Sweet Salty Holiday Nut Bowl

Featured in: Sweet Simple Treats

This holiday nut bowl features a harmonious blend of roasted cashews, pecans, and almonds coated in a sweet and salty glaze made from butter, maple syrup, brown sugar, and a touch of spice. Baked to golden perfection, the nuts are then combined with crunchy pretzels and dried cranberries to create a balanced snack bursting with texture and flavor. Perfect for gifting or festive gatherings, this mix offers both sweet warmth and a savory crunch in every bite.

Updated on Fri, 12 Dec 2025 16:32:00 GMT
Golden Sweet and Salty Holiday Nut Bowl: a festive mix of roasted nuts and cranberries, ready to snack on. Pin Recipe
Golden Sweet and Salty Holiday Nut Bowl: a festive mix of roasted nuts and cranberries, ready to snack on. | fordishes.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 favorite in my family—I love how the sweet and salty flavors balance 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 15-18 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.
Delicious Sweet and Salty Holiday Nut Bowl: imagine cinnamon-spiced nuts, pretzels, piled high in a bowl. Pin Recipe
Delicious Sweet and Salty Holiday Nut Bowl: imagine cinnamon-spiced nuts, pretzels, piled high in a bowl. | fordishes.com

My family enjoys sharing this nut bowl during holiday gatherings it's always a crowd-pleaser.

Serving Suggestions

Pair this nut bowl with sparkling wine or spiced cider for a festive touch that complements the flavors perfectly.

Storage Tips

Keep the nut bowl in an airtight container at room temperature to maintain its crunch for up to one week.

Allergen Information

Contains tree nuts cashews pecans almonds dairy from butter and gluten unless gluten-free pretzels are used always check labels for hidden allergens.

Crunchy Sweet and Salty Holiday Nut Bowl with golden nuts and holiday spices, perfect for gifting. Pin Recipe
Crunchy Sweet and Salty Holiday Nut Bowl with golden nuts and holiday spices, perfect for gifting. | fordishes.com

This sweet and salty nut bowl is a simple yet delicious treat that brings holiday cheer to any occasion.

Recipe FAQs

Can I use different nuts in this bowl?

Yes, swapping pecans or cashews for walnuts, hazelnuts, or pistachios works well and adds variety.

Is it possible to make this gluten-free?

Absolutely, simply use gluten-free pretzels to keep the mix safe for gluten sensitivities.

How long do the flavors develop after baking?

Allowing the mixture to cool completely helps the glaze harden and enhances the sweet and salty balance.

Can I add seeds to this snack bowl?

Yes, adding pumpkin seeds or sunflower seeds boosts crunch and nutritional value.

What beverages pair well with this mix?

Sparking wine or spiced cider complements the sweet and savory elements beautifully.

Sweet Salty Holiday Nut Bowl

A festive mix of roasted nuts, crunchy pretzels, dried cranberries, and warm spices for holiday enjoyment.

Prep Duration
10 mins
Cooking Duration
20 mins
Complete Time
30 mins
Recipe by Fordishes Ava Reynolds


Skill Level Easy

Cuisine American

Makes 8 Number of Servings

Diet Details Vegetarian Option

Ingredient List

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 (use gluten-free if needed)
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)

Directions

Step 01

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

Step 02

Combine Nuts: Combine cashews, pecans, and almonds in a large bowl.

Step 03

Prepare Coating: Whisk melted butter, maple syrup or honey, brown sugar, sea salt, cinnamon, and cayenne pepper in a small bowl.

Step 04

Coat Nuts: Pour sweet and salty mixture over nuts and toss until evenly coated.

Step 05

Arrange Nuts: Spread coated nuts in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet.

Step 06

Bake Nuts: Bake for 15 to 18 minutes, stirring halfway through, until nuts are golden and fragrant.

Step 07

Add Pretzels and Cranberries: Remove from oven and immediately add pretzels and dried cranberries; toss gently to combine.

Step 08

Cool Mixture: Allow mixture to cool completely on the baking sheet until coating hardens.

Step 09

Serve or Store: Transfer cooled mix to a serving bowl or airtight container.

Needed Equipment

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

Allergy Info

Double-check ingredients for allergens and speak with a healthcare provider if you're unsure.
  • Contains tree nuts (cashews, pecans, almonds).
  • May contain gluten unless gluten-free pretzels are used.
  • Contains dairy (butter).

Nutrition Information (per serving)

For informational use only—doesn't replace personalized medical direction.
  • Calories: 260
  • Fats: 17 g
  • Carbohydrates: 23 g
  • Proteins: 5 g