Nutty Nosh Squirrel Snack

Featured in: Vegetarian Picks

This vibrant mix combines roasted almonds, cashews, pecans, pumpkin seeds, and sunflower seeds with a drizzle of maple syrup and olive oil, seasoned with cinnamon, sea salt, and a hint of cayenne. After a brief bake for golden crispiness, dried cranberries, golden raisins, and coconut flakes are gently folded in to add chewy sweetness and texture. Ideal for a quick snack or party bowl, it provides balanced flavors, wholesome ingredients, and easy preparation in under 20 minutes.

Updated on Tue, 02 Dec 2025 11:34:00 GMT
Golden, crunchy Nutty Nosh Squirrel Snack Mix in a bowl, ready to enjoy with a hint of spice. Pin
Golden, crunchy Nutty Nosh Squirrel Snack Mix in a bowl, ready to enjoy with a hint of spice. | garlicgroove.com

A crunchy, wholesome snack mix featuring roasted nuts, seeds, dried fruits, and a hint of spice perfect for an energy boost or sharing at gatherings.

This mix has become my go-to snack when I need something crunchy and satisfying yet healthy.

Ingredients

  • Nuts: 1 cup raw almonds, 1 cup raw cashews, 1/2 cup pecan halves
  • Seeds: 1/2 cup shelled pumpkin seeds (pepitas), 1/4 cup sunflower seeds
  • Dried Fruits: 1/2 cup dried cranberries, 1/2 cup golden raisins
  • Extras: 1/4 cup unsweetened coconut flakes
  • Flavoring: 2 tbsp pure maple syrup, 1 tbsp olive oil, 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon, 1/4 tsp sea salt, Pinch of cayenne pepper (optional)

Instructions

Step 1:
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Step 2:
In a large bowl, combine almonds, cashews, pecans, pumpkin seeds, and sunflower seeds.
Step 3:
Drizzle with maple syrup and olive oil. Sprinkle with cinnamon, sea salt, and cayenne pepper (if using). Toss to coat evenly.
Step 4:
Spread the mixture in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet.
Step 5:
Bake for 8-10 minutes, stirring halfway, until golden and fragrant. Watch closely to prevent burning.
Step 6:
Remove from oven and let cool slightly.
Step 7:
Stir in dried cranberries, golden raisins, and coconut flakes.
Step 8:
Allow to cool completely before serving or storing in an airtight container.
Up close, a hearty serving of Nutty Nosh Squirrel Snack Mix shows the perfectly toasted nuts and seeds. Pin
Up close, a hearty serving of Nutty Nosh Squirrel Snack Mix shows the perfectly toasted nuts and seeds. | garlicgroove.com

My family enjoys this snack on long hikes together, always asking for seconds.

Notes

Swap in walnuts, hazelnuts, or dried cherries as desired. For a vegan version, ensure the maple syrup is pure and not processed with animal products. Serve as a hiking snack, breakfast topper, or party bowl. Pair with light white wines for a sophisticated nibble.

Required Tools

Large mixing bowl, baking sheet, parchment paper, wooden spoon or spatula.

Nutritional Information

Calories: 280 per serving. Total Fat: 18 g. Carbohydrates: 24 g. Protein: 6 g.

A delicious mix of nuts and fruit form this satisfying Nutty Nosh Squirrel Snack Mix, ideal for snacking. Pin
A delicious mix of nuts and fruit form this satisfying Nutty Nosh Squirrel Snack Mix, ideal for snacking. | garlicgroove.com

This snack mix is incredibly versatile and easy to customize to your taste preferences.

Recipe Questions

Can I substitute any nuts in this mix?

Yes, almonds, cashews, and pecans can be swapped for walnuts, hazelnuts, or other preferred nuts while maintaining a delicious flavor.

How do the spices enhance the snack mix?

Cinnamon, sea salt, and a pinch of cayenne bring warmth, balance, and a subtle spicy kick to complement the natural sweetness of dried fruits.

Is it necessary to bake the mix?

Baking briefly crisps the nuts and seeds, intensifies their flavor, and allows the syrup and oil to evenly coat the ingredients for a delightful texture.

Can I prepare this mix ahead of time?

Absolutely, it stores well in an airtight container once cooled and makes a convenient snack for on-the-go or gatherings.

Are there vegan-friendly considerations for this mix?

Ensure the maple syrup used is pure and free from animal-derived processing to keep this mix fully plant-based.

Nutty Nosh Squirrel Snack

A crunchy blend of nuts, seeds, dried fruits, and spice, perfect for snacking or gatherings.

Prep duration
10 min
Cook duration
10 min
Complete duration
20 min


Complexity Easy

Heritage American

Output 6 Portions

Dietary requirements Vegetarian, No dairy, No gluten

Components

Nuts

01 1 cup raw almonds
02 1 cup raw cashews
03 1/2 cup pecan halves

Seeds

01 1/2 cup shelled pumpkin seeds (pepitas)
02 1/4 cup sunflower seeds

Dried Fruits

01 1/2 cup dried cranberries
02 1/2 cup golden raisins

Extras

01 1/4 cup unsweetened coconut flakes

Flavoring

01 2 tbsp pure maple syrup
02 1 tbsp olive oil
03 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
04 1/4 tsp sea salt
05 Pinch of cayenne pepper (optional)

Directions

Step 01

Preheat Oven and Prepare Pan: Preheat the oven to 350°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

Step 02

Combine Nuts and Seeds: In a large mixing bowl, combine almonds, cashews, pecans, pumpkin seeds, and sunflower seeds.

Step 03

Add Flavorings and Toss: Drizzle maple syrup and olive oil over the nut and seed mixture. Sprinkle with ground cinnamon, sea salt, and optional cayenne pepper. Toss thoroughly to coat all ingredients evenly.

Step 04

Arrange on Baking Sheet: Spread the mixture in a single, even layer on the prepared baking sheet.

Step 05

Roast the Mix: Bake for 8 to 10 minutes, stirring halfway through, until nuts and seeds are golden and aromatic. Monitor closely to avoid burning.

Step 06

Cool and Add Fruits: Remove from the oven and allow to cool slightly before stirring in dried cranberries, golden raisins, and unsweetened coconut flakes.

Step 07

Final Cooling: Let the mix cool completely before serving or storing in an airtight container.

Necessary tools

  • Large mixing bowl
  • Baking sheet
  • Parchment paper
  • Wooden spoon or spatula

Allergy details

Review each ingredient for potential allergens and speak with a healthcare provider if you're uncertain about anything.
  • Contains tree nuts (almonds, cashews, pecans) and coconut (classified as tree nut). Gluten-free but verify ingredient sources for sensitivity.

Nutrition breakdown (per portion)

These values are provided as estimates only and shouldn't replace professional medical guidance.
  • Energy: 280
  • Fat: 18 g
  • Carbohydrates: 24 g
  • Protein: 6 g