Name: Autumn Trail Mix Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 cup almonds; 1 cup walnuts; 1 cup pecans; 1 cup dried cranberries; 1 cup dried apricots; 1/2 cup dried apples; 1/2 cup pumpkin seeds; 1/4 cup dark chocolate chips; 1 tablespoon maple syrup; 1 teaspoon cinnamon; 1/2 teaspoon sea salt

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There’s something about that crisp fall air and the return of cozy sweaters that makes snack time extra special, and nothing says snuggly comfort quite like Autumn Trail Mix. This delightful blend packs everything you adore about fall into every bite: the crunch of roasted nuts, the subtle sweetness of dried fruits, a sprinkle of cinnamon, and just enough chocolatey decadence to make any hike, road trip, or after-school snack feel festive. Whether you’re prepping for a weekend trek or simply need a bowl to brighten movie night, this is the kind of snack you’ll make on repeat all season long.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Putting together Autumn Trail Mix is easy, but the magic is in the mix. Each ingredient is chosen for its flavor, texture, and that unmistakable autumn color palette, so don’t skip the details!

Pecans: Their rich, buttery crunch screams fall and pairs perfectly with sweet and salty companions.
Walnuts: Add hearty earthy flavor and a satisfying texture that balances softer ingredients.
Dried cranberries: Give that classic tart sweetness and a jewel-red hint of color.
Dried apples: Naturally sweet, chewy, and a nod to orchard season—slice them thin for more even blending.
Pumpkin seeds (pepitas): Their green hue and nutty flavor are unmistakably autumnal—toast them for extra crunch.
Cinnamon chips or chocolate chips: Add warmth (or decadence!), depending on your style—either brings cozy fall vibes.
Maple granola clusters: Look for crunchy maple clusters or homemade granola; they amplify the comforting autumn flavors.
Pretzel bites: Hints of salt and crunch, plus they round out the texture mix beautifully.

How to Make Autumn Trail Mix

Step 1: Prep Your Ingredients

Before you dive in, make sure all your mix-ins are roughly bite-sized. If your dried apples are in large pieces, chop them up, and do the same for any oversized nuts or granola chunks. Lay everything out in individual bowls—this helps you keep proportions balanced and adds a fun “snack bar” vibe if you’re inviting little helpers!

Step 2: Mix the Crunchy Ingredients

Start by combining your pecans, walnuts, pepitas, and pretzel bites in a large mixing bowl. Toss gently to intermingle all those wonderful textures. If you like, toast your nuts and pepitas ahead of time for an extra layer of flavor—just a few minutes in a dry skillet will do the trick.

Step 3: Add the Sweetness

Sprinkle in the dried cranberries and dried apple bits. The sweet edges of the fruit offset the salty, toasty notes from the nuts and pretzels, making each handful a harmonious autumn medley.

Step 4: Stir in Chips and Granola

Fold in your cinnamon or chocolate chips, plus those maple granola clusters. Don’t overmix, or the clusters can break down too much—you want a little variety in every scoop!

Step 5: Store or Serve

Transfer your finished Autumn Trail Mix into an airtight container or zip-top bags for easy storage and grab-and-go snacking. If you’re serving for a gathering, a big rustic bowl and a wooden spoon create an inviting presentation that no one can resist!

How to Serve Autumn Trail Mix

Garnishes

For a fun finishing touch, toss in a sprinkle of flaked sea salt, an extra dusting of cinnamon, or even a handful of mini marshmallows for that fireside vibe. You can also top individual servings with a few roasted pumpkin seeds to make each bowl look extra festive.

Side Dishes

Autumn Trail Mix is wonderful solo, but if you’re making a snack platter, pair it with crisp apple slices, spiced ciders, or a selection of cheeses for an inviting snack board. It’s perfect alongside creamy dips or fresh fruit for a balanced treat at parties or cozy fall gatherings.

Creative Ways to Present

Think beyond the bowl! Portion Autumn Trail Mix into mason jars for charming gifts, fill paper cones for a party snack table, or sprinkle it over yogurt, oatmeal, or ice cream for a seasonal upgrade. It even makes a great topping for baked apples or pumpkin bread at breakfast.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep Autumn Trail Mix fresh by storing it in a sealed container at room temperature. It stays crisp and flavorful for up to two weeks, so make a big batch and enjoy quick snacks all season long!

Freezing

Did you know you can freeze this trail mix? Pour it into freezer-safe bags, squeeze out the air, and stash them in the freezer for up to three months. Just let the mix come back to room temperature before serving for the perfect crunch.

Reheating

If your mix loses a bit of crispness, don’t fret—spread it on a baking sheet and warm it in a low oven (250°F) for about 8 minutes. This will freshen everything up and bring back that just-mixed magic.

FAQs

Can I make Autumn Trail Mix nut-free?

Absolutely! Swap out pecans and walnuts for extra seeds or roasted chickpeas, and choose allergy-friendly chips. The key is keeping a balance of crunch and sweet to maintain the magic.

Can I use different dried fruits?

Yes, feel free to experiment. Dried cherries, golden raisins, or even dried figs work beautifully. Just aim for a mix of chewy and tart to complement the autumn flavors.

How far in advance can I make Autumn Trail Mix?

The mix keeps well for at least two weeks at room temperature, so you can make it ahead for parties, holiday road trips, or weekly meal prep without worry.

What if I want it extra sweet or savory?

Try adding a drizzle of maple syrup and toasting the mix for a sweeter touch, or toss with roasted, salted nuts and a pinch of cayenne to lean into savory territory.

Can kids help make this recipe?

Definitely! Autumn Trail Mix is wonderfully hands-on, making it a fun and safe recipe for little chefs. Let them choose their favorite add-ins or help scoop into containers for snacking on the go.

Final Thoughts

A handful of Autumn Trail Mix is all it takes to bring autumn’s cozy spirit wherever you go, from the hiking trail to the classroom snack table. With endless ways to customize and share, I hope this recipe quickly becomes a seasonal favorite in your kitchen—give it a try and savor every crunchy, colorful bite!

Autumn Trail Mix Recipe

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4.8 from 15 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 25 minutes
Yield: About 5 cups 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

This Autumn Trail Mix recipe is a delightful combination of sweet and savory flavors, perfect for snacking on the go or for a quick energy boost. Packed with crunchy nuts, chewy dried fruits, and a hint of warm spices, it’s a tasty treat for all seasons.

Ingredients

Scale

Nuts:

1 cup almonds
1 cup walnuts
1 cup pecans

Dried Fruits:

1 cup dried cranberries
1 cup dried apricots
1/2 cup dried apples

Extras:

1/2 cup pumpkin seeds
1/4 cup dark chocolate chips
1 tablespoon maple syrup
1 teaspoon cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon sea salt

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Instructions

Preheat the oven: to 325°F (160°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Mix: In a bowl, combine nuts, dried fruits, and pumpkin seeds.
Add Flavor: Drizzle with maple syrup, sprinkle with cinnamon and sea salt. Toss to coat evenly.
Bake: Spread mixture on the baking sheet. Bake for 15-20 minutes, stirring halfway through.
Cool: Remove from oven, let cool completely.
Final Touch: Mix in chocolate chips. Transfer to an airtight container for storage.