Sweet Salty Holiday Nut Bowl

Featured in: Simple Sweet Treats

This holiday nut bowl brings together roasted cashews, pecans, and almonds coated in a sweet and salty glaze with hints of cinnamon and cayenne. After baking until golden, crunchy pretzels and dried cranberries are folded in, creating a balanced blend of textures and flavors. Ideal for quick preparation, this mix offers a festive snack with a satisfying crunch and warming spices that are perfect for holiday gatherings or gifts.

Updated on Fri, 12 Dec 2025 16:45:00 GMT
Golden, roasted nuts and crunchy pretzels blend in this inviting Sweet and Salty Holiday Nut Bowl. Save
Golden, roasted nuts and crunchy pretzels blend in this inviting Sweet and Salty Holiday Nut Bowl. | poppyhearth.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 snack has become a holiday staple in our home, bringing warmth and joy to every gathering.

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

Step 1:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.
Step 2:
In a large bowl, combine cashews, pecans, and almonds.
Step 3:
In a small bowl, whisk together melted butter maple syrup (or honey) brown sugar salt cinnamon and cayenne pepper (if using).
Step 4:
Pour the sweet and salty mixture over the nuts and toss to coat evenly.
Step 5:
Spread the coated nuts in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet.
Step 6:
Bake for 15 18 minutes stirring halfway through until the nuts are golden and fragrant.
Step 7:
Remove from the oven and immediately add the pretzels and dried cranberries. Toss gently to combine.
Step 8:
Let the mixture cool completely on the baking sheet. The coating will harden as it cools.
Step 9:
Once cool transfer to a serving bowl or airtight container.
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This recipe always brings our family together, creating warm memories around the holidays.

Required Tools

Large mixing bowl Small mixing bowl Baking sheet Parchment paper Spatula

Allergen Information

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

Nutritional Information

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

A delightful platter of Sweet and Salty Holiday Nut Bowl: a perfect mix for holiday gatherings. Save
A delightful platter of Sweet and Salty Holiday Nut Bowl: a perfect mix for holiday gatherings. | poppyhearth.com

Enjoy this delicious snack with your loved ones and make your holidays extra special.

Recipe Questions

Can I substitute the types of nuts used?

Yes, you can swap cashews, pecans, or almonds for walnuts, hazelnuts, or pistachios based on your preference.

How do I ensure pretzels stay crunchy after mixing?

Add the pretzels after the nuts have cooled to maintain their crisp texture and prevent sogginess.

Is there an alternative to butter for coating?

You can use a plant-based butter or coconut oil if you prefer a dairy-free option.

How long can I store the nut mix?

Store the mixture in an airtight container for up to one week to keep it fresh and crunchy.

Can I adjust the spice level in this mix?

Yes, adjust the cayenne pepper quantity or omit it entirely to control the level of heat.

Sweet Salty Holiday Nut Bowl

A festive blend of roasted nuts, pretzels, cranberries, and sweet spice for holiday snacking.

Prep duration
10 minutes
Cooking duration
20 minutes
Total duration
30 minutes
Created by Grace Holloway

Recipe type Simple Sweet Treats

Skill level Easy

Cuisine type American

Makes 8 Portions

Dietary details Meat-free

Required Ingredients

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 to maintain gluten-free status)
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 Steps

Step 01

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

Step 02

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

Step 03

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

Step 04

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

Step 05

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

Step 06

Mix in pretzels and cranberries: Remove nuts from oven and immediately add mini pretzels and dried cranberries. Gently toss to combine.

Step 07

Cool mixture: Allow the mixture to cool completely on the baking sheet to let the coating harden.

Step 08

Store or serve: Once cooled, transfer the nut bowl to a serving dish or airtight container for storage.

Tools needed

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

Allergy notices

Check ingredients for allergens. Reach out to your healthcare provider with any questions.
  • Contains tree nuts (cashews, pecans, almonds).
  • Contains gluten (unless gluten-free pretzels are used).
  • Contains dairy (butter).
  • Check product labels for hidden allergens.

Nutrition breakdown (per portion)

These details are meant for general advice, not medical guidance.
  • Energy: 260
  • Fats: 17 g
  • Carbohydrates: 23 g
  • Proteins: 5 g