Get ready to indulge in the ultimate Thanksgiving treat – a homemade trail mix that’s bursting with all the flavors of the season! This easy-to-make recipe is not only delicious, but it also makes for a fun and thoughtful gift for your loved ones. Packed with a variety of nuts, seeds, dried fruits, and a touch of sweetness, this Thanksgiving Trail Mix is the perfect snack to enjoy while cozying up by the fire or as a flavorful addition to your holiday spread.
Whether you’re hosting a Thanksgiving feast or just looking for a tasty way to celebrate the season, this Thanksgiving Trail Mix is sure to become a new family favorite. With its irresistible combination of textures and flavors, it’s the perfect balance of sweet, salty, and satisfying. So, let’s dive in and discover how to create this delightful holiday treat that’s sure to delight your taste buds!
🍁 Reasons This Recipe Will Become a Favorite
This Thanksgiving Trail Mix is not just your average snack – it’s a true culinary delight that’s sure to impress. Firstly, the flavor profile is a harmonious blend of sweet, salty, and savory, with a touch of warm spices that capture the essence of the season. The combination of crunchy nuts, chewy dried fruits, and a light coating of maple syrup creates a textural symphony that keeps you coming back for more.
But the real beauty of this recipe lies in its versatility. Not only is it a fantastic standalone snack, but it also makes a wonderful topping for yogurt, oatmeal, or even ice cream. And let’s not forget the convenience factor – this Thanksgiving Trail Mix can be whipped up in just a few minutes, making it the perfect last-minute addition to your holiday spread. Whether you’re entertaining guests or simply wanting to indulge in a delightful seasonal treat, this recipe is sure to become a staple in your household.
Ingredients
• 1 cup raw cashews
• 1 cup raw pumpkin seeds
• 1 cup dried cranberries
• 1/2 cup dried apricots, chopped
• 1/4 cup maple syrup
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
The key to this Thanksgiving Trail Mix recipe is the perfect blend of nuts, seeds, and dried fruits. The combination of almonds, cashews, and pumpkin seeds provides a delightful crunch and a boost of healthy fats and protein. The dried cranberries and apricots add a touch of sweetness and chewiness, while the warm spices of cinnamon, ginger, and nutmeg infuse the mix with the quintessential flavors of the season.
The maple syrup acts as a binder, helping to coat the ingredients and creating a lightly sweet, caramelized finish. Feel free to adjust the spice levels to your personal preference, or experiment with different dried fruits or nuts to create your own unique spin on this Thanksgiving Trail Mix.
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.
- Combine the Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the almonds, cashews, pumpkin seeds, dried cranberries, and dried apricots. Toss to mix everything evenly.
- Add the Wet Ingredients: In a small bowl, whisk together the maple syrup, cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, and salt until well combined. Pour the maple syrup mixture over the nut and fruit mixture and stir to coat everything evenly.
- Bake the Trail Mix: Spread the coated mixture in an even layer on the prepared baking sheet. Bake for 18-20 minutes, stirring halfway, until the nuts are golden brown and the mixture is fragrant. Keep a close eye to prevent the nuts from burning.
- Cool and Serve: Remove the baking sheet from the oven and let the Thanksgiving Trail Mix cool completely on the sheet. Once cooled, transfer the mix to an airtight container and enjoy!
⏱️ Timing Overview
• Cook time: 18-20 minutes
• Cooling time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 58-60 minutes
🍽️ Nutritional Information
Nutritional information is an estimate per serving, based on 12 servings.
• Protein: 6 g
• Sodium: 71 mg
• Carbohydrates: 29 g
• Fat: 17 g
• Fiber: 4 g
🍁 How to Customize This Recipe ?
• To Make it Vegan: This recipe is already vegan-friendly, as it does not contain any animal-based ingredients. Simply make sure to use pure maple syrup and avoid any honey-based products.
• To Add a Spicy Kick: If you’re looking to add a little heat to your Thanksgiving Trail Mix, try sprinkling in a teaspoon of cayenne pepper or a few dashes of your favorite hot sauce. Start with a small amount and adjust to your desired level of spiciness.
