Introduction
There’s a tiny, crackling promise in every handful of Crispy Nut Mix: the warm, roasted aroma that greets you as the jar opens, the satisfying snap of toasted almonds and peanuts, the honeyed chew of black raisins, and the mellow, buttery finish of walnuts and sunflower seeds. Each bite is a layered experience — crunchy, slightly salty, and subtly sweet — that lingers in the mouth and begs for another handful. This is the kind of snack that feels like a hug for the day: comforting in the quiet morning, reliably energizing during an afternoon slump, and utterly welcome on a holiday grazing table or at a movie night with friends.
Crispy Nut Mix is perfect for so many moments — tuck it into lunchboxes for quick protein-rich fuel, offer it in bowls at casual gatherings, or keep a jar on your desk for focused work sessions. It’s also an easy, crowd-pleasing option for festive seasons when you want something homemade with personality. Simple to make and endlessly adaptable, it’s one of those small culinary projects that rewards you instantly.
At a Glance
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 12–15 minutes (roasting time)
- Total Time: 25 minutes (including cooling)
- Servings: About 8 servings (approx. 75 g / 2.6 oz per serving)
- Difficulty Level: Easy — beginner-friendly
Nutrition Highlights
Per serving (approx. 75 g / 2.6 oz). Nutrition estimates were calculated using USDA FoodData Central values for roasted nuts, seeds, and raisins; values are approximate and can vary by brand and roasting/salting level.
- Calories: ~404 kcal
- Protein: ~13.0 g
- Carbohydrates: ~22.8 g
- Sugars: ~11.3 g
- Fiber: ~6.1 g
- Fat: ~32.8 g
- Saturated fat: ~3.5–4 g (approximate)
- Sodium: variable depending on “salted” products; estimate 150–300 mg per serving (check package labels)
Notes on the numbers: Nuts are calorie-dense and rich in healthy unsaturated fats, plant protein, fiber, vitamins, and minerals. Raisins contribute natural sugars and carbs but also add potassium and antioxidants. For precise tracking—especially if you’re managing sodium or calories—use the specific product nutrition labels or a food-tracking tool keyed to the brands you use.
Why You’ll Love It
- Flavor & Texture: This mix balances toasty, savory, and sweet in every bite. Roasted, salted nuts bring savory crunch; walnuts add a softer buttery bite; raisins introduce chewy, caramel-like sweetness.
- Social & Practical: It’s a giftable, shareable snack—great for get-togethers or hostess gifts in a mason jar. It’s also travel-friendly and stable, making it ideal for hiking packs or office snacks.
- Speed & Ease: Minimal hands-on time, no special equipment needed beyond an oven or toaster oven.
- Healthful Benefits: Provides plant protein, heart-healthy fats, fiber, and micronutrients (vitamin E, magnesium, copper). Portion control turns this into a satiating, nutrient-rich snack rather than an empty-calorie one.
Method & Process
Ingredients
- 1 cup (143 g) roasted salted almonds
- 1 cup (146 g) roasted salted peanuts
- 1 cup (117 g) roasted salted walnut halves
- 1/2 cup (70 g) roasted salted hulled sunflower seeds
- 3/4 cup (124 g) black raisins
Optional ingredients and substitutions
- 2 tsp maple syrup or honey (optional, for a sticky-sweet glaze)
- 1 tsp smoked paprika or 1/2 tsp chili powder (for a smoky/spicy twist)
- 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon (for warm sweetness)
- Use unsalted nuts and add 1/2–1 tsp flaky sea salt if you prefer lower sodium control
- Substitute dried cranberries for raisins (for a punchier tartness)
- Use raw nuts and roast them yourself for fresher flavor; adjust roasting time accordingly
Step-by-step Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a large rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone mat.
- Spread the almonds, peanuts, walnut halves, and sunflower seeds in a single layer across the baking sheet. If using maple syrup/honey and a spice, toss nuts lightly with the syrup and spices before roasting for a glazed finish (optional).
- Roast in the preheated oven for 10–12 minutes, stirring once halfway through, until the nuts are fragrant and lightly browned — watch closely to avoid burning (walnuts brown fastest).
- Remove the baking sheet from the oven and immediately transfer the nuts to a large bowl to cool slightly. If you roasted with syrup, allow them to cool fully so the glaze sets.
- Once the roasted mix is warm or completely cooled (depending on whether you prefer raisins softer from residual heat), stir in the black raisins and roasted sunflower seeds if you didn’t roast them together.
- Taste and adjust: add a pinch of flaky sea salt if needed, or a sprinkle of cinnamon for warmth.
- Combine all the ingredients in a large bowl. Mix well and enjoy as a snack!
Practical tips:
- Don’t overcrowd the pan when roasting—use two sheets if necessary to ensure even browning.
- Nuts continue to cook slightly off the heat; remove them when they’re just fragrant.
- If using honey/maple glaze, press nuts into a single layer to cool so they don’t clump too much.
Best Pairings
- Plain: A simple handful alongside your morning coffee or afternoon tea.
- Dairy/Non-Dairy Pairing: Spoon over Greek yogurt or plant-based yogurt for crunch and protein.
- Breakfast Boost: Mix into warm oatmeal or sprinkle on smoothie bowls.
- Cheese Board: Pair with aged cheddar, manchego, or a creamy blue cheese; add fresh apple or pear slices.
- Cocktails & Drinks: Great with a smoky bourbon or an herbal tea; raisins add a sweet contrast to bitter drinks.
