Maple-Cinnamon Spiced Nuts and Fruit Mix

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Crispy roasted nuts and dried fruit coated in maple-cinnamon glaze for a sweet, spicy snack that’s perfect for hiking or snacking. This american-inspired kid friendly ready in about 20 minutes pairs mixed nuts, dried cranberries, dried apricots for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 180 calories and feeds 8, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 5 min Cook: 15 min Serves 8 American cuisine 180 cal/serving
Build a week of meals around this recipe → Shop this recipe on Instacart → Shop equipment ↓

Ingredients

Equipment for this recipe

Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.

More Bakeware & baking tools → Shop all kitchen tools →

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Preheat oven to 325°F (160°C). In a medium bowl, combine 1 cup mixed nuts, 1/2 cup dried cranberries, and 1/4 cup chopped dried apricots.
  2. Step 2: In a small saucepan, melt 2 tablespoons pure maple syrup and 1 tablespoon coconut oil over low heat, then stir in 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon, 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper, and a pinch of salt.
  3. Step 3: Pour maple syrup mixture over nut and fruit mixture, tossing until evenly coated.
  4. Step 4: Spread mixture in a single layer on a parchment-lined baking sheet and bake for 15-18 minutes, stirring halfway, until golden and fragrant.
  5. Step 5: Remove from oven, cool completely on the baking sheet, then transfer to an airtight container.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Maple-Cinnamon Spiced Nuts and Fruit Mix take to make?

Total time is about 20 minutes (5 min prep + 15 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Maple-Cinnamon Spiced Nuts and Fruit Mix?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep mixed nuts from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Maple-Cinnamon Spiced Nuts and Fruit Mix?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Maple-Cinnamon Spiced Nuts and Fruit Mix for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 8 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 8). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Maple-Cinnamon Spiced Nuts and Fruit Mix?

American kid friendly like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

What others are saying

Related recipes