Orange Snack Mix with Dried Cranberries Recipe
If you crave a snack that’s both vibrant and satisfyingly crunchy, this Orange Snack Mix with Dried Cranberries will become your new favorite go-to. The zesty splash of orange juice combined with buttery sweetness coats a delightful mix of cereal, nuts, and those tart, chewy dried cranberries for a perfect balance of flavors and textures. Whether you’re gearing up for a cozy movie night or need a quick bite to power through your afternoon, this snack mix is as versatile as it is delicious.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are wonderfully simple but each one brings a unique touch to the mix, from crunch to sweetness to that unmistakable citrus flair. Grab what you need, and you’ll see how easily they come together to create a showstopping snack.
- Orange juice: Provides a fresh, tangy base that brightens the entire mix with natural citrus flavor.
- Butter: Adds richness and helps the sugar and orange juice glaze the cereal and nuts evenly.
- Dried cranberries: Bring chewy bursts of tart sweetness that perfectly contrast the crunchy elements.
- Chex cereal: Any variety works, but corn Chex offers a nice light crunch to soak up flavors without overpowering.
- Brown sugar: Lends depth and caramel notes for that irresistible sweet glaze on every bite.
- Cashews: Offer buttery crunch along with a subtle earthiness, making the mix more substantial.
How to Make Orange Snack Mix with Dried Cranberries
Step 1: Prepare the Oven and Mix Base
Begin by heating your oven to 300 degrees Fahrenheit to get it nice and ready. In a large roasting pan, combine the Chex cereal and cashews, gently mixing them so they’re evenly distributed. This combo is the crunchy foundation your snack mix needs to shine.
Step 2: Make the Orange Butter Glaze
Next, melt the butter in your broiler or on low heat in a small saucepan. Stir in the orange juice and brown sugar carefully, making sure it doesn’t boil but becomes a smooth, syrupy glaze. This mixture will coat the cereal and nuts, infusing them with that vibrant sweet-tart flavor.
Step 3: Combine and Bake
Pour the warm orange glaze over the cereal and nut mixture in the roasting pan. Stir thoroughly, ensuring everything is coated evenly. Place the pan in your preheated oven and bake for 45 minutes, stirring every 15 minutes to prevent burning and promote even toasting. The aroma during this time is truly irresistible.
Step 4: Add Dried Cranberries and Cool
Once the baking time is up, remove the pan from the oven and immediately stir in the dried cranberries. The heat melds their tartness into the mix without making them too soft. Allow the snack mix to cool completely; it will firm up beautifully, ready to be broken into perfect munchable pieces.
How to Serve Orange Snack Mix with Dried Cranberries
Garnishes
Sprinkle a few fresh orange zest shavings on top for an extra pop of fragrant citrus that will surprise and delight anyone enjoying the snack. You can also toss in some white chocolate chips for a touch of creamy sweetness.
Side Dishes
This mix pairs beautifully alongside a steaming cup of tea or a cold glass of sparkling water. It also complements light cheese plates or fruit bowls for gatherings, adding texture and flavor contrast.
Creative Ways to Present
For a party, serve the Orange Snack Mix with Dried Cranberries in small mason jars or festive bowls tied with an orange ribbon. It makes a charming homemade gift or party favor that guests can enjoy during and after the event.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store your snack mix in an airtight container at room temperature to keep it crisp for up to two weeks. It’s perfect for that quick grab-and-go energy boost whenever you need it most.
Freezing
If you want to keep it longer, this snack mix freezes beautifully. Place it in a sealed freezer-safe bag or container for up to three months, then let it thaw at room temperature before enjoying.
Reheating
To refresh the crunch after storage, you can warm the mix briefly in a 250-degree oven for about 5-7 minutes. This helps bring back that freshly baked aroma and crisp texture without softening the dried cranberries.
FAQs
Can I use other nuts instead of cashews?
Absolutely! Almonds, pecans, or even walnuts work wonderfully in this mix and will add their own unique flavor and texture.
What if I don’t have orange juice on hand?
You can substitute with lemon juice for a different citrus twist or even use orange extract mixed with water, but fresh orange juice really gives the best natural brightness.
Can I make this mix gluten-free?
Yes, just be sure to select gluten-free Chex cereal options and double-check your other ingredients for any hidden gluten sources.
How long does the snack mix stay fresh once made?
Stored in an airtight container at room temperature, the mix stays fresh and crunchy for up to 2 weeks, making it an excellent snack to prepare in advance.
Is this Orange Snack Mix suitable for kids?
Definitely! It’s a fun, tasty, and wholesome snack that kids love, especially with its sweet and tangy flavors and easy-to-eat bite sizes.
Final Thoughts
Making this Orange Snack Mix with Dried Cranberries is such a joy because it’s simple, flavorful, and endlessly versatile. Once you try it, you might find yourself reaching for it as your favorite snack, whether you’re at home, work, or on an adventure. Give this recipe a whirl and enjoy the magic of sweet, tangy, and crunchy goodness all in one bowl.
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Orange Snack Mix with Dried Cranberries Recipe
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: About 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Orange Snack Mix with Dried Cranberries is a perfect balance of sweet and tangy flavors combined with a crunchy texture. Featuring Chex cereal, cashews, and dried cranberries all coated in a buttery orange juice glaze with brown sugar, this snack mix is ideal for on-the-go snacking or sharing at gatherings. The recipe is easy to prepare and bakes to a delightful golden crispiness that hardens as it cools for a satisfying treat.
Ingredients
Wet Ingredients
- 1/4 cup orange juice
- 4 tablespoons butter
Dry Ingredients
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 4 cups Chex cereal (any variety, corn used here)
- 8 ounces cashews
- 6 ounces dried cranberries
Instructions
- Preheat and Mix: Preheat your oven to 300 degrees Fahrenheit. In a large roasting pan, combine the Chex cereal and cashews and mix them well to ensure even distribution.
- Melt Glaze: In a broiler or small saucepan, gently melt the butter along with the orange juice and brown sugar, stirring until the sugar dissolves completely. Avoid boiling the mixture to keep the glaze smooth.
- Coat Mixture: Pour the warm orange juice glaze over the cereal and nut mixture. Stir thoroughly so that every piece is coated evenly with the sweet buttery glaze.
- Bake and Stir: Place the roasting pan in the preheated oven and bake the mixture for 45 minutes. Stir the mixture every 15 minutes carefully to prevent any pieces from burning and to ensure even baking.
- Add Cranberries and Cool: Remove the pan from the oven and immediately stir in the dried cranberries. Allow the snack mix to cool completely – it will harden as it cools, forming a delightful crunchy texture.
- Store: Once cool, break apart any large clumps, then store the snack mix in an airtight container or in resealable bags for convenient snacking anytime.
Notes
- Use any variety of Chex cereal; corn Chex provides a nice sweetness, but rice or wheat Chex work just as well.
- Keep a close eye during baking and stirring to avoid burning the sugar glaze.
- For a nut-free version, substitute cashews with sunflower seeds or omit them entirely.
- You can add other dried fruits like raisins or chopped dried apricots for more variety.
- Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two weeks to keep it fresh and crunchy.
- For extra zest, add a teaspoon of orange zest to the glaze before coating.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Snack
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/2 cup
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 9g
- Sodium: 90mg
- Fat: 11g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 24g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 10mg
Keywords: Orange Snack Mix, Dried Cranberries, Chex Mix, Sweet Snack, Healthy Snack, Cashew Snack, Orange Glaze Snack
