Sweet Salty Holiday Nut Bowl

Featured in: Evening Glow Plates

This festive nut bowl combines roasted cashews, pecans, and almonds with crunchy mini pretzels, dried cranberries, and a touch of sweet spice. The nuts are coated in a blend of melted butter, maple syrup, brown sugar, sea salt, cinnamon, and optional cayenne pepper, then baked until golden and fragrant. Mixed with pretzels and cranberries after baking, this bowl offers a perfect balance of sweet and salty flavors. Ideal for holiday gatherings or gifts, it’s easy to prepare and stores well in an airtight container.

Updated on Fri, 12 Dec 2025 11:29:00 GMT
Golden, crunchy sweet and salty holiday nut bowl, a perfect party snack with cranberries. Save
Golden, crunchy sweet and salty holiday nut bowl, a perfect party snack with cranberries. | cheerfulchefs.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 a holiday staple in my family, bringing warmth and joy every time we share it.

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℉ (175℃). 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.
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This recipe always brings family together around the kitchen during the holidays.

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

Close-up of a festive sweet and salty holiday nut bowl bursting with color and delicious textures. Save
Close-up of a festive sweet and salty holiday nut bowl bursting with color and delicious textures. | cheerfulchefs.com

Enjoy your festive nut bowl as a snack or a thoughtful homemade gift this holiday season.

Recipe FAQs

Can I use different nuts in this mix?

Yes, you can substitute pecans or cashews with walnuts, hazelnuts, or pistachios to suit your taste.

Is there a way to make this mix gluten-free?

Use gluten-free pretzels to ensure the mix suits gluten-free dietary needs.

How long does the nut bowl stay fresh?

Stored in an airtight container, it stays fresh for up to one week.

What gives the mix its sweet and salty flavor?

The blend of maple syrup or honey, brown sugar, sea salt, and cinnamon creates the sweet and salty taste.

Can I add a spicy kick to the bowl?

Yes, adding cayenne pepper offers a subtle heat that complements the sweet and salty notes.

Sweet Salty Holiday Nut Bowl

A delightful mix of roasted nuts, pretzels, cranberries, and spices for festive snacking or gifting.

Prep Time
10 minutes
Cook Time
20 minutes
Overall Time
30 minutes
Creator Ruby Smiles

Recipe Type Evening Glow Plates

Skill Level Easy

Cuisine Background American

Portions 8 Serves

Dietary Preferences Vegetarian-Friendly

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 optional)
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)

Step-by-Step Guide

Step 01

Preheat oven and prepare pan: Set oven temperature to 350°F and line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.

Step 02

Combine nuts: Place cashews, pecans, and almonds into a large mixing bowl.

Step 03

Mix coating: Whisk melted butter, maple syrup or honey, brown sugar, sea salt, cinnamon, and cayenne pepper (if using) in a small bowl until fully blended.

Step 04

Coat nuts: Pour the prepared sweet and salty mixture over the nuts and toss thoroughly to ensure even coverage.

Step 05

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

Step 06

Add pretzels and cranberries: Remove nuts from oven and immediately toss in pretzels and dried cranberries until combined.

Step 07

Cool down: Allow the mixture to cool completely on the baking sheet, letting the coating harden.

Step 08

Store or serve: Transfer the cooled mix to a serving bowl or an airtight container for storage.

Tools You’ll Need

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

Potential Allergens

Inspect ingredients for specific allergens and contact a professional for concerns.
  • Contains tree nuts (cashews, pecans, almonds)
  • Contains gluten unless gluten-free pretzels are used
  • Contains dairy from butter
  • Check labels for hidden allergens

Nutritional Details (Per Serving)

Provided as supportive info; always cross-check with your healthcare provider.
  • Calories: 260
  • Fats: 17 grams
  • Carbohydrates: 23 grams
  • Proteins: 5 grams