Cranberry Walnut Snack Mix Recipe

If you’ve been craving a sweet-salty snack that feels festive but still pretty wholesome, this Cranberry Walnut Snack Mix Recipe is going to be your new go-to bowl of happiness.

I’ve been making some version of this cranberry walnut snack for years, usually when life gets busy and I still want something homemade around the house. It’s a no-bake, quick, and flexible trail mix recipe that leans on crunchy walnuts, chewy dried cranberries, and just enough chocolate and spices to make it feel special. Think holiday snack mix meets everyday healthy snack mix—perfect for gifting, road trips, or just a handful at your desk with a cup of coffee.

You know what? The older I get (hello, 50s), the more I appreciate recipes that work hard for me. This walnut snack mix keeps well, looks pretty in a jar, and actually gives you some staying power thanks to the nuts, seeds, and whole grains. I’ll throw a batch together on Sunday and we’ll nibble our way through it all week—my husband steals it for the car, my grown kids raid it when they visit, and I’ve definitely had it for “lazy lunch” more than once.

Cranberries make it feel a bit seasonal—especially around Thanksgiving and Christmas—so it’s lovely as a holiday snack mix, tucked into gift bags or set out in little bowls for gatherings. But honestly, it works year-round. Swap a few mix-ins and you’ve got a summer trail mix for hikes, a back-to-school healthy snack mix, or a game-day party bowl.

Let me walk you through how I make it, and then you can play with it to fit your own pantry and taste buds.

Why You’ll Love This Cranberry Walnut Snack Mix Recipe

• No baking needed—just stir everything together in one big bowl.
• Ready in about 10 minutes, including a little nut-toasting if you choose.
• Naturally sweet from dried cranberry walnut goodness and a drizzle of maple, with no heavy syrup coating.
• Filled with fiber, healthy fats, and whole grains, so it’s satisfying and not just empty crunch.
• Perfect as a holiday snack mix, trail mix recipe for hikes, or everyday lunchbox filler.
• Easy to make gluten-free and dairy-free with simple swaps.
• Customizable—use what you have on hand and turn it into your own signature cranberry nut mix.
• Great for gifting in jars; it keeps well and looks pretty with all those reds and golds.
• Budget-friendly compared with store-bought snack mix or fancy “artisan” trail mix bags.

Ingredients for the Best Cranberry Walnut Snack Mix

Here’s exactly what I use for this big batch. It makes enough for a family for the week or for filling several jars as gifts.

• 2 cups raw walnut halves and pieces (lightly toast for extra flavor)
• 1 cup raw almonds (whole or roughly chopped)
• 1 ½ cups unsweetened dried cranberries (or reduced-sugar; look for plump, soft ones)
• 2 cups whole-grain cereal squares (like Chex or a similar plain, lightly sweet brand)
• 1 cup small pretzels or pretzel sticks (gluten-free if needed)
• ½ cup roasted pumpkin seeds (pepitas) (unsalted or lightly salted)
• ½ cup dark chocolate chips or chunks (I like 60–70% cacao)
• ¼ cup pure maple syrup (or honey)
• 2 tablespoons melted coconut oil (or light olive oil or avocado oil)
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• ½ teaspoon fine sea salt (reduce if using very salty pretzels)
• ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
• Optional: 1–2 teaspoons orange zest (this makes it extra festive and “holiday”)

Ingredient tips & notes:

• Walnuts: Fresh is key. If your walnuts smell at all “paint-like” or stale, skip them—they’re rancid, and you’ll taste it.
• Dried cranberries: If they’re very dry, you can briefly soak them in warm water for 5 minutes, then pat dry. This gives the snack mix a softer chew.
• Cereal: Choose a cereal with some whole grains and not a ton of sugar. The maple syrup already brings sweetness.
• Chocolate: Dark chocolate keeps the snack from feeling too candy-like. Mini chips work well since they distribute more evenly.
• Oil: Coconut oil adds a hint of richness and helps the cinnamon and salt cling to the mix.

Step-by-Step Directions

You’ll be surprised how fast this comes together. If you can pour and stir, you’re good.

