Description

This Pumpkin Spice Trail Mix combines a hearty blend of nuts, oats, and seeds with warm autumn spices and a touch of pumpkin puree for a uniquely flavorful and wholesome snack. Perfect for cozy fall days, this recipe balances sweet dried fruits with a subtle smoky spice blend, making it ideal for on-the-go snacking or a nutritious topping for yogurt and salads.

Ingredients

Scale

Dry Ingredients

1 cup raw whole almonds
1 cup old fashioned rolled oats
1 cup raw pecan halves
1 cup raw pepitas (shelled pumpkin seeds)
1 cup raw walnut halves
¼ cup coconut sugar or brown sugar
2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
2 teaspoons paprika
1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
½ teaspoon sea salt
⅔ cup dried cranberries
⅔ cup raisins

Wet Ingredients

¼ cup canned pumpkin or homemade pumpkin puree
2 Tablespoons all natural apple juice or apple cider

Instructions

Preheat Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 250°F. This low temperature will allow the nuts and oats to toast gently without burning, bringing out their natural flavors.
Combine Dry Nuts and Oats: In a large bowl, add the almonds, rolled oats, pecans, pepitas, and walnut halves. This mixture forms the hearty base of your trail mix.
Mix Pumpkin and Apple Juice: In a separate small bowl, combine the pumpkin puree with the apple juice or cider until smooth. This mixture will add moisture and a sweet, spiced glaze to the nuts.
Coat Nuts and Oats: Pour the pumpkin and apple juice mixture over the nut and oat blend. Toss thoroughly to ensure every piece is evenly coated, which will help the spices stick better during baking.
Add Spices and Sugar: Sprinkle the coconut sugar, cinnamon, paprika, pumpkin pie spice, and sea salt over the coated mixture. Toss again to distribute the spices evenly, infusing the trail mix with warm, autumnal flavors.
Spread on Baking Sheet: Arrange the mixture evenly on a parchment-lined baking sheet for easy cleanup and uniform toasting.
Bake and Stir: Bake in the preheated oven for 30 to 35 minutes, stirring halfway through to ensure even toasting and prevent burning. The mixture should become fragrant and slightly crispy.
Cool Down: Remove from the oven and allow the trail mix to cool completely on the baking sheet. This step lets it crisp up further.
Add Dried Fruits: Once cooled, stir in the dried cranberries and raisins. These add a sweet and chewy contrast to the crunchy nuts and seeds.
Store Properly: Transfer the trail mix to an airtight container. It can be kept at room temperature for up to 1 week, refrigerated for up to a month, or frozen for up to 3 months to maintain freshness.

Notes

For a vegan option, ensure that the apple juice or cider and pumpkin puree do not contain any animal products.
Feel free to swap nuts according to preference or availability, such as using cashews or hazelnuts.
If you prefer a spicier mix, increase the paprika or add a pinch of cayenne pepper.
Using parchment paper on the baking sheet prevents sticking and makes cleanup easier.
Letting the trail mix cool completely before adding dried fruit prevents the fruit from becoming too dry or hard.
This mix can be enjoyed as a snack, a salad topping, or mixed into yogurt.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Category: Snack
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

Keywords: pumpkin spice trail mix, healthy snack, fall recipe, spiced nuts, homemade trail mix, pumpkin recipe, autumn snack