Acorn Oak Snack Mix

Featured in: Seasonal Pastries

This snack features a mix of roasted acorns, oak nuts, almonds, pumpkin, and sunflower seeds, tossed with olive oil and spices. After roasting until fragrant and golden, dried cranberries and optional dark chocolate chips add sweetness. Ideal for a quick, crunchy treat with woodland flavors and subtle heat from smoked paprika and cayenne. Proper leaching of acorns ensures a smooth, nutty taste without bitterness.

Updated on Sat, 29 Nov 2025 10:35:00 GMT
Golden-brown Acorn & Oak Snack Mix piled high in a bowl, perfect for a party appetizer. Save
Golden-brown Acorn & Oak Snack Mix piled high in a bowl, perfect for a party appetizer. | butterhearth.com

A crunchy, nutty snack mix inspired by woodland flavors, combining roasted acorns, oak nuts, and a blend of seeds and spices for a unique, earthy treat.

I enjoy preparing this snack mix as a healthy, flavorful treat that reminds me of the forest trails I love to hike.

Ingredients

  • Nuts & Seeds: 1 cup acorns (leached and roasted see notes), 1/2 cup oak nuts (if unavailable substitute with additional roasted acorns or hazelnuts), 1/2 cup raw almonds, 1/2 cup pumpkin seeds (pepitas), 1/4 cup sunflower seeds
  • Add-Ins: 1/3 cup dried cranberries, 1/3 cup dark chocolate chips (optional)
  • Seasoning: 1 tbsp olive oil, 1/2 tsp smoked paprika, 1/2 tsp sea salt, 1/4 tsp ground cinnamon, 1/8 tsp cayenne pepper (optional for heat)

Instructions

Step 1:
Preheat oven to 325°F (165°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Step 2:
In a large bowl combine roasted acorns, oak nuts, almonds, pumpkin seeds, and sunflower seeds.
Step 3:
In a small bowl mix olive oil, smoked paprika, sea salt, cinnamon, and cayenne pepper. Drizzle over the nut and seed mixture tossing well to coat evenly.
Step 4:
Spread the mixture in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet.
Step 5:
Roast for 15 20 minutes stirring halfway through until fragrant and lightly golden.
Step 6:
Remove from oven and let cool completely.
Step 7:
Mix in dried cranberries and dark chocolate chips (if using).
Step 8:
Store in an airtight container for up to one week.
Savory Acorn & Oak Snack Mix, a mixture of seeds and nuts seasoned with warm spices. Save
Savory Acorn & Oak Snack Mix, a mixture of seeds and nuts seasoned with warm spices. | butterhearth.com

This snack mix is a favorite during our family hiking trips as a nutritious and energizing treat.

Required Tools

Baking sheet, Parchment paper, Large mixing bowl, Small bowl, Spoon or spatula

Allergen Information

Contains tree nuts (acorns, oak nuts, almonds, hazelnuts if substituted). Contains seeds (pumpkin, sunflower). Chocolate chips may contain traces of milk or soy—check labels if sensitive. Always ensure all wild foraged ingredients are correctly identified and processed.

Nutritional Information

Calories 230, Total Fat 14 g, Carbohydrates 21 g, Protein 5 g per serving

Close-up of crunchy Acorn & Oak Snack Mix, a gluten-free snack with dried cranberries visible. Save
Close-up of crunchy Acorn & Oak Snack Mix, a gluten-free snack with dried cranberries visible. | butterhearth.com

This snack mix is perfect for sharing or enjoying as a wholesome nibble anytime.

Recipe Questions

How do I prepare acorns for this mix?

Shell and chop acorns, then soak them in several changes of cold water for days to remove bitterness. Dry and roast before mixing.

What can I substitute for oak nuts if unavailable?

You can use extra roasted acorns or hazelnuts to maintain texture and flavor complexity.

Can I add other dried fruits to the mix?

Yes, toasted coconut flakes or other dried fruits can be added for variation and extra sweetness.

What spices enhance the flavor of this mix?

Smoked paprika, sea salt, ground cinnamon, and a touch of cayenne pepper create a warm and mildly spicy profile.

How should I store the snack mix?

Keep it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week to maintain freshness.

Acorn Oak Snack Mix

A crunchy nut and seed blend with roasted acorns, oak nuts, and warm spices for a unique snack.

Prep duration
15 min
Time to cook
20 min
Complete duration
35 min
Created by Grace Mitchell


Skill Level Medium

Heritage Fusion

Output 6 Portions

Dietary considerations Meat-Free, No Dairy, No Gluten

Components

Nuts & Seeds

01 1 cup leached and roasted acorns
02 1/2 cup oak nuts (or substitute with additional roasted acorns or hazelnuts)
03 1/2 cup raw almonds
04 1/2 cup pumpkin seeds (pepitas)
05 1/4 cup sunflower seeds

Add-Ins

01 1/3 cup dried cranberries
02 1/3 cup dark chocolate chips (optional)

Seasoning

01 1 tablespoon olive oil
02 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
03 1/2 teaspoon sea salt
04 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
05 1/8 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)

Directions

Stage 01

Preheat oven: Set oven temperature to 325°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

Stage 02

Combine nuts and seeds: In a large mixing bowl, toss together roasted acorns, oak nuts, almonds, pumpkin seeds, and sunflower seeds until evenly distributed.

Stage 03

Prepare seasoning mix: Whisk olive oil with smoked paprika, sea salt, ground cinnamon, and optional cayenne pepper in a small bowl; drizzle over the nut and seed mixture and toss thoroughly to coat.

Stage 04

Arrange for roasting: Spread the seasoned nuts and seeds in a single, even layer on the prepared baking sheet.

Stage 05

Roast mixture: Bake for 15 to 20 minutes, stirring halfway through, until the mix is fragrant and lightly golden.

Stage 06

Cool mix: Remove from oven and allow the blend to cool completely before proceeding.

Stage 07

Add finishing ingredients: Fold in dried cranberries and, if desired, dark chocolate chips once the mixture has cooled.

Stage 08

Storage: Transfer the snack mix to an airtight container and preserve for up to one week at room temperature.

Necessary tools

  • Baking sheet
  • Parchment paper
  • Large mixing bowl
  • Small bowl
  • Spoon or spatula

Allergy details

Review each component for potential allergens and consider consulting with a healthcare provider if you're unsure about certain ingredients.
  • Contains tree nuts including acorns, oak nuts, almonds, and possible hazelnuts.
  • Contains seeds such as pumpkin and sunflower.
  • Chocolate chips may contain traces of milk or soy; verify if sensitive.

Nutritional information (per portion)

These values are estimates only and shouldn't replace professional medical guidance.
  • Energy Value: 230
  • Fats: 14 g
  • Carbohydrates: 21 g
  • Protein Content: 5 g