1. Toast the walnuts and almonds (optional but recommended).
   Preheat a dry skillet over medium heat. Add the walnuts and almonds and toast, stirring often, for 4–6 minutes until fragrant and lightly browned in spots. Watch closely—they go from perfect to burnt fast. Transfer to a large mixing bowl and let cool for a few minutes.

2. Mix the dry ingredients.
   To the bowl with the cooled nuts, add the dried cranberries, cereal squares, pretzels, and pumpkin seeds. Gently toss with clean hands or a big spoon, trying not to crush the cereal too much.

3. Whisk the simple coating.
   In a small bowl or measuring cup, whisk together the maple syrup, melted coconut oil, cinnamon, sea salt, vanilla, and orange zest if using. It should smell like warm fall in a cup.

4. Combine the coating with the mix.
   Drizzle the maple mixture evenly over the nut and cereal mixture. Stir very well so everything gets a light, shiny coat. Take your time with this step—good distribution means you get sweet-salty goodness in every handful, not just a sticky bottom of the bowl.

5. Let it sit and “set.”
   Spread the mixture out on a parchment-lined baking sheet or a big tray. Let it sit for about 10–15 minutes at room temperature. This helps the coating soak in and dry a bit so the snack mix isn’t too tacky.

6. Add the chocolate last.
   Once the mix feels mostly dry and just a bit tacky, sprinkle the dark chocolate chips over the top and gently toss. If you add the chocolate too soon while the mix is warm, it can melt—delicious, but messy.

7. Taste and adjust.
   Grab a little handful. If you want more salt, sprinkle a pinch of flaky sea salt over the top. If you like a sweeter snack mix, you can drizzle a tiny bit more maple syrup and toss again.

8. Serve or store.
   Move your Cranberry Walnut Snack Mix into jars, airtight containers, or a big bowl if serving right away. Try not to eat all the “taste-tests” before it gets to the jar—speaking from experience here.

Servings & Timing

• Yield: About 8 cups of snack mix (roughly 12–14 servings of ½ cup each)
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Optional Toasting Time: 5–6 minutes
• Set Time: 10–15 minutes
• Total Time: Around 25–30 minutes, start to finish

If you’re making this for a party or for holiday gifts, you can easily double the recipe. Just use a very large bowl—or two bowls—so you can stir everything without sending cereal flying across the kitchen.

Fun Variations to Try

Here’s where you can play a little. Use the base Cranberry Walnut Snack Mix Recipe and tweak it for different moods or dietary needs.

• Chocolate-Orange Holiday Mix: Add extra orange zest and a pinch of ground ginger; use more dark chocolate for a richer treat.
• Spiced Chili Crunch: Swap cinnamon for ½ teaspoon smoked paprika and ¼ teaspoon chili powder for a sweet-salty-spicy snack mix.
• Kid-Party Mix: Use semi-sweet chocolate chips and toss in ½ cup of colorful chocolate candies instead of pumpkin seeds.
• Nut-Free Version: Replace walnuts and almonds with more pumpkin seeds, sunflower seeds, and crispy chickpeas for school-safe snacking.
• High-Protein Boost: Stir in ½ cup roasted cashews and ½ cup roasted edamame for extra staying power.
• Breakfast-Style Mix: Add ½ cup coconut flakes and ½ cup raisins; serve over yogurt like a chunky granola.

Storage & Make-Ahead Tips

One of my favorite things about this snack is how well it keeps. It’s the kind of recipe you can make on a quiet evening and enjoy for days.

• Room Temperature: Store the cranberry walnut snack mix in an airtight container or jar at room temperature for up to 7–10 days. Keep it away from direct sunlight and heat, which can make the nuts go stale faster.
• Refrigerator: If your kitchen runs warm, you can keep it in the fridge for up to 3 weeks. Let it sit at room temperature for 10–15 minutes before eating so the flavors and textures relax a little.
• Freezer: Yes, you can freeze it. Place the mix in a freezer-safe zip-top bag, press out extra air, and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature in the sealed bag so condensation doesn’t make things soggy.
• Make-Ahead for Holidays or Parties: Make this healthy snack mix 3–4 days before your event. The flavors mingle as it sits, and the texture stays pleasantly crunchy as long as it’s tightly sealed.

