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- 2 cups mixed nuts (walnuts, pecans, almonds) - 1 cup pumpkin seeds (pepitas) - 1 cup dried cranberries - 1 cup dried apple chunks - 1 cup popcorn (popped, lightly salted) - 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon - ½ teaspoon nutmeg - ¼ cup maple syrup - Pinch of sea salt The key ingredients for Autumn Harvest Snack Mix bring warmth and flavor. Mixed nuts like walnuts, pecans, and almonds add crunch and protein. Pumpkin seeds give a fun twist with their nutty taste. Dried cranberries and apple chunks add sweet and tart notes, making each bite exciting. Seasonal touches like ground cinnamon and nutmeg enhance the fall vibe. These spices create a cozy aroma that fills your kitchen. The maple syrup ties everything together with a hint of natural sweetness. You can customize your mix by adding in extras. Try dark chocolate chips for a sweet kick. Sunflower seeds can replace pumpkin seeds for a different crunch. You might also consider adding raisins or coconut flakes for variety. This snack mix is all about making it your own! 1. Preheating and preparing your workspace First, set your oven to 350°F (175°C). This is the perfect temperature for toasting nuts and warming syrup. While it heats, clear your counter and gather your tools. You will need a large mixing bowl, a small saucepan, and a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. 2. Mixing dry ingredients for the snack mix In your large bowl, combine two cups of mixed nuts. Use walnuts, pecans, or almonds—whatever you like best. Add one cup of pumpkin seeds. Next, toss in one cup of dried cranberries and one cup of dried apple chunks. Mix these together gently; this way, each bite is full of flavor. 3. Creating the spiced syrup Take your small saucepan and add a quarter cup of maple syrup. Then, add one teaspoon of ground cinnamon, half a teaspoon of nutmeg, and a pinch of sea salt. Heat this mixture on low. Stir until it blends well. The warm syrup adds a sweet and spicy kick to your snack mix. 1. Spreading the mix on a baking sheet After combining your dry ingredients with the syrup, pour the mixture onto your lined baking sheet. Spread it out evenly. This helps each part of the mix toast nicely. 2. Importance of stirring halfway Bake the mix for 15 to 20 minutes. But remember to stir it halfway through! This step ensures that all the nuts and fruits toast evenly and develop that perfect crunch. 3. Cooling and combining with popcorn Once baked, take the sheet out and let the mix cool completely. This cooling time helps it firm up. After it cools, add one cup of lightly salted popcorn to the mix. Toss everything together well. This adds a fun, airy texture to your autumn treat. Now you have a delicious snack mix, ready to enjoy! To make the best autumn harvest snack mix, start with toasting your nuts. This brings out their flavor and crunch. Spread them in a single layer on a baking sheet. Toast them at 350°F for about 8-10 minutes. Watch closely to avoid burning. Next, balance the flavors. You want sweet, salty, and spicy notes. The dried cranberries and apple chunks add sweetness. The maple syrup gives a rich taste. Use just the right amount of salt to bring out these flavors. Adjusting sweetness and spice is key. If you like it sweeter, add more maple syrup. For a spicier kick, increase the cinnamon or add a pinch of cayenne. Taste as you go to find your perfect mix. This snack mix is great for many occasions. Serve it at fall parties, game nights, or family gatherings. It’s a perfect snack for road trips or movie nights too. Pair your snack mix with warm apple cider or a spiced hot chocolate. The sweet drink complements the nutty flavors. You can also enjoy it with a light beer or sparkling water. Presentation matters! Use a large bowl for sharing. You can also fill small bags for guests to take home. Add a few decorative touches, like autumn leaves, for a festive look. {{image_2}} To make your Autumn Harvest Snack Mix even more fun, try adding chocolate or caramel. A handful of dark chocolate chips gives a sweet touch. Drizzling melted caramel over the mix can also add a nice twist. You can also experiment with seasonal fruits. Figs or pears can add a fresh, juicy bite. Just chop them into small pieces before mixing them in. Each fruit brings a unique flavor that brightens the mix. Changing up the nuts and seeds can create new tastes. You might use cashews, hazelnuts, or sunflower seeds. Each nut offers a different crunch and flavor, making the mix yours. If you need a gluten-free option, you can easily swap out any ingredients. The nuts, seeds, and fruits are naturally gluten-free. Just make sure your popcorn is also gluten-free. For those who want a vegan treat, replace maple syrup with agave nectar. This keeps the sweetness while ensuring it fits a vegan diet. If you want to cut down on sugar, use unsweetened dried fruits. You can also reduce the amount of maple syrup. Your snack mix will still taste great with less sweetness. To keep your Autumn Harvest Snack Mix fresh, use an airtight container. Glass jars or plastic containers work well. They help keep air out and flavors in. Store your snack mix in a cool, dry place. A pantry or kitchen cabinet is great. Avoid warm spots, as heat can spoil the nuts and seeds. If you want to keep your mix extra fresh, place a piece of bread in the container. It can help absorb moisture. This tip is simple yet effective! Your Autumn Harvest Snack Mix can last up to two weeks when stored properly. The mixed nuts and pumpkin seeds are key ingredients that keep well. Dried fruits also have a long shelf life, but they can lose flavor over time. Check for any signs of spoilage. If the nuts smell off or taste stale, it’s best to toss them. Keep an eye on the mix. Freshness makes a big difference in taste! How can I make this snack mix gluten-free? To make this snack mix gluten-free, use gluten-free oats or popcorn. Check all labels on nuts and seeds to ensure they are gluten-free. Most mixed nuts and seeds are safe, but some brands may add gluten. Can I use fresh fruit instead of dried? You can use fresh fruit, but it will change the texture. Fresh fruit has more water, which can make the mix soggy. If you use fresh fruit, eat the mix right away. What is the best way to serve and store leftovers? Serve this mix in a big bowl for sharing. For leftovers, store the mix in an airtight container. Keep it in a cool, dry place. It stays fresh for up to two weeks. Overview of calorie count and serving size One serving of this snack mix is about 1/2 cup. Each serving has roughly 200 calories. This is a great snack to keep you full without overdoing it. Main nutrients and health benefits of ingredients - Mixed nuts: High in healthy fats, protein, and fiber. They support heart health. - Pumpkin seeds: Rich in magnesium and zinc. They help boost your immune system. - Dried cranberries: Packed with antioxidants. They are good for your skin. - Dried apple chunks: Provide natural sweetness and fiber. They aid digestion. - Popcorn: Low in calories and high in fiber. It helps you feel full. - Cinnamon and nutmeg: Add flavor and may help control blood sugar. - Maple syrup: A natural sweetener that gives energy without refined sugars. This article covered how to make a delicious Autumn Harvest Snack Mix. We explored key ingredients, preparation steps, and baking tips. I shared advice on perfecting flavors and serving suggestions for any occasion. You can also customize the mix to suit your tastes or dietary needs. Remember to store it well to keep it fresh. Enjoy creating your snack mix, knowing it fits the season and your needs. Dive into your kitchen and make something tasty today!

Autumn Harvest Snack Mix

Get ready for fall with this delicious Autumn Harvest Snack Mix! Packed with mixed nuts, pumpkin seeds, dried cranberries, and apple chunks, this recipe is perfect for cozy evenings or a healthy snack on the go. Drizzled with a warm maple syrup blend and lightly toasted for extra flavor, it’s a delightful treat everyone will love. Click through to discover how to make this tasty mix and savor the flavors of the season!
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Ingredients
  

2 cups mixed nuts (walnuts, pecans, almonds)

1 cup pumpkin seeds (pepitas)

1 cup dried cranberries

1 cup dried apple chunks

1 cup popcorn (popped, lightly salted)

1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

½ teaspoon nutmeg

¼ cup maple syrup

Pinch of sea salt

Instructions
 

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).

    In a large mixing bowl, combine the mixed nuts, pumpkin seeds, dried cranberries, and dried apple chunks.

      In a small saucepan over low heat, warm the maple syrup, ground cinnamon, nutmeg, and a pinch of sea salt, stirring until well combined.

        Pour the warm syrup mixture over the nut and fruit mix, tossing gently to coat everything evenly.

          Spread the mixture out onto a parchment-lined baking sheet in an even layer.

            Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, stirring halfway through, until the nuts are toasted and fragrant.

              Remove from the oven and let cool completely.

                Once cooled, add the popcorn to the mixture and toss until well combined.

                  Store in an airtight container for up to two weeks.

                    Prep Time: 15 min | Total Time: 35 min | Servings: 8