
- → Can I add other ingredients for extra crunch?
Yes, adding pumpkin seeds or sunflower seeds enhances texture and adds variety to the mix.