There’s no real “reheating” step here, but if your mix seems a bit chewy from humidity, you can spread it on a baking sheet and warm it in a low oven (250°F) for 8–10 minutes, then cool completely. That perks it right back up.

Notes from My Kitchen

A few little things I’ve learned after making this more times than I can count:

• Salt balance is everything.
  The magic of a sweet salty snack is in that contrast. If your pretzels are very salty, ease up on the added salt at first. You can always sprinkle more later.

• Don’t skip cooling the nuts.
  Pouring the syrup mixture over very hot nuts can cause the coating to seize and clump in strange ways. A short cool-down gives you a nicer, more even mix.

• Watch your chocolate.
  I’ve melted the chocolate into a giant cluster more than once by getting impatient. It still tastes good, but it’s not the handy trail mix texture we’re going for.

• Texture variety = snack happiness.
  Try to keep a mix of big crunch (nuts, cereal, pretzels) and smaller “sprinkles” (pumpkin seeds, chocolate chips). That contrast makes each handful interesting.

• Nutrition quick note:
  Every brand is a little different, but a rough estimate for a ½-cup serving: around 220–250 calories, 4–5 grams of protein, 3–4 grams of fiber, and plenty of healthy fats from the walnuts and almonds.

If you’re someone who tracks your macros or has specific health goals, you can tweak the maple syrup, up the nuts or seeds, or cut back on the chocolate to match what you’re looking for.

FAQs About This Cranberry Walnut Snack Mix Recipe

Can I use different nuts instead of walnuts?
Absolutely. Pecans, cashews, or hazelnuts all work well. Just keep the total nut amount about the same so the coating still covers everything nicely.

Is this snack mix gluten-free?
It can be. Use certified gluten-free pretzels and a gluten-free cereal, and you’re good to go. Always double-check labels on dried cranberries and chocolate, just to be safe.

Can I make this without added sugar?
Yes, but the flavor will be different. Skip the maple syrup and use a tablespoon or two of melted coconut oil plus extra cinnamon and a pinch of salt. Rely on the natural sweetness of the dried cranberries and maybe a few extra raisins.

Will fresh cranberries work instead of dried?
Fresh cranberries are too tart and moist for this kind of snack mix. Stick with dried cranberry walnut combinations for the right texture and shelf life.

Can kids help make this recipe?
Definitely. Little ones can measure cereal and pretzels, older kids can stir the coating and help spread the mix on the tray. Just handle the nut-toasting and hot pans yourself.

How long does this cranberry nut mix stay fresh?
Stored in an airtight container at room temperature, it’ll taste great for about a week, sometimes longer if your kitchen is cool and dry.

Is this a good trail mix recipe for hiking?
Yes. It packs well, has a mix of carbs and healthy fats, and the cranberries give quick energy. If you’re hiking in hot weather, use chocolate chunks that don’t melt easily or skip the chocolate and add more nuts and seeds.

Can I scale this up for gifting?
For sure. Double or triple the recipe, then portion it into mason jars or small cellophane bags. Add a little ribbon and a handwritten label saying “Cranberry Walnut Snack Mix” and you’ve got a thoughtful, homemade gift.

Conclusion: A Snack Bowl Worth Repeating

This Cranberry Walnut Snack Mix Recipe has become one of those quiet staples in my house—the kind of thing you don’t always plan around, but you’re so happy to see on the counter. It’s crunchy, a little chewy, gently sweet, and just salty enough to keep you reaching for another handful.

Give it a try, tweak it with your favorite mix-ins, and make it your own. When you do, I’d love to hear how it turned out—leave a comment, rate the recipe, or share your version of this cranberry walnut snack. And if you’re in a snacking mood, check out my other easy recipes on the blog, like toasted nut granola clusters or my maple-roasted almond mix.

Cranberry Walnut Snack Mix

This Cranberry Walnut Snack Mix is a no-bake, sweet-salty blend of crunchy walnuts, chewy dried cranberries, whole-grain cereal, pretzels, seeds, and dark chocolate, all lightly coated with maple, cinnamon, and a hint of vanilla. Perfect for holiday gifting, road trips, or everyday snacking.

