Pecan Pumpkin Spice Snack Mix Recipe

If you’re craving a snack that’s cozy, crunchy, and packed with warm autumn flavors, you’re going to love this Pecan Pumpkin Spice Snack Mix Recipe. It’s one of those treats I turn to whenever I want something delicious but not overly sweet—perfect for afternoon nibbling or sharing when friends stop by. What really hooks me is the blend of toasted pecans and the pumpkin pie spice that makes the whole kitchen smell like fall. Stick around, and I’ll walk you through every step to make sure your batch turns out just right.

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Ingredients You’ll Need

I love how these ingredients come together for this Pecan Pumpkin Spice Snack Mix Recipe—each one adding its own texture and fall-friendly flavor. A quick shopping tip: aim for fresh pecans and crunchy pretzels for the best results.

• Pecan halves: Toasting these brings out their rich, buttery flavor—don’t skip this step!
• Pretzels: I usually grab gluten-free vegan pretzels, but regular ones work great too; they add that salty crunch.
• Cornflakes: Provides a light, crispy element that balances the denser nuts and pretzels.
• Vegan butter or coconut oil: Melted to help everything stick and add a touch of richness.
• Maple syrup: This natural sweetener pairs perfectly with pumpkin spice and adds gentle sweetness.
• Pumpkin pie spice: The star of the show—warm spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves that scream autumn.
• Dried cranberries (apple-juice sweetened): Tart, chewy bursts of flavor that cut through the sweetness and add color.

Variations

I like to keep this Pecan Pumpkin Spice Snack Mix Recipe pretty classic, but I’ve had a blast experimenting with different add-ins. Feel free to personalize it to fit your taste or dietary needs—you can’t really go wrong!

• Nut swap: I’ve swapped pecans for walnuts or pecan-walnut combos for a different nutty flavor.
• Sweetener changes: If you want to avoid maple syrup, try brown rice syrup or agave, but keep an eye on sweetness and stickiness.
• Add spice variations: Some like a pinch of cayenne to spice things up, which surprisingly works lovely with pumpkin spice!
• Add seeds or other mix-ins: Roasted pumpkin seeds or sunflower seeds add a nice texture twist.

How to Make Pecan Pumpkin Spice Snack Mix Recipe

Step 1: Gather and mix the dry ingredients

Start by preheating your oven to 275°F—this low temperature ensures everything crisps without burning. In a large bowl, combine your pecans, pretzels, and cornflakes. This trio creates the perfect crunchy base. Using a big enough bowl is key here so you have room to toss everything without crushing your cereal or nuts.

Step 2: Whisk the wet mixture

In a smaller bowl or a measuring cup, whisk together the melted vegan butter (or coconut oil), the maple syrup, and pumpkin pie spice until fully combined. This fragrant mixture is what coats the dry ingredients, giving the mix that signature fall flavor and a slight glaze.

Step 3: Combine and bake gently

Pour this spiced liquid mixture over your dry ingredients and gently stir until everything is evenly coated. Spread it all out on a large rimmed baking sheet in a single layer—this helps each bite get crispy. Bake for about 45 minutes, but don’t forget to stir every 15 minutes. This is crucial to prevent burning and to ensure even toasting. You’ll know it’s done when the mix is dry and golden, with a nice crunch.

Step 4: Toss in cranberries and cool

Once your snack mix is cool enough to handle, stir in the dried cranberries. They add that chewy, sweet-tart surprise in every handful. Letting the mix cool completely helps it crisp up even more. Then, store your batch in an airtight container to keep it fresh. Trust me—if you’re anything like me, this won’t last long around the house!

How to Serve Pecan Pumpkin Spice Snack Mix Recipe

Garnishes

I usually keep it simple and let these snacks shine on their own, but if you want to dress it up, a few fresh rosemary sprigs sprinkled on top add a lovely piney note that complements the pumpkin spice beautifully. Sometimes, I toss in a little cinnamon dust extra for presentation when serving guests.

Side Dishes

This snack mix pairs wonderfully alongside hot apple cider or pumpkin-spiced lattes. I also love serving it with a cheese and charcuterie board for a sweet-savory contrast. It’s a unique alternative to typical nuts at a party!

Creative Ways to Present

For fall gatherings, I like to package the Pecan Pumpkin Spice Snack Mix Recipe in small mason jars tied with twine and a cinnamon stick—instant cozy gift. You could also layer it in clear treat bags with a festive tag to hand out at school events or work parties.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I keep my snack mix in an airtight container at room temperature, and it happily stays fresh for about a week. I like to store it somewhere cool and dry away from direct sunlight to maintain the crunch. Occasionally, I’ll give it a little shake to redistribute any settled spices before grabbing a handful.

Freezing

Freezing this mix isn’t usually necessary because it’s snackable right away, but I’ve frozen it a couple of times in freezer-safe bags for longer storage. When thawed, it retains most of its texture—just be sure to let it come to room temperature before serving for best crunch.

Reheating

If your mix loses a bit of crispness after storage, a quick 5-7 minute toast in a low oven (about 275°F) helps revive it beautifully. Keep an eye on it so it doesn’t burn—just enough warmth to bring back that perfect crunch.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

I absolutely love how this Pecan Pumpkin Spice Snack Mix Recipe turns out every single time. It’s my go-to when I want a quick, cozy snack that fills the house with fall scents and keeps everyone happily munching away. Whether you’re making this for yourself or as a gift, I know you’ll find it a comforting, versatile treat that feels like a little autumn hug. Give it a try—you won’t regret having this in your snack repertoire!

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