🎉 Introduction
Fall is the season of cozy flavors, crunchy snacks, and all things pumpkin spice. This Pumpkin Spice Fall Trail Mix Recipe captures the best of autumn in a simple, make-ahead treat. It combines chewy dried cranberries, crunchy almonds, nutrient-rich pumpkin seeds, warm cinnamon, sweet maple syrup, and dark chocolate chips for the perfect balance of sweet, savory, and spiced.
Trail mix is one of the easiest snacks to put together, and this fall-inspired version makes it festive enough for holiday gatherings, back-to-school snacks, or cozy evenings at home. It’s portable, wholesome, and packed with energy-boosting ingredients — making it ideal for hiking, lunchboxes, or afternoon pick-me-ups.
🧰 Equipment Needed
- Mixing bowl
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Baking sheet (optional, if roasting nuts/seeds)
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Airtight storage container or snack bags
🛒 Ingredients
Nuts & Seeds
- 1 cup almonds (raw or roasted)
- 1 cup pumpkin seeds
Sweet & Chewy Add-Ins
- 1 cup dried cranberries
- ½ cup dark chocolate chips
Flavor Boosters
- 2 tablespoons maple syrup
- 2 teaspoons freshly ground cinnamon
👩🍳 Directions
Step 1: Prep the Nuts and Seeds
- If using raw almonds and pumpkin seeds, lightly roast them in the oven at 325°F (165°C) for 10–12 minutes until golden and fragrant.
- Let cool completely.
Step 2: Mix the Flavor Base
- In a large mixing bowl, toss roasted almonds and pumpkin seeds with maple syrup and cinnamon until evenly coated.
- Spread on a baking sheet and bake for another 5 minutes to set the flavor.
- Let cool.
Step 3: Combine the Trail Mix
- Once nuts and seeds are cooled, combine them with dried cranberries and dark chocolate chips in a large bowl.
- Mix well to evenly distribute flavors.
Step 4: Serve & Store
- Enjoy immediately or portion into airtight containers or snack bags.
🍽️ Servings & Timing
- Servings: About 4 cups (8–10 snack servings)
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time (optional roasting): 10–15 minutes
- Total Time: 20–25 minutes
🧊 Storage & Reheating
- Room Temperature: Store in airtight jars or bags for up to 2 weeks.
- Refrigerator: Keeps well for 3 weeks.
- Freezer: Freeze in sealed bags for up to 2 months.
- Reheating: Not needed — just enjoy straight from storage.
🥄 Variations
- Nut-Free Version: Replace almonds with sunflower seeds.
- Extra Sweet: Add white chocolate chips or candy-coated chocolates.
- Fruit Boost: Add raisins, dried apricots, or golden berries.
- Spicy-Sweet: Sprinkle in a pinch of cayenne pepper with cinnamon.
- Granola-Style: Mix with rolled oats and bake into crunchy clusters.
❓ 10 FAQs
1. Can I use roasted almonds instead of raw?
Yes, roasted almonds work perfectly and save time.
2. Do I need to roast the pumpkin seeds?
No, but roasting enhances the flavor and crunch.
3. Can I swap maple syrup with honey?
Yes, but the flavor will be slightly different.
4. Is cinnamon necessary?
Yes, it’s what gives this trail mix the warm fall flavor.
5. Can I make this recipe vegan?
Yes, just ensure the chocolate chips are dairy-free.
6. Can I double the recipe?
Absolutely — it’s perfect for parties or gifting.
7. Can I make it ahead of time?
Yes, it stays fresh for up to 2 weeks at room temperature.
8. What’s the best way to package this for gifting?
Use mason jars or festive treat bags tied with ribbon.
9. Can I use milk chocolate instead of dark?
Yes, though dark chocolate balances the sweetness better.
10. Is this healthy?
Yes — it’s packed with fiber, antioxidants, healthy fats, and natural sweetness.
🏁 Conclusion
This Pumpkin Spice Fall Trail Mix is the ultimate seasonal snack — crunchy, chewy, sweet, and warmly spiced. With simple ingredients like almonds, pumpkin seeds, cranberries, and chocolate, it’s easy to make and impossible to resist.
Whether you enjoy it as an on-the-go snack, a festive party treat, or a thoughtful homemade gift, this mix is guaranteed to become a fall favorite in your home.
Pumpkin Spice Fall Trail Mix Recipe
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- If using raw almonds and pumpkin seeds, lightly roast them in the oven at 325°F (165°C) for 10–12 minutes until golden and fragrant.
- Let cool completely.
- In a large mixing bowl, toss roasted almonds and pumpkin seeds with maple syrup and cinnamon until evenly coated.
- Spread on a baking sheet and bake for another 5 minutes to set the flavor.
- Let cool.
- Once nuts and seeds are cooled, combine them with dried cranberries and dark chocolate chips in a large bowl.
- Mix well to evenly distribute flavors.
- Enjoy immediately or portion into airtight containers or snack bags.
Notes
Yes, roasted almonds work perfectly and save time. 2. Do I need to roast the pumpkin seeds?
No, but roasting enhances the flavor and crunch. 3. Can I swap maple syrup with honey?
Yes, but the flavor will be slightly different. 4. Is cinnamon necessary?
Yes, it’s what gives this trail mix the warm fall flavor. 5. Can I make this recipe vegan?
Yes, just ensure the chocolate chips are dairy-free. 6. Can I double the recipe?
Absolutely — it’s perfect for parties or gifting. 7. Can I make it ahead of time?
Yes, it stays fresh for up to 2 weeks at room temperature. 8. What’s the best way to package this for gifting?
Use mason jars or festive treat bags tied with ribbon. 9. Can I use milk chocolate instead of dark?
Yes, though dark chocolate balances the sweetness better. 10. Is this healthy?
Yes — it’s packed with fiber, antioxidants, healthy fats, and natural sweetness. 🏁 Conclusion This Pumpkin Spice Fall Trail Mix is the ultimate seasonal snack — crunchy, chewy, sweet, and warmly spiced. With simple ingredients like almonds, pumpkin seeds, cranberries, and chocolate, it’s easy to make and impossible to resist. Whether you enjoy it as an on-the-go snack, a festive party treat, or a thoughtful homemade gift, this mix is guaranteed to become a fall favorite in your home.
