This fall trail mix combines pecans, almonds, pepitas, dried cranberries, mini chocolate chips, and pumpkin pie spice into a sweet and savory snack. It takes just five minutes to mix together, with no baking required.

I love fall! Sweater weather, Saturday soccer games, colorful leaves, and all those pumpkin-and-cinnamon flavors make it one of my favorite seasons. Fall hiking here in Utah is especially beautiful, and I always like to bring a snack. This mix brings a little of that autumn feeling along, whether you are heading into the canyon or just tackling a busy afternoon.

Fall trail mix with nuts, pumpkin seeds, dried cranberries, and mini chocolate chips

Fall trail mix at a glance

Ready in five minutes; no oven or food processor needed.
Nuts and pepitas bring crunch; cranberries and chocolate add sweetness.
Pumpkin pie spice gives the mix its fall flavor.
Easy to pack for work, hikes, or an afternoon snack.
This chunky mix is not suitable for babies or toddlers. See the child-safety note below.

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What goes into fall trail mix?

Pecans and almonds: The crunchy base. Choose unsalted nuts if you want to control the added salt.
Pepitas: Shelled pumpkin seeds add another layer of crunch.
Dried cranberries: A chewy, sweet-tart contrast to the nuts.
Mini dark chocolate chips: A little chocolate in more bites. Yes, there is room for chocolate in a snack.
Pumpkin pie spice: The ingredient that makes this feel like fall.
Salt: Add it only if your nuts are unsalted, as directed in the recipe.

How to make it

Add the ingredients to a bowl and stir until the spice is distributed throughout the mix. That is it! The spice coats the ingredients lightly; some may settle to the bottom, so give it another stir before portioning.

Easy swaps and serving ideas

Keep the original combination or use what you have. These are simple mix-in options, rather than a separate tested recipe:

Swap some pecans or almonds for walnuts or cashews.
Use raisins or chopped dried apples in place of some cranberries.
Use cinnamon instead of pumpkin pie spice for a simpler flavor.
Try a spoonful over plain yogurt, or pack a portion alongside fresh fruit.
If nuts are not an option, consider a mix of ingredients you tolerate, such as cereal, dried fruit, and chocolate. Check labels and cross-contact warnings; removing nuts alone does not guarantee an allergy-safe snack.

For packing snacks ahead, these meal prep containers can help keep a portion ready to grab. Use whatever containers you already have if they work well.

A satisfying snack, with room for sweetness

Nuts and seeds contribute protein and fat, while dried fruit and chocolate provide carbohydrate. That makes this an easy example of my healthy snacking formula: pair at least two of the three macronutrients. The nuts, seeds, and fruit also contribute fiber.

If you are managing diabetes or prediabetes, consider the amount you eat and your usual snack plan. Dried fruit and chocolate still count toward the carbohydrate total; adding nuts does not cancel that out. My diabetes friendly snack guide offers more combinations and practical tips.

How to store fall trail mix

Keep it in an airtight container in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight.
For the best crunch, mix a batch you expect to eat soon and follow the storage guidance on your ingredient packages.
Keep it away from heat when packing for a hike or leaving it in a bag; the chocolate can melt.
Store yogurt or other perishable pairings separately and keep them chilled.

A note about serving this to children

Whole or chopped nuts, seeds, and dried fruit can be choking hazards for young children, as the CDC explains. This chunky trail mix is not a snack for babies or toddlers, and chopping the nuts does not automatically make it safe. Choose foods with textures suited to your child’s development and have children sit while eating, with supervision.

For older children who can safely manage the ingredients, check for food allergies and any school or activity rules before packing it.

Fall Trail Mix recipe

Fall Trail Mix

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 5 from 2 reviews

Author: Brittany Poulson
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 0 minutes
Total Time: 5 minutes
Yield: 3 ¼ cups 1x
Category: snack
Method: no bake
Cuisine: American

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Description

This fall trail mix combines classic fall ingredients and flavors into one delicious sweet and savory snack!

Ingredients

Units Scale

1 cup pecan pieces
1 cup almonds
½ cup pepitas (pumpkin seeds)
½ cup dried cranberries
¼ cup mini dark chocolate chips
1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
¼ teaspoon salt (only add if not using salted nuts)

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Instructions

Combine all the ingredients in a bowl, stirring until evenly mixed. Enjoy! Store in an airtight container or zip lock bag.

Nutrition

Serving Size: ¼ cup

Make your next step doable

Mix a batch and pack a few portions for the week. For more ways to build satisfying snacks and balanced meals, start with my guides below.

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Brittany

I’m a registered dietitian, diabetes educator, and mom helping you build better blood sugar without cutting carbs or overcomplicating your life. I share simple meals and realistic strategies that make balanced eating actually doable.