Sweet Salty Holiday Nut Bowl

Featured in: Sweet & Savory Treats

This nut bowl combines roasted cashews, pecans, and almonds with a sweet and salty glaze featuring butter, maple syrup, brown sugar, and warm spices. After baking, crunchy pretzels and dried cranberries are folded in, creating a perfect balance of textures and flavors. This easy, festive mix suits holiday gatherings or gifting and can be tailored with seed additions or nut swaps. Store in an airtight container for lasting crunch and enjoy paired with sparkling wine or cider.

Updated on Fri, 12 Dec 2025 14:35:00 GMT
Golden-brown Sweet and Salty Holiday Nut Bowl: a festive snack with pretzels, cranberries, and spiced nuts. Save
Golden-brown Sweet and Salty Holiday Nut Bowl: a festive snack with pretzels, cranberries, and spiced nuts. | dunebasil.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 my go-to treat during the holidays because it combines sweet and salty flavors perfectly.

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 to 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.
Enjoy a delicious bowl of Sweet and Salty Holiday Nut Bowl; perfectly crunchy and sweet for this season. Save
Enjoy a delicious bowl of Sweet and Salty Holiday Nut Bowl; perfectly crunchy and sweet for this season. | dunebasil.com

This snack always brings smiles at our family gatherings especially when paired with spiced cider.

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

Imagine a vibrant Sweet and Salty Holiday Nut Bowl, with a blend of dried cranberries and toasted nuts. Save
Imagine a vibrant Sweet and Salty Holiday Nut Bowl, with a blend of dried cranberries and toasted nuts. | dunebasil.com

This nut bowl is a perfect blend of flavors that will elevate any holiday celebration.

Recipe FAQs

What nuts are used in this mix?

The blend includes raw cashews, pecans, and almonds for a balanced nutty flavor.

Can I make this bowl gluten-free?

Yes, by using gluten-free pretzels, the snack remains gluten-free.

How long should I bake the nuts?

Bake for 15–18 minutes at 350°F, stirring halfway, until golden and aromatic.

Can I substitute maple syrup with honey?

Yes, honey can be used interchangeably with maple syrup for the sweet glaze.

How should I store the nut bowl mix?

Keep it in an airtight container at room temperature to maintain freshness for up to one week.

Are there options to add extra crunch?

Adding pumpkin or sunflower seeds can provide additional texture and flavor.

Sweet Salty Holiday Nut Bowl

Festive mix of roasted nuts, pretzels, dried cranberries, and sweet spices ready in 30 minutes.

Prep Time
10 minutes
Time to Cook
20 minutes
Overall Time
30 minutes
Recipe by Dune Basil Lea Romano


Skill Level Easy

Cuisine American

Makes 8 Portions

Diet Information Meat-Free

What You'll 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 required)
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 It

Step 01

Preheat Oven and Prepare Baking Sheet: Preheat oven to 350°F. Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.

Step 02

Combine Nuts: In a large mixing bowl, combine cashews, pecans, and almonds.

Step 03

Mix Sweet and Salty Coating: In a small bowl, whisk together melted butter, maple syrup or honey, brown sugar, sea salt, cinnamon, and cayenne pepper if using.

Step 04

Coat Nuts: Pour the sweet and salty mixture over the nuts and toss to coat evenly.

Step 05

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

Step 06

Add Pretzels and Cranberries: Remove baked nuts from oven and immediately add pretzels and dried cranberries. Toss gently to combine.

Step 07

Cool and Store: Allow the mixture to cool completely on the baking sheet, letting the coating harden. Transfer to a serving bowl or airtight container once cooled.

Essential Tools

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

Allergy Details

Review ingredients for allergies, and talk to your doctor if you're uncertain.
  • Contains tree nuts (cashews, pecans, almonds).
  • Contains gluten unless gluten-free pretzels are used.
  • Contains dairy (butter).
  • Check labels for hidden allergens.

Nutrition per serving

Nutritional details are for reference only. They're not a substitute for medical advice.
  • Energy: 260
  • Fats: 17 g
  • Carbohydrates: 23 g
  • Proteins: 5 g