Trail mix is a mixture of grains, dried fruit, nuts, and other snack foods. It is usually taken along on hikes because it is lightweight, easy to store, nutritious, and provides a quick energy boost from its ingredients.
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Common trail mix ingredients are:
- Nuts such as almonds, cashews, pistachios, etc.
- Legumes such as roasted peanuts, baked soybeans, dried fava beans, dried green peas, etc.
- Dried fruits such as raisins, cranberries, apricots, apples, etc.
- or candied orange peel or other candied fruits
- Chocolate chips or chunks, M&M’s, etc.
- Breakfast cereals such as granola, rice crispies, etc.
- Pretzels
- Seeds such as pumpkin seeds, sunflower seeds
- Shredded coconut
In this article, we will share with you a no-bake trail mix bars which you can do at home. Not only are they no-bake but they’re also naturally sweetened to give a chewy bar. What is even beautiful with this recipe is that you can customize this to make a wide variety of combinations based on your own personal preferences.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups trail mix or a combination of your favorite nuts, seeds, and dried fruits
- 1 cup rolled oats
- ¼ cup honey
- ¼ cup coconut oil
You may use any combination of dried nuts such as almonds, cashews, pistachios, peanuts, etc. Chop the nuts first and then measure out 1⅓ cups.
For the remaining ⅔ cup of chopped dried fruit, you may use any combination of dried fruits like raisins, strawberries, cranberries, etc. Chop the dried fruits you choose and then measure out ⅔ cup. In this recipe, we are using dried strawberries and raisins.
Procedure:
- Line an 8″ x 8″ square baking pan with parchment paper. Allow a few extra inches of paper to hang over the two ends for you to hold on to later (about 4″ on each end).
- In a medium bowl, combine your trail mix and rolled oats.
- In a small saucepan, combine honey and coconut oil over medium heat. Stir until the mixture melts and begins to foam. Continue to cook for an additional 10-15 seconds after mixture foams.
- Pour the coconut oil-honey mixture over the trail mix and combine thoroughly.
- Transfer the mixture into the prepared baking pan and firmly press the mixture into a uniform thickness.
- Use the remaining ends of parchment paper to cover the mixture and continue to firmly press.
- Allow mixture to cool in the refrigerator for at least 2 to 3 hours. Don’t freeze.
- Once cooled, remove from the pan and slice with a sharp knife into the desired size.
Final Thoughts
This no-bake recipe is less expensive to make than buying a branded fruit & nut bar at the grocery store. So go ahead and try making this recipe. This could be a good addition to your kid’s lunchbox or your perfect snack bar any time you need an energy boost.