🍁 How to Serve This Dish Like a Pro ?
• Garnish Suggestions: For a festive touch, garnish the trail mix with a sprinkling of chopped fresh rosemary, a dusting of powdered sugar, or a few sprigs of thyme.
• Beverage Pairing: This Thanksgiving Trail Mix pairs beautifully with a warm cup of spiced apple cider or a rich, creamy hot chocolate.
🍁 Your Guide to a Flawless Execution
• Mistake 2 – Not Letting the Ingredients Come to Room Temperature: Using cold ingredients straight from the fridge can affect the overall texture of the trail mix. Allow the nuts, seeds, and dried fruits to sit at room temperature for 30 minutes before starting the recipe for the best results.
• Mistake 3 – Not Preheating the Oven: Ensuring your oven is fully preheated to the correct temperature is crucial for achieving the perfect bake. If the oven is not hot enough, the trail mix may not develop that delightful caramelized coating.
🍁 How to Keep Your Leftovers Fresh ?
• Freezing: This trail mix can also be frozen for up to 3 months. Simply transfer the cooled mix to a freezer-safe bag or container and store in the freezer. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
• Reheating: If the trail mix loses some of its crunch over time, you can easily revive it by spreading it in a single layer on a baking sheet and warming it in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 5-7 minutes, or until it regains its desired texture.
❓ FAQs
Can I use roasted nuts instead of raw nuts in this Thanksgiving Trail Mix recipe?
While you can certainly use roasted nuts, we recommend sticking with raw nuts for this recipe. The raw nuts will develop a delightful caramelized coating and deeper flavor when baked with the maple syrup and spices. Roasted nuts may become overly crunchy or burned when subjected to the additional baking time.
How do I make this Thanksgiving Trail Mix nut-free?
To make this recipe nut-free, simply replace the almonds and cashews with an equal amount of pumpkin seeds, sunflower seeds, or a combination of both. You can also try substituting roasted chickpeas or roasted edamame for a protein-packed, crunchy alternative.
Can I make this Thanksgiving Trail Mix ahead of time?
Absolutely! This trail mix is perfect for making in advance. Once the mix has cooled completely, store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 weeks. This makes it an ideal homemade gift or a hassle-free snack to have on hand during the busy holiday season.
How do I toast the nuts for extra crunch?
If you prefer an extra-crunchy texture, you can toast the nuts before adding them to the recipe. Simply spread the raw nuts on a baking sheet and bake them in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 8-10 minutes, stirring halfway, until lightly golden brown. Allow the nuts to cool completely before adding them to the trail mix.
Can I use dried fruit other than cranberries and apricots?
Absolutely! Feel free to get creative with the dried fruit in this Thanksgiving Trail Mix. Other delicious options include dried cherries, raisins, chopped dates, or even diced dried pineapple or mango. Just be sure to adjust the total amount of dried fruit to maintain the ideal balance of flavors and textures.
🍁 Enjoy Your Delicious Creation!
Now that you’ve mastered the art of making this irresistible Thanksgiving Trail Mix, it’s time to sit back, relax, and indulge in the flavors of the season. Whether you’re sharing it with friends and family or simply enjoying it as a personal treat, this homemade snack is sure to become a cherished tradition in your household.
So, grab a handful, savor the delightful crunch and sweetness, and let the flavors of fall transport you to a cozy, festive state of mind. Happy Thanksgiving!
Easy Thanksgiving Trail Mix Recipe
⏱️ Timing Overview
🥘 Ingredients
📝 Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the almonds, cashews, pumpkin seeds, dried cranberries, and dried apricots. Toss to mix everything evenly.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the maple syrup, cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, and salt until well combined. Pour the maple syrup mixture over the nut and fruit mixture and stir to coat everything evenly.
- Spread the coated mixture in an even layer on the prepared baking sheet. Bake for 18-20 minutes, stirring halfway, until the nuts are golden brown and the mixture is fragrant. Keep a close eye to prevent the nuts from burning.
- Remove the baking sheet from the oven and let the Thanksgiving Trail Mix cool completely on the sheet. Once cooled, transfer the mix to an airtight container and enjoy!
