Autumn Trail Mix is truly the ultimate snack for crisp, sweater-weather days. It’s a medley of crunchy, chewy, salty, and sweet that captures all the best flavors and colors of fall in one irresistible handful. Between the toasted nuts, tart cranberries, cozy spiced apple chips, and nostalgic bursts of candy corn, every bite is a little celebration. Whether you’re hiking through golden leaves, fueling up for a busy day, or cozying up at home with friends, this snack mix hits that familiar spot between comfort and excitement. Trust me: once you make a batch, you’ll have found your new essential fall snack!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Making Autumn Trail Mix couldn’t be easier, and each ingredient pulls its flavorful weight, from the rich crunch of nuts to the bright hits of dried fruit and a touch of chocolate. Let’s break down what you’ll need and why each piece matters.

Roasted Unsalted Almonds (2 cups): These form the sturdy, satisfying base and add subtle nutty flavor and crunch without overpowering the mix.
Pecan Halves (1 cup): Pecans offer buttery richness and a soft snap that’s incredibly comforting during the autumn months.
Dried Cranberries (1 cup): Their tartness perfectly balances the sweetness of other ingredients, and their ruby color looks gorgeous in every scoop.
Dried Apple Chips, broken into pieces (1 cup): These bring a natural sweetness plus a delightful, chewy-crisp texture and unmistakable fall orchard vibe.
Pumpkin Seeds (Pepitas) (1 cup): A touch of green with a gentle crunch and earthy flavor, they make this snack feel extra seasonal.
Candy Corn (1 cup): Nothing says autumn nostalgia like candy corn—pops of color and classic sweetness in each handful.
Dark Chocolate Chips (1/2 cup): A little chocolate is always welcome! These chips melt on your tongue for a bit of indulgence.
Pretzel Twists, broken into bite-sized pieces (1/2 cup): They supply saltiness and crunch, giving the trail mix a perfectly balanced flavor profile.

How to Make Autumn Trail Mix

Step 1: Gather and Prep Your Ingredients

Start by assembling all your ingredients on the counter. Give the pretzel twists and apple chips a quick break into bite-size pieces—the kind you wouldn’t mind eating in one delightful bite. This little bit of prep ensures every scoop of the Autumn Trail Mix gives you a mix of sweet, salty, and crunchy in perfect harmony.

Step 2: Combine Everything in a Big Bowl

Grab a large mixing bowl (trust me, you want room!), and pour in the almonds, pecan halves, dried cranberries, apple chip pieces, pumpkin seeds, candy corn, chocolate chips, and pretzel pieces. Use a clean hand or a sturdy spoon to gently toss everything until each ingredient is happily mingling with the others. You’ll instantly notice the festive colors and textures that shout “fall” in every way.

Step 3: Store for Freshness

Once everything is well combined, pour your trail mix into an airtight container or resealable bag. Keep it at room temperature, away from direct sunlight or heat sources, and it’ll stay crunchy and tasty for up to two weeks. The only challenge? It’ll probably disappear much faster!

How to Serve Autumn Trail Mix

Garnishes

Want to take your Autumn Trail Mix up a notch? Sprinkle in extra dark chocolate chips or a handful of coconut flakes just before serving for extra pizzazz. If you’re aiming for seasonal flair, a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg adds a beautiful aromatic finish that makes each bite feel cozy and special.

Side Dishes

While this snack is plenty satisfying solo, it shines alongside apple slices, a mug of hot apple cider, or even a bowl of creamy Greek yogurt. These pairings bring out the fall flavors in the mix and turn it from a simple snack into a playful, mini meal, perfect for after-school treats or a casual gathering with friends.

Creative Ways to Present

Get festive! Scoop your Autumn Trail Mix into small mason jars or little paper bags for easy-to-share party favors. If you’re hosting a fall get-together, try piling it into a rustic wooden bowl in the center of your table, or layer it in clear glasses for a colorful, help-yourself snack bar. Kids especially love assembling their own snack cups from a big spread!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep your Autumn Trail Mix tasting its freshest by transferring any leftovers into an airtight container as soon as possible after mixing. Store at room temperature—out of direct sunlight or steamy spots in your kitchen—and it’ll keep its crunch and flavor for up to two weeks. If you notice any moisture sneaking in, toss in a dry paper towel to absorb it and help maintain that perfect texture.

Freezing

If you want your Autumn Trail Mix to last for months or just need to prep big batches in advance, freeze it! Place the mix in freezer-safe zip-top bags or containers, and keep it in the freezer for up to three months. When you’re ready to enjoy, let it come up to room temperature for about 30 minutes. The chocolate and nuts stay remarkably tasty and crisp.

Reheating

There’s really no need to reheat this snack, but if you’d like to give the nuts a little extra crunch, spread your Autumn Trail Mix on a sheet pan and warm in a low oven (about 250°F) for five to ten minutes. Just make sure to watch closely so the chocolate and pretzels don’t melt or burn! Let cool completely before diving in.

FAQs

Can I make Autumn Trail Mix gluten-free?

Absolutely! Just substitute your favorite gluten-free pretzels for the regular ones. Every other ingredient in the recipe is naturally gluten-free, so the swap will keep your snack mix safe for everyone to enjoy.

Is there a way to reduce the sugar in this recipe?

Yes—if you’d like a less sweet Autumn Trail Mix, simply reduce or omit the candy corn and use unsweetened dried cranberries or apple chips. You can also swap candy corn for yogurt-covered raisins or more seeds and nuts for a wholesome twist.

Can I add other nuts or fruits to this mix?

Definitely! Feel free to toss in walnuts, cashews, or pistachios for variety. Dried cherries, blueberries, figs, or apricots all work beautifully as alternatives or additions, bringing new flavors and colors to your mix.

Does Autumn Trail Mix work as a gift?

Yes, it’s one of the easiest, most appreciated homemade gifts! Scoop the mix into decorative jars or bags, tie with a ribbon, and you have charming, delicious fall gifts for teachers, friends, or neighbors.

How can I keep my trail mix from getting soggy?

The key is keeping your Autumn Trail Mix sealed tightly in a dry, airtight container. Avoid adding fresh fruit or anything moist, and if your kitchen gets humid, consider tossing in a food-safe silica gel pack or a dry paper towel to help ward off moisture.

Final Thoughts

If you’re searching for a snack that brings autumn’s warmth and color right into your hands, give this Autumn Trail Mix a try. It’s endlessly customizable, simple to whip up, and so much fun to share. Once you taste that perfect balance of flavors, I know you’ll be reaching for this mix all season long!

Autumn Trail Mix Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.8 from 18 reviews

Author: Emma
Total Time: 10 minutes
Yield: 12 servings 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

A delicious and easy-to-make autumn trail mix perfect for snacking on the go or sharing with friends. This mix combines the flavors of roasted almonds, pecans, dried cranberries, apple chips, pumpkin seeds, candy corn, dark chocolate chips, and pretzel twists for a delightful treat.

Ingredients

Scale

Nuts and Seeds:

2 cups roasted unsalted almonds
1 cup pecan halves
1 cup pumpkin seeds (pepitas)

Fruits:

1 cup dried cranberries
1 cup dried apple chips, broken into pieces

Sweet and Salty:

1 cup candy corn
1/2 cup dark chocolate chips
1/2 cup pretzel twists, broken into bite-sized pieces

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Instructions

Mix Ingredients: Combine all ingredients in a large mixing bowl.
Toss: Gently toss until well mixed.
Store: Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two weeks.