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Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 6 minutes mins

Total Time 30 minutes mins

Course Snack, Trail Mix

Cuisine American

Servings 12 servings

Calories 235 kcal

Ingredients

  

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• 2 cups raw walnut halves and pieces lightly toast for extra flavor, cool before mixing
• 1 cup raw almonds whole or roughly chopped; toast with walnuts if desired
• 1 1/2 cups unsweetened dried cranberries or reduced-sugar; use plump, soft berries
• 2 cups whole-grain cereal squares such as plain or lightly sweet Chex-style cereal
• 1 cup small pretzels or pretzel sticks use gluten-free pretzels if needed
• 1/2 cup roasted pumpkin seeds (pepitas) unsalted or lightly salted
• 1/2 cup dark chocolate chips or chunks about 60–70% cacao; add after mix has cooled
• 1/4 cup pure maple syrup or honey
• 2 tablespoons coconut oil melted; or use light olive oil or avocado oil
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon fine sea salt reduce if using very salty pretzels; adjust to taste
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1-2 teaspoons orange zest optional; for a festive, holiday flavor

Instructions

 

• Preheat a dry skillet over medium heat. Add the raw walnut halves and pieces and the raw almonds. Toast, stirring often, for 4–6 minutes until fragrant and lightly browned in spots. Watch closely so they do not burn. Transfer the toasted nuts to a large mixing bowl and let cool for a few minutes.
• To the bowl with the cooled walnuts and almonds, add the dried cranberries, whole-grain cereal squares, pretzels, and roasted pumpkin seeds. Gently toss with clean hands or a large spoon, trying not to crush the cereal too much.
• In a small bowl or measuring cup, whisk together the pure maple syrup, melted coconut oil, ground cinnamon, fine sea salt, vanilla extract, and orange zest if using. Whisk until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
• Drizzle the maple mixture evenly over the nut and cereal mixture in the large bowl. Stir thoroughly so that all the nuts, cereal, pretzels, and seeds get a light, shiny coat. Take your time to distribute the coating evenly so each handful has sweet-salty flavor.
• Spread the coated snack mix out in an even layer on a parchment-lined baking sheet or large tray. Let it sit at room temperature for about 10–15 minutes. This allows the coating to soak in and dry slightly so the mix is not too sticky.
• Once the snack mix feels mostly dry and just a bit tacky to the touch, sprinkle the dark chocolate chips or chunks over the top. Gently toss to distribute the chocolate throughout the mix. Avoid adding the chocolate while the nuts or coating are still warm, or it may melt.
• Taste a small handful of the mix. If you prefer a saltier snack, sprinkle a small pinch of additional fine or flaky sea salt over the top and toss. If you like a sweeter mix, you can drizzle a small amount of extra maple syrup and toss again.
• Transfer the Cranberry Walnut Snack Mix to jars, airtight containers, or a large serving bowl if enjoying right away. Store at room temperature for up to 7–10 days, or refrigerate for up to 3 weeks. For longer storage, freeze in an airtight, freezer-safe bag for up to 2 months and thaw at room temperature before serving.

Notes

YIELD: About 8 cups of snack mix (roughly 12–14 servings of 1/2 cup each).
TIMING: 10 minutes prep, 4–6 minutes optional nut toasting, 10–15 minutes set time, about 25–30 minutes total.
VARIATIONS: For a Chocolate-Orange Holiday Mix, add extra orange zest, a pinch of ground ginger, and more dark chocolate. For a Spiced Chili Crunch version, replace the cinnamon with 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika and 1/4 teaspoon chili powder. For a nut-free version, swap the walnuts and almonds for more seeds and crispy chickpeas.
STORAGE: Keep in an airtight container at room temperature for 7–10 days, in the refrigerator for up to 3 weeks, or freeze for up to 2 months. If the mix becomes chewy from humidity, spread on a baking sheet and warm in a 250°F (120°C) oven for 8–10 minutes, then cool completely to crisp it back up.
NUTRITION (ESTIMATE): Per 1/2 cup serving: about 220–250 calories, 4–5 g protein, 3–4 g fiber, and healthy fats from walnuts and almonds. Actual values vary based on specific brands and ingredient choices.

Nutrition

Calories: 235kcal

Keyword Cranberry Walnut Snack Mix, Healthy Snack, Holiday Snack Mix, Homemade Gift, No-Bake Recipe, Trail Mix

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