Super Energy-Boosting Trail Mix Recipe

Ingredients

  • 2 cups of raw almonds
  • 1 cup of raw cashews
  • 1 cup of raw walnuts
  • 1/2 cup of raw sunflower seeds
  • 1/2 cup of raw pumpkin seeds
  • 1 cup of dried cranberries
  • 1/2 cup of dried raisins
  • 1/2 cup of dried apricots, chopped into small pieces
  • 1/2 cup of dark chocolate chips
  • 1/4 cup of unsweetened coconut flakes
  • 1 teaspoon of sea salt

Steps and instructions

  1. Gather all your ingredients.
  2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the almonds, cashews, walnuts, sunflower seeds, and pumpkin seeds.
  3. Add the dried cranberries, raisins, and chopped apricots to the mixing bowl.
  4. Stir the ingredients until they are evenly mixed.
  5. Add in the dark chocolate chips and stir again.
  6. Sprinkle the sea salt over the mix and stir until the salt is evenly distributed.
  7. Finally, add the unsweetened coconut flakes and give the trail mix one final stir.
  8. Once mixed, store your homemade trail mix in an airtight container to keep it fresh.

Tools for making

  • Large mixing bowl - Needed to combine and mix all the ingredients.
  • Spatula - Useful for stirring and mixing the ingredients in the bowl.
  • Measuring cups - Required to accurately measure the amounts of nuts, seeds, and dried fruits.
  • Measuring spoons - Used to measure the sea salt for seasoning.
  • Airtight container - Necessary to store the trail mix and keep it fresh.

Recipe variations

  • Use different types of nuts such as pecans, pistachios, or hazelnuts.
  • Replace the dried cranberries with dried cherries or blueberries.
  • Try using different types of dried fruit like pineapple, mango, or banana chips.
  • Add in some seeds like chia seeds or flax seeds for extra nutrition.
  • Include some spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, or cayenne pepper for a twist of flavor.
  • Add a touch of sweetness by mixing in some honey, maple syrup, or agave nectar.
  • For a savory option, add some roasted chickpeas or pretzel pieces.
  • Experiment with different types of chocolate such as white chocolate or milk chocolate.
  • Include some crunch by adding cereal flakes or granola clusters.
  • For a protein boost, mix in some protein powder or protein-packed cereal.

Recipe overview

This Trail Mix recipe is a simple and versatile snack that's perfect for hiking, picnics, or just a healthy nibble during your day. It combines a variety of nuts, seeds, dried fruits, and a hint of chocolate to create a satisfying mix of flavors and textures. This recipe is customizable, so feel free to swap out or add any ingredients you prefer. Not only is this mix packed with protein and fiber, it also offers a sweet and salty flavor profile that'll keep you reaching for more. The preparation is straightforward, requiring just a bowl and some basic stirring. Once prepared, this snack can be stored and taken with you wherever you go. Enjoy the process of making your own trail mix and the delicious results!

Common questions

  1. Can I use different nuts and seeds? Yes, you can customize the trail mix by using different types of nuts and seeds according to your preference.
  2. Can I add other dried fruits? Absolutely! Feel free to add in other dried fruits like dried cherries, blueberries, or mangoes to add variety to your trail mix.
  3. Can I use milk chocolate instead of dark chocolate? Yes, you can substitute dark chocolate chips with milk chocolate chips if you prefer a sweeter taste.
  4. Can I omit the sea salt? Yes, you can omit the sea salt if you prefer a salt-free trail mix, or you can adjust the amount of salt according to your taste.
  5. How long does this trail mix stay fresh? When stored in an airtight container, this trail mix can stay fresh for up to 2-3 weeks.
  6. Can I add other ingredients like pretzels or popcorn? Absolutely! Feel free to add in other ingredients like pretzels or popcorn to give your trail mix an extra crunch.
  7. Is this recipe suitable for those with nut allergies? No, this recipe contains various nuts so it is not suitable for individuals with nut allergies. However, you can adapt the recipe by omitting nuts and adding more seeds or dried fruits.

Serving dishes and utensils

Origin stories

Trail mix, as we know it today, has its roots in the portable, high-energy snacks carried by nomadic peoples. With its perfect combination of proteins, fats, and carbohydrates, trail mix has been fueling explorers and adventurers for centuries. However, it gained commercial popularity in the 20th century when outdoor enthusiast Horace Kephart recommended it in his camping guide. He suggested a mixture of chocolate, nuts, and dried fruit, which is not far off from the trail mix we know and love today. Despite its ancient roots, the term "trail mix" was only coined in 1968 by two California surfers who mixed peanuts and raisins to sustain them on their nature trips. Since then, the handy snack has traveled the world, climbed mountains, trekked through forests, and journeyed across deserts, always providing a delicious burst of energy as needed.

Disclaimer: This recipe was not created by humans and we cannot ensure that it will turn out as expected. We do not guarantee or take any liability for the accuracy of this recipe (including steps, ingredients, nutritional information, and all sections on this page). You should check to make sure you are not allergic to any ingredients and take safety precautions while making this. The images on this page are generated by AI and may not accurately represent the result of making this recipe.