Description
This Halloween Trail Mix is a spooky and festive snack perfect for the fall season. Combining roasted pumpkin seeds, pepitas, almonds, cashews, dried cranberries, and a mix of dark and white chocolate chips, this crunchy and sweet mix is enhanced with warm pumpkin pie spice and cinnamon. Optional Halloween-themed candies like candy corn and gummy worms add a fun touch. Easy to prepare and perfect for parties or a seasonal snack, this trail mix offers a delicious balance of flavors and textures.
Ingredients
Scale
Seeds and Nuts
- 1 cup pumpkin seeds, hulled
- 1 cup pepitas (pumpkin seeds, shelled)
- 1 cup cashews, roasted and unsalted
- 1 cup almonds, slivered
Dried Fruits and Sweets
- 1/2 cup dried cranberries
- 1/2 cup dark chocolate chips
- 1/2 cup white chocolate chips
Others
- 1/4 cup mini pretzels
- 1/4 cup popcorn kernels (air-popped)
Seasonings and Oils
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice (divided)
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- Pinch of salt
Optional Ingredients
- Orange food coloring gel (for a vibrant orange hue)
- Candy corn, gummy worms, or other Halloween-themed candies for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat the oven to 300°F (150°C) to prepare for roasting the seeds and nuts.
- Prepare Seeds: Spread the pumpkin seeds and pepitas in a single layer on a baking sheet for even roasting.
- Season Seeds: Drizzle with 1 tablespoon of olive oil and toss to coat evenly. Sprinkle with 1/2 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice, 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon, a pinch of salt, and if desired, a few drops of orange food coloring gel for a festive color.
- Roast Seeds: Roast the seeds for 15-20 minutes, or until they turn golden brown and become fragrant, stirring once halfway through for even cooking.
- Cool Seeds: Transfer the roasted seeds to a wire rack and let them cool completely to retain crunchiness.
- Prepare Almonds: In a separate bowl, toss the slivered almonds with the remaining 1 tablespoon olive oil, 1/2 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice, and 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg for warm spice flavor.
- Roast Almonds: Spread the seasoned almonds on another baking sheet and roast in the oven alongside the seeds for the last 10-12 minutes, until fragrant and lightly toasted.
- Cool Almonds: Let the roasted almonds cool completely on a wire rack.
- Combine Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled pumpkin seeds, pepitas, roasted almonds, cashews, dried cranberries, dark and white chocolate chips, mini pretzels, and air-popped popcorn kernels.
- Toss Trail Mix: Gently toss all the ingredients together until evenly mixed, taking care not to break the popcorn.
- Add Garnish: If using, add Halloween-themed candies like candy corn or gummy worms and toss gently to incorporate for a festive touch.
- Store Properly: Transfer the trail mix to an airtight container and store at room temperature to maintain freshness and crunch.
Notes
- Roast seeds and nuts at a moderate temperature to avoid burning and preserve their natural flavors.
- Ensure the seeds and almonds are completely cooled before mixing to prevent melting the chocolate chips.
- Popcorn should be air-popped to keep the mix light and crunchy without added oils.
- For a vibrant Halloween look, use food coloring sparingly to avoid any off-flavors.
- Customize your trail mix by adding your favorite Halloween candies or dried fruits.
- Store the trail mix in an airtight container to maintain crunch and prevent moisture absorption.
- This trail mix is great for parties, school snacks, or an on-the-go treat during the Halloween season.
