Gingerbread Bliss Snack Mix
Elevate your snack time with this delightful Gingerbread Bliss Snack Mix, a perfect blend of sweet and crunchy treats. Combining the wholesome goodness of Shreddies cereal with the rich flavors of roasted pecans and almonds, this mix is enhanced by the warmth of cinnamon and ginger. With the added crunch of pretzels and pumpkin seeds, plus the sweetness of dried cranberries and optional white chocolate chips, it creates a satisfying snack that is perfect for entertaining or enjoying during an afternoon pick-me-up. Bake Fest 2010 brought this unique recipe to life, and now it’s ready to steal the spotlight at your next gathering.
N/A
Servings
250
Calories
13
Ingredients
Ingredients
Shreddies cereal
4 cups (break into smaller pieces if desired)
Pecans
1 cup (pieces)
Almonds
1 cup (slivered)
Pretzel twists (mini) or sticks
2 cups (leave whole)
Pumpkin seeds
1 cup (unsalted)
Unsalted butter
1/3 cup (melted)
Brown sugar
1/4 cup (packed)
Ground ginger
1 tablespoon (use fresh if desired)
Ground cinnamon
1 tablespoon (add to taste)
Salt
1/4 teaspoon (to balance flavor)
Ground cloves
1 pinch (for warmth)
Dried cranberries or raisins
1 cup (choose your favorite)
White chocolate chips
1 cup (optional)
Instructions
1
1. Preheat your oven to 250°F (120°C). Spread the pecans and almonds evenly on a rimmed baking sheet. Roast in the oven for about 15 minutes, until they are golden and fragrant. Allow them to cool slightly once done.
2
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the roasted nuts with Shreddies cereal, pretzel twists (or sticks), and pumpkin seeds. In a separate small bowl, whisk together the melted unsalted butter, packed brown sugar, ginger, cinnamon, salt, and ground cloves until thoroughly blended.
3
3. Drizzle the buttery spice mixture over the cereal and nut combination, and use a spatula to toss everything together until evenly coated.
4
4. Spread the mixture across two large, rimmed baking sheets to ensure even baking. Bake for 10 to 12 minutes, rotating the pans halfway through, until the snack mix is crispy and fragrant. Let it cool completely on the baking sheets.
5
5. Once cooled, gently fold in the dried cranberries and white chocolate chips if you’re using them. Transfer the finished snack mix to an airtight container, and store at room temperature for up to 1 week.
Nutrition Information
12
Fat
30
Carbs
5
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Gingerbread Bliss Snack Mix?
It is a sweet and crunchy snack blend featuring Shreddies cereal, roasted nuts, pretzels, and warm gingerbread spices like cinnamon and ginger.
What are the main ingredients in this snack mix?
The primary ingredients include Shreddies cereal, pecans, almonds, mini pretzel twists, pumpkin seeds, and a spiced butter coating.
How long does it take to roast the nuts?
The pecans and almonds should be roasted for approximately 15 minutes at 250°F (120°C) until golden and fragrant.
What oven temperature is used for this recipe?
The oven should be preheated and maintained at 250°F (120°C) for both roasting the nuts and baking the final mix.
Can I use fresh ginger instead of ground ginger?
Yes, the recipe allows for the use of fresh ginger if desired to enhance the gingerbread flavor.
Are the white chocolate chips mandatory?
No, the white chocolate chips are optional and can be added after the mix has cooled for extra sweetness.
What type of cereal is recommended for this recipe?
Shreddies cereal is the recommended base for this snack mix.
Can I substitute raisins for dried cranberries?
Yes, you can choose your favorite between dried cranberries or raisins.
How should I store the Gingerbread Bliss Snack Mix?
Store the finished snack mix in an airtight container at room temperature.
How long will the snack mix stay fresh?
The snack mix can be stored and enjoyed for up to 1 week.
Should the pumpkin seeds be salted?
No, the recipe specifically calls for 1 cup of unsalted pumpkin seeds.
How much butter is required?
The recipe requires 1/3 cup of melted unsalted butter.
What type of pretzels should I use?
You can use 2 cups of either mini pretzel twists or pretzel sticks.
Which spices provide the gingerbread flavor profile?
The flavor comes from a combination of ground ginger, ground cinnamon, and a pinch of ground cloves.
Is there salt in the recipe?
Yes, 1/4 teaspoon of salt is included to balance the flavors of the sweet coating.
How many calories are in a serving of this snack mix?
There are 250 calories per serving.
What is the protein content per serving?
Each serving contains 5 grams of protein.
How much fat is in one serving?
There are 12 grams of fat per serving.
How many carbohydrates are in a serving?
There are 30 grams of carbohydrates per serving.
Do I need to roast the nuts before mixing them with the cereal?
Yes, the pecans and almonds are roasted for 15 minutes before being combined with the other dry ingredients.
How long is the final baking time for the entire mixture?
The entire mixture is baked for 10 to 12 minutes after being coated in the butter and spice mixture.
Do I need to rotate the baking sheets during the final bake?
Yes, it is recommended to rotate the pans halfway through the 10 to 12-minute baking period to ensure even crisping.
When should the dried fruit and chocolate chips be added?
These items should be gently folded in only after the baked snack mix has cooled completely.
Can this be made ahead of time for a party?
Yes, since it stores well for up to a week, it is a great make-ahead snack for entertaining.
Is the snack mix sweet or savory?
It is a sweet snack mix, though it contains salty elements like pretzels and a pinch of salt for balance.
What event inspired this recipe?
This recipe was originally brought to life during Bake Fest 2010.
How do I ensure the cereal and nuts are evenly coated?
Drizzle the buttery spice mixture over the dry ingredients and use a spatula to toss everything together thoroughly.
What nuts are used in this recipe?
The recipe uses 1 cup of pecan pieces and 1 cup of slivered almonds.
What type of sugar is used for the coating?
The recipe uses 1/4 cup of packed brown sugar.
What is the expected texture of the final product?
The final snack mix is intended to be crispy and crunchy with soft bits of dried fruit.