Sweet Salty Holiday Nut Bowl

Featured in: Golden Cookies & Treats

This vibrant mix combines roasted cashews, pecans, and almonds with crunchy pretzels and dried cranberries. The nuts are coated in a blend of melted butter, maple syrup, brown sugar, sea salt, cinnamon, and a touch of cayenne pepper for warmth. Baked to golden perfection, the mixture cools to form a crisp coating, balancing sweet, salty, and spicy notes. Ideal for holiday gatherings or as a thoughtful gift, it offers a delightful combination of textures and flavors.

Updated on Fri, 12 Dec 2025 16:57:00 GMT
Golden, toasted Sweet and Salty Holiday Nut Bowl: a symphony of crunchy nuts and sweet cranberries. Save
Golden, toasted Sweet and Salty Holiday Nut Bowl: a symphony of crunchy nuts and sweet cranberries. | coraloven.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 nut bowl has become a holiday tradition in my family, always disappearing quickly at parties.

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 Coating:
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 Nuts:
Bake for 15 to 18 minutes stirring halfway through until nuts are golden and fragrant.
Add Pretzels and Cranberries:
Remove from oven and immediately add pretzels and dried cranberries. Toss gently to combine.
Cool Mixture:
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
| coraloven.com

Our family loves sharing this nut bowl during holiday gatherings, creating sweet memories every year.

Variations

Swap pecans or cashews for walnuts hazelnuts or pistachios as desired. For extra crunch add pumpkin seeds or sunflower seeds.

Serving Suggestions

Pair this nut bowl with sparkling wine or spiced cider for a festive touch.

Storage Tips

Keep stored in an airtight container in a cool place for up to one week for best taste and texture.

Close-up of a delightful Sweet and Salty Holiday Nut Bowl; a perfect holiday snack with varied textures. Save
Close-up of a delightful Sweet and Salty Holiday Nut Bowl; a perfect holiday snack with varied textures. | coraloven.com

This sweet and salty nut bowl is the perfect holiday treat to share or gift, with bold flavors and satisfying crunch.

Recipe FAQs

Can I use different nuts in this mix?

Yes, you can substitute pecans or cashews with walnuts, hazelnuts, or pistachios based on preference.

Are gluten-free pretzels suitable for this snack?

Gluten-free pretzels work well and maintain the texture while accommodating gluten sensitivities.

How should I store the nut bowl mix?

Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week to preserve freshness and crunch.

Can I add seeds to the mix?

Adding pumpkin or sunflower seeds enhances the texture and adds nutritional variety.

What drinks pair well with this nut mix?

Sparkling wine or spiced cider complement the sweet and salty flavors nicely for festive occasions.

Sweet Salty Holiday Nut Bowl

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

Prep time
10 minutes
Time to cook
20 minutes
Time Required
30 minutes
Created by Hannah Lewis


Skill level Easy

Cuisine American

Makes 8 Portions

Dietary details Meatless

What You Need

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 (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)

How To Make

Step 01

Preheat oven and prepare pan: Preheat oven to 350°F. Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.

Step 02

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

Step 03

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

Step 04

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

Step 05

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

Step 06

Combine with pretzels and cranberries: Remove nuts from oven; immediately add pretzels and dried cranberries. Toss gently to combine.

Step 07

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

Needed utensils

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

Allergy details

Check components for allergens, and get advice from a medical expert if you're unsure.
  • Contains tree nuts (cashews, pecans, almonds).
  • Contains gluten unless gluten-free pretzels used.
  • Contains dairy (butter).
  • Check labels for possible hidden allergens.

Nutrition Details (each serving)

Details are for informational purposes, not medical use.
  • Kilocalories: 260
  • Fat content: 17 g
  • Carbohydrates: 23 g
  • Proteins: 5 g