- Baking: Fold into cookie or granola bar batter for texture variation.
Shelf Life & Storage
- Room temperature: Store in an airtight container in a cool, dry place for up to 2 weeks. Keep away from direct sunlight or heat, which can accelerate rancidity.
- Refrigeration: For longer freshness (especially in warm climates), store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 month.
- Freezer: For extended storage, freeze in a sealed container or freezer bag for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
- Note: If you add a honey/maple glaze, refrigerate to preserve the texture and prevent stickiness; bring to room temperature before serving if desired.
Insider Secrets
- Best nut choices: For maximum crunch and best texture contrast, buy roasted nuts rather than using pre-salted versions with heavy oil coatings. If you do use salted roasted nuts, taste first to avoid over-salting.
- Spice layering: Toasting whole spices lightly in a dry pan and crushing them into the mix gives a fresh aromatic boost (try coriander seed or cumin for savory blends).
- Doneness cues: Nuts are done when they smell toasty and have a light golden edge — walnuts will darken fastest. If in doubt, remove early and check again in a minute.
- Texture control: If you want chewier raisins, mix them in while the nuts are still a bit warm; for drier, less sticky raisins, add when everything has cooled.
- Keep rancidity at bay: Store away from light and heat; consider buying smaller quantities of nuts and storing bulk in the freezer.
Fun Flavor Ideas
- Sweet-Spicy Maple: Toss roasted nuts with 2 tsp maple syrup, 1/2 tsp smoked paprika, and a pinch of cayenne. Bake 3–4 minutes more to set glaze, then cool and add raisins.
- Citrus-Zest & Herb: Grate 1 tsp orange zest into the cooled mix and sprinkle with 1/2 tsp dried rosemary (crushed). Omit raisins for a savory, zesty snack.
- Chocolate Crunch: After cooling, stir in 1/4 cup dark chocolate chips and replace raisins with dried cherries for a dessert-y trail mix.
- Vegan “Candied” (lower added sugar): Use a small amount of agave or maple syrup and roast briefly, or use a splash of orange juice and a dusting of cinnamon for natural sweetness.
- Nut-Free Swap: For nut-free, increase sunflower seeds to 2 cups and add pumpkin seeds plus roasted chickpeas for crunch.
Common Questions & Answers
Q: Can I make this mix completely unsalted?
A: Yes — use unsalted roasted nuts and seeds; taste at the end and optionally add a light sprinkle of flaky sea salt if you want a savory lift.
Q: How can I reduce calories but keep it filling?
A: Reduce portion size and bulk the snack with lower-calorie additions like popped sorghum, air-popped popcorn, or extra dried fruit in moderation. Nuts are calorie-dense but offer satiety, so 1–2 tablespoons with fruit can satisfy cravings.
Q: My nuts taste bitter after roasting — what went wrong?
A: That’s usually a sign of over-roasting. Nuts can go from toasted to bitter quickly. Roast in short intervals and remove once fragrant; they’ll finish cooking a bit off-heat.
Q: Can I use raw nuts and roast everything together?
A: Absolutely — if using raw nuts, roast as directed but watch closely; raw nuts may need a few extra minutes. Stir frequently to ensure even coloring.
Q: Is this recipe suitable for kids?
A: Yes, but be mindful of nut allergies and choking risks for very young children. For young kids, consider chopping larger nuts small or using seed-based mixes.
Conclusion
Ready to make your own Crispy Nut Mix and experiment with smoky, sweet, or spicy flavors? If you’re looking for additional inspiration or variations with roasted chickpeas or bolder spice blends, check out this playful take on smoky mixed nuts and crispy chickpeas from The Pioneer Woman: Smoky Mixed Nuts with Crispy Chickpeas. For another creative, spicy crunchy mix idea and serving inspiration, take a look at this heritage-style recipe: My Favorite Snack – Crunchy, Spicy Mixed Nuts! • The Heritage Cook.
I hope this inspires you to make a batch today — please share your favorite twists, photos, or questions in the comments so we can all learn new ways to enjoy this simple, irresistible snack.
Print
Crispy Nut Mix
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegan
Description
A crunchy, slightly salty, and subtly sweet nut mix that’s perfect for snacking at any time of the day.
Ingredients
- 1 cup (143 g) roasted salted almonds
- 1 cup (146 g) roasted salted peanuts
- 1 cup (117 g) roasted salted walnut halves
- 1/2 cup (70 g) roasted salted hulled sunflower seeds
- 3/4 cup (124 g) black raisins
- 2 tsp maple syrup or honey (optional)
- 1 tsp smoked paprika or 1/2 tsp chili powder (optional)
- 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Spread the almonds, peanuts, walnut halves, and sunflower seeds in a single layer on the baking sheet. If using maple syrup or honey, toss with nuts and spices before roasting.
- Roast in the oven for 10–12 minutes, stirring once halfway through.
- Remove from the oven and transfer nuts to a bowl to cool slightly.
- Stir in the black raisins and roasted sunflower seeds.
- Add a pinch of flaky sea salt if needed.
- Mix well and serve as a snack.
Notes
Store in an airtight container for up to 2 weeks at room temperature or 1 month in the refrigerator.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Snack
- Method: Roasting
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 75 g
- Calories: 404
- Sugar: 11.3g
- Sodium: 225mg
- Fat: 32.8g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 28g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 22.8g
- Fiber: 6.1g
- Protein: 13.0g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
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