Description
Chocolate trail mix bars blend sweet and salty flavors into an irresistible snack perfect for adventurers and energy seekers. Packed with nuts, seeds, and rich chocolate, these bars offer a delicious balance of nutrients that fuel your next exciting journey.
Ingredients
Scale
Nuts:
- ¼ cup (60 ml) cashews
- ¼ cup (60 ml) peanuts
- ¼ cup (60 ml) almonds
- ¼ cup (60 ml) pecans
Dried Fruit and Cereal:
- ¼ cup (60 ml) dried cranberries
- ¼ cup (60 ml) puffed rice cereal
- 1 tablespoon (15 ml) chia seeds
Binding and Coating Ingredients:
- ⅓ cup (80 ml) maple syrup
- 1 tablespoon (15 ml) honey
- 1 tablespoon (15 ml) coconut oil
- 1 cup (240 ml) semi-sweet chocolate chips
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 325 degrees Fahrenheit (163 degrees Celsius). Carefully line a rectangular baking dish with parchment paper, ensuring complete coverage of the bottom and sides.
- Roughly chop all nuts into smaller, uniform pieces. Transfer the chopped nuts into a medium-sized mixing bowl and combine with chia seeds and puffed rice cereal, stirring gently to distribute evenly.
- Pour maple syrup and honey over the dry ingredients. Thoroughly mix until every piece is completely coated and glistening with the sweet liquid binders.
- Transfer the moistened mixture into the prepared parchment-lined baking dish. Use a spatula or the back of a measuring cup to press the mixture firmly and create a smooth, compact layer with consistent thickness.
- Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 35 minutes, or until the edges turn golden brown and the mixture appears set and slightly crisp.
- Remove the baking dish from the oven and allow the mixture to rest inside for 5 minutes. Carefully lift the parchment paper and transfer the entire sheet to a cooling rack.
- Let the mixture cool completely at room temperature for 45-50 minutes, or expedite the process by placing it in the refrigerator for 20-30 minutes.
- Melt chocolate chips and coconut oil using either a double boiler or microwave method. If using a microwave, heat in 15-second intervals, stirring between each interval until smooth and fully liquefied.
- Once the nut mixture has cooled completely, gently flip it over. Spread the melted chocolate in an even, consistent layer across the surface.
- Return the chocolate-covered mixture to the refrigerator for 10-20 minutes to allow the chocolate to set firmly.
- Using a sharp knife, carefully slice the hardened mixture into individual bars of desired size. Store in an airtight container in a cool, dry place or refrigerate for extended freshness.
Notes
- Customize your trail mix by choosing favorite nuts and seeds for a personalized snack experience.
- Ensure even coating of maple syrup and honey to help nuts and cereal bind together perfectly.
- Press mixture firmly into baking dish to create compact, sturdy bars that won’t crumble easily.
- Allow bars to cool completely before adding chocolate to prevent melting and maintain crisp texture.
- Melt chocolate slowly and carefully to avoid burning, stirring between short microwave intervals.
- Store bars in an airtight container to maintain freshness and prevent moisture absorption.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Snacks, Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 12
- Calories: 190 kcal
- Sugar: 12 g
- Sodium: 30 mg
- Fat: 12 g
- Saturated Fat: 5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 18 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 3 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg