If you’re hunting for a snack that’s cozy, crunchy, and bursting with fall flavors, you’re in for a treat with this Pecan Pumpkin Spice Snack Mix Recipe. I absolutely love this mix because it’s not only incredibly addictive but also super easy to whip up on a whim. Whether you’re craving an afternoon nibble or need something festive for your next gathering, this snack mix nails that perfect blend of sweet, salty, and spicy that keeps everyone reaching for more.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Perfect Fall Flavor: The pumpkin spice blends beautifully with the maple syrup for a nostalgic, warm taste.
- Super Easy Prep: You’ll have this mix ready in under an hour with minimal hands-on time.
- Versatile & Crowd-Pleasing: Whether it’s for a cozy night or a party, everyone goes crazy for it.
- Customizable Ingredients: Swap nuts or dried fruit depending on your pantry and preferences.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Pecan Pumpkin Spice Snack Mix Recipe is brilliant because the ingredients come together to create a crunchy, sweet, and subtly spiced snack. I always look for quality pecans and good maple syrup to make sure the flavors shine through – plus, using vegan butter or coconut oil ensures it’s perfect if you’re dairy-free.
- Pecan halves: I recommend fresh, lightly toasted pecans for that rich nutty flavor.
- Pretzels: I use gluten-free vegan pretzels here, but regular ones work just as well.
- Cornflakes: Adds a lovely light crunch; feel free to use your favorite brand, and check for gluten-free if needed.
- Vegan butter or coconut oil: Melted so it coats everything nicely and adds a touch of richness.
- Maple syrup: This natural sweetener pairs perfectly with pumpkin spice.
- Pumpkin pie spice: The star spice blend that brings autumn magic to this snack mix.
- Dried cranberries sweetened with apple juice: I love these for a tart-sweet bite that balances the salty elements.
Variations
I’ve experimented quite a bit with my Pecan Pumpkin Spice Snack Mix Recipe over the years, and I encourage you to make it your own! Tiny tweaks can really elevate or adapt the flavor to your liking.
- Nut swaps: I’ve swapped pecans for walnuts or even almonds when my pantry was low – all tasty options!
- Sweetener choice: Sometimes I use agave or a little brown sugar instead of maple syrup if I’m feeling adventurous.
- Spice blend: If you like it spicier, try adding a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to up the cozy factor.
- Dried fruit: I’ve played with chopped dried apricots or golden raisins instead of cranberries, and it always turns out great.
How to Make Pecan Pumpkin Spice Snack Mix Recipe
Step 1: Gather and Combine Your Dry Ingredients
Start by preheating your oven to 275°F. Grab a large mixing bowl and toss together your pecan halves, pretzels, and cornflakes. This base is your crunchy canvas, so try to use fresh, unbroken pieces for the best texture. I usually give the pecans a quick toast beforehand to pump up their natural flavor.
Step 2: Mix the Maple-Spice Coating
In a smaller bowl or measuring cup, whisk together the melted vegan butter or coconut oil with maple syrup and pumpkin pie spice. This magical liquid mixture will carry the spice flavor and help everything crisp up nicely in the oven. Make sure your butter or oil is fully melted but not hot—this helps evenly coat all your mix ingredients without cooking the maple syrup prematurely.
Step 3: Combine and Bake
Pour the maple-spice mixture over your dry ingredients and gently stir until everything gets a lovely, even coat. Spread the mix out on a lined baking sheet in a single layer. Bake for 45 minutes, stirring every 15 minutes to keep the mix from clumping and ensure even crispiness. You’re aiming for a dry, golden crunch here—when it looks just right, pull it from the oven and toss in your dried cranberries for that pop of tartness.
Pro Tips for Making Pecan Pumpkin Spice Snack Mix Recipe
- Toast Pecans First: To deepen the flavor, I toast pecans at 350°F for about 8 minutes before mixing—it’s a game changer.
- Stir Often: I learned the hard way—stirring every 15 minutes ensures your mix crisps evenly and doesn’t burn.
- Cool Completely: Let the mix cool fully on the baking sheet before transferring; this helps it crisp up perfectly and avoid sogginess.
- Use a Silicone Mat: Baking on a silicone mat prevents sticking and keeps cleaning simple—trust me, it’s worth the investment.
How to Serve Pecan Pumpkin Spice Snack Mix Recipe
Garnishes
I like to sprinkle a few extra pecan halves on top right before serving for visual appeal and an extra crunch. Sometimes, if I’m feeling fancy, a light dusting of cinnamon sugar adds a beautiful sheen and subtle sweetness.
