Sweet Salty Holiday Nut Bowl

Featured in: Snack Bang

This holiday nut bowl features a delightful combination of roasted cashews, pecans, and almonds coated in a blend of maple syrup, brown sugar, butter, and warm spices. After baking to golden perfection, crunchy pretzels and dried cranberries are folded in to add both texture and a pop of color. The mix cools to create a crunchy, sweet, and salty treat perfect for sharing or gifting during the festive season. Variations include swapping nuts or adding seeds for extra crunch. Store in airtight containers for freshness up to a week.

Updated on Fri, 12 Dec 2025 13:25:00 GMT
Golden, crunchy Sweet and Salty Holiday Nut Bowl: a festive snack mix with dried cranberries and holiday spice. Save
Golden, crunchy Sweet and Salty Holiday Nut Bowl: a festive snack mix with dried cranberries and holiday spice. | ticktaste.com

A festive, irresistible mix of roasted nuts, crunchy pretzels, dried cranberries, and a hint of sweet spice—perfect for holiday snacking or gifting.

This holiday nut bowl has been a hit at every family gathering thanks to its perfect balance of sweet and salty flavors.

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:
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:
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:
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.
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Sharing this nut bowl during the holidays has become a treasured family tradition that brings everyone together.

Required Tools

Large mixing bowl, small mixing bowl, baking sheet, parchment paper, spatula

Nutritional Information

Calories 260 Total Fat 17 g Carbohydrates 23 g Protein 5 g per serving

Allergen Information

Contains tree nuts (cashews pecans almonds) Contains gluten (unless using gluten free pretzels) Contains dairy (butter) Always check labels for hidden allergens

A tempting close-up of the Sweet and Salty Holiday Nut Bowl; roasted nuts and pretzels glistening with sweetness. Save
A tempting close-up of the Sweet and Salty Holiday Nut Bowl; roasted nuts and pretzels glistening with sweetness. | ticktaste.com

This Sweet and Salty Holiday Nut Bowl is perfect for gifting or snacking and sure to impress your guests.

Recipe Questions

Can I substitute nuts in this mix?

Yes, you can swap cashews, pecans, or almonds for walnuts, hazelnuts, or pistachios to suit your taste.

How do I make this nut bowl gluten-free?

Use gluten-free pretzels in place of regular ones to keep the mix safe for gluten-sensitive diets.

What gives this mix its sweet and salty flavor?

The combination of maple syrup, brown sugar, sea salt, and a touch of cinnamon balances sweetness and saltiness perfectly.

How should I store the nut mix to keep it fresh?

Store the cooled nut bowl in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week to maintain crunchiness.

Can I add other ingredients for extra texture?

Yes, adding pumpkin seeds or sunflower seeds provides additional crunch and nutty flavor.

Sweet Salty Holiday Nut Bowl

A festive mix of nuts, pretzels, cranberries, and warm spices perfect for holiday snacking or gifting.

Setup time
10 min
Heat time
20 min
Complete duration
30 min
Created By Jamie Torres

Classification Snack Bang

Complexity Easy

Cultural Background American

Output 8 Portions

Dietary considerations Meat-Free

Components

Nuts

01 1 cup raw cashews
02 1 cup raw pecans
03 1 cup raw almonds

Sweet and Salty Components

01 1 cup mini pretzels (use gluten-free if needed)
02 1/2 cup dried cranberries
03 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
04 2 tablespoons maple syrup or honey
05 2 tablespoons brown sugar
06 1 teaspoon sea salt
07 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
08 1/4 teaspoon ground cayenne pepper (optional)

Directions

Phase 01

Prepare oven and baking sheet: Preheat oven to 350°F and line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.

Phase 02

Combine nuts: In a large bowl, mix cashews, pecans, and almonds.

Phase 03

Mix coating: Whisk melted butter, maple syrup or honey, brown sugar, sea salt, cinnamon, and cayenne pepper (if using) in a small bowl until blended.

Phase 04

Coat nuts: Pour the sweet and salty mixture over nuts and toss until evenly coated.

Phase 05

Bake nuts: Spread coated nuts in a single layer on the prepared sheet and bake for 15–18 minutes, stirring halfway, until golden and fragrant.

Phase 06

Add pretzels and cranberries: Remove from oven and immediately fold in pretzels and dried cranberries, tossing gently.

Phase 07

Cool and serve: Allow mixture to cool completely on the baking sheet so the coating hardens; then transfer to serving bowl or airtight container.

Tools needed

  • Large mixing bowl
  • Small mixing bowl
  • Baking sheet
  • Parchment paper
  • Spatula

Allergy details

Review each component for potential allergens and seek professional healthcare guidance if you're uncertain.
  • Contains tree nuts (cashews, pecans, almonds).
  • May contain gluten unless gluten-free pretzels are used.
  • Contains dairy (butter).

Nutrient breakdown (per portion)

These values are approximate guidelines only and shouldn't replace professional medical consultation.
  • Energy Value: 260
  • Fats: 17 g
  • Carbohydrates: 23 g
  • Proteins: 5 g