Prep Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 15 minutes
Serves: 8-10 people
What Makes This Holiday Fruit Mix Special
This holiday fruit mix isn’t just another snack – it’s a celebration in a bowl. Each handful delivers a burst of natural sweetness from carefully selected dried fruits, balanced with the hearty richness of premium nuts. Whether you’re hosting a holiday party, looking for a healthy snack alternative, or preparing homemade gifts, this mix delivers on all fronts.
The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity and versatility. You can enjoy it straight from the bowl, sprinkle it over yogurt, or even incorporate it into your favorite baked goods. It’s the kind of recipe that brings families together and creates lasting memories.
Ingredients
For the Base Mix:
- 2 cups dried cranberries (preferably unsweetened)
- 1½ cups golden raisins
- 1 cup dried apricots, chopped
- 1 cup dried pineapple chunks
- ¾ cup dried cherries
- ½ cup candied orange peel, diced
For the Nut Component:
- 1 cup raw almonds, roughly chopped
- ¾ cup walnut halves
- ½ cup pecans, chopped
- ¼ cup pistachios, shelled
Optional Flavor Enhancers:
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- Pinch of sea salt
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare Your Workspace
Start by gathering all your ingredients on a clean, spacious counter. Having everything organized makes the mixing process smooth and enjoyable. I always find that the anticipation builds as I see all these colorful ingredients laid out – it’s like a preview of the delicious holiday fruit mix to come.
Step 2: Prepare the Dried Fruits
In a large mixing bowl, combine the dried cranberries, golden raisins, chopped apricots, pineapple chunks, dried cherries, and candied orange peel. Gently toss them together with your hands – there’s something therapeutic about feeling the different textures and knowing you’re creating something special for your loved ones.
Step 3: Add the Nuts
Incorporate the chopped almonds, walnut halves, chopped pecans, and pistachios into the fruit mixture. The nuts add that perfect crunch that makes this holiday fruit mix so satisfying. I like to leave some pieces larger and others smaller to create interesting texture variations in every bite.
Step 4: Season and Enhance
If using the optional flavor enhancers, sprinkle the cinnamon, nutmeg, and sea salt over the mixture. Add the vanilla extract drop by drop, tossing gently to distribute the flavors evenly. These additions transform a simple mix into something truly extraordinary.
Step 5: Final Mix and Rest
Using clean hands or a large spoon, thoroughly combine all ingredients. The key is to be gentle yet thorough – you want every piece coated with the seasonings without crushing the delicate dried fruits. Let the mixture rest for about 10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
Step 6: Store and Serve
Transfer your finished holiday fruit mix to an airtight container. It’s ready to serve immediately, but I find it tastes even better after sitting for a few hours, allowing all those wonderful flavors to marry together.
Pro Tips for the Perfect Holiday Fruit Mix
Quality Matters: I’ve learned that using high-quality dried fruits and nuts makes an enormous difference in the final product. Look for fruits that are plump and still slightly soft, not overly dried or tough.
Storage Secrets: This holiday fruit mix stays fresh for up to 3 weeks when stored in an airtight container in a cool, dry place. For longer storage, refrigerate for up to 2 months or freeze for up to 6 months.
Customization Ideas: Feel free to swap out fruits based on your preferences or what’s available. Dried mango, papaya, or even coconut flakes can add tropical flair to your mix.
Nutritional Benefits
This holiday fruit mix isn’t just delicious – it’s packed with nutrients. The dried fruits provide natural sugars for quick energy, while the nuts contribute healthy fats, protein, and fiber. It’s a guilt-free snack that satisfies sweet cravings while providing sustained energy.
Serving Suggestions
As a Snack
Serve this holiday fruit mix in small bowls as a healthy alternative to traditional holiday sweets. It pairs beautifully with cheese platters and wine tastings.
Breakfast Enhancement
Sprinkle over oatmeal, yogurt, or cereal for a festive morning treat that starts your day with natural sweetness and energy.
Baking Ingredient
Use this mix in muffins, cookies, or quick breads to add bursts of flavor and texture to your baked goods.
Perfect Pairings from Our Recipe Collection
This holiday fruit mix pairs wonderfully with other festive treats. Consider serving it alongside:
- Perfect Sides – Try it with cheese and crackers for elegant appetizers
- Flavored Dips & Marinades – Complement with cream cheese dips for parties
- Refreshing Beverages – Pair with spiced cider or holiday punches
- Tasty Snacks – Mix with other healthy snack options for variety
- Irresistible Desserts – Use as a topping for ice cream or yogurt parfaits
- Breakfast Favorites – Enhance your morning meals with this nutritious addition
Make-Ahead Tips
This holiday fruit mix is perfect for meal prep and gift-giving. Prepare large batches early in the season and portion into decorative jars for hostess gifts or teacher appreciation presents. The flavors actually improve over time, making it an ideal make-ahead recipe.
Conclusion
Creating this holiday fruit mix is more than just combining ingredients – it’s about bringing joy, nutrition, and festive spirit to your table. Whether you’re enjoying it as a quick snack, sharing it with friends, or incorporating it into your holiday baking, this recipe delivers on taste, nutrition, and that special holiday magic we all crave.
The best part? Every time you make this holiday fruit mix, you can adjust it to suit your taste preferences or dietary needs. It’s a recipe that grows with you and becomes a cherished part of your holiday traditions.
This recipe yields approximately 6 cups of holiday fruit mix and can be easily doubled or tripled for larger gatherings or gift-giving. Store in airtight containers for maximum freshness and enjoy the taste of the holidays all season long.