Side Dishes
This snack mix pairs beautifully with hot apple cider or your favorite pumpkin spice latte. At home, I often serve it alongside a cheese board or fresh fruit platter during fall gatherings—it’s such a pleasing contrast.
Creative Ways to Present
For parties, I like to pile this mix into mini mason jars or small decorative bowls wrapped with seasonal ribbons. It also makes a thoughtful homemade gift when packaged in cellophane bags tied with twine and a cute gift tag with the recipe.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
I store leftover Pecan Pumpkin Spice Snack Mix in an airtight container at room temperature. It stays crispy and fresh for up to two weeks, though in my house, it rarely lasts that long! Keeping it sealed tightly is key to maintaining that crunchy texture.
Freezing
I’ve frozen this snack mix many times by placing it in a freezer-safe bag. When ready to enjoy, just thaw it at room temperature for 30 minutes and give it a quick stir. It holds up well without losing crunch or flavor.
Reheating
If your mix feels a little soft after storage, pop it on a baking sheet and warm it in a 300°F oven for 5-7 minutes. This refreshes the crispness without over-baking or burning the spices.
FAQs
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Can I make this Pecan Pumpkin Spice Snack Mix Recipe nut-free?
Absolutely! You can swap out pecans for roasted pumpkin seeds or even sunflower seeds to keep that satisfying crunch while avoiding nuts altogether.
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Is there a way to make this snack mix vegan?
Yes, this recipe is already vegan-friendly if you use vegan butter or coconut oil and ensure your pretzels are vegan. Maple syrup and pumpkin pie spice are naturally vegan too.
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How long does the snack mix last?
Stored in an airtight container, this mix stays fresh and crunchy for up to two weeks at room temperature.
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Can I use other dried fruits instead of cranberries?
Definitely! Dried cherries, raisins, or chopped dried apricots all make delicious alternatives depending on your taste and what you have on hand.
Final Thoughts
I have to say, this Pecan Pumpkin Spice Snack Mix Recipe has become one of those “go-to” fall recipes I love sharing with friends and family. It’s so straightforward but feels impressively festive and homemade. Every time I make it, I’m reminded how small ingredients and a bit of pumpkin spice can brighten up a simple snack into something truly special. Give it a try—you’ll find it’s a crunchy, spiced treat you’ll want to keep stocked all season long.
Print
Pecan Pumpkin Spice Snack Mix Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 6 cups
- Category: Snack
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
A crunchy and flavorful Pecan Pumpkin Spice Snack Mix featuring gluten-free vegan pretzels, cornflakes, pecans, and a blend of autumn-inspired spices, sweetened with maple syrup and finished with tart dried cranberries. Perfect for a seasonal snack or festive gathering.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 2 cups pecan halves
- 2 cups gluten-free vegan pretzels
- 2 cups cornflakes
- 1 tbsp pumpkin pie spice
- ½ cup apple-juice sweetened dried cranberries
Wet Ingredients
- ¼ cup vegan butter or coconut oil, melted
- ¼ cup maple syrup
Instructions
- Preheat oven: Preheat your oven to 275°F (135°C) to prepare for baking the snack mix.
- Combine dry ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the pecan halves, gluten-free vegan pretzels, and cornflakes evenly.
- Mix wet ingredients: In a separate bowl or measuring cup, whisk together the melted vegan butter or coconut oil, maple syrup, and pumpkin pie spice until fully combined.
- Coat the mix: Pour the wet mixture over the dry ingredients and stir thoroughly to ensure every piece is evenly coated with the pumpkin spice glaze.
- Bake the mix: Spread the coated snack mix evenly on a baking sheet. Place it in the oven and bake for 45 minutes, stirring every 15 minutes to ensure even crisping and drying.
- Add cranberries and serve: Once baked and cooled, toss in the apple-juice sweetened dried cranberries for a burst of sweetness, then enjoy immediately or store in a sealed container for freshness.
Notes
- Use gluten-free pretzels to keep the mix gluten-free and vegan-friendly.
- Stirring every 15 minutes during baking prevents burning and promotes even crispiness.
- Store the snack mix in an airtight container to maintain freshness for up to 1 week.
- Feel free to substitute dried cranberries with other dried fruits like raisins or chopped dates.
- Maple syrup adds natural sweetness and complements the pumpkin spice flavor perfectly.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/2 cup
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 13g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 16g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
