Chocolate Trail Mix Bars
User Reviews
4.9
Chocolate Trail Mix Bars
Description
These Chocolate Trail Mix Bars feature a mix of nuts such as cashews, almonds, peanuts, and pecans, chopped gently to retain some texture. The addition of chia seeds and puffed rice cereal introduces a light crunch, while dried cranberries add fruity tartness. A blend of maple syrup and honey provides natural sweetness and helps hold the bars together. The bars are baked at a moderate temperature to set the ingredients without browning excessively.
Once cooled, a chocolate and coconut oil coating is melted and spread atop the bars, which adds a creamy, semi-sweet finish that complements the nutty base. The combination of textures and flavors creates a portable, energizing snack suitable for outdoor activities or as a quick bite on the go.
These bars are best cooled thoroughly before adding the chocolate layer and cutting to ensure they hold together well. They can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature, refrigerated for longer freshness, or frozen for extended storage, making them convenient to prepare ahead.
Ingredients
- 1/4 cup cashews
- 1/4 cup peanuts
- 1/4 cup almonds
- 1/4 cup pecans
- 1/4 cup dried cranberries
- 1/4 cup puffed rice cereal
- 1 tablespoon chia seeds
- 1/3 cup maple syrup
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 tablespoon coconut oil
- 1 cup chocolate chips semi-sweet
Instructions
- Pre-heat Oven: Pre-heat oven to 325 degrees F. Line a baking dish with parchment paper and set aside.
- Prep Bars: Give all of the nuts a gentle chop. Add them all to a medium-sized bowl with chia seeds and puffed rice cereal and give a quick mix. Add maple syrup and honey and give a good mix, ensuring that it is all well coated.
- Bake: Add the nut mixture to the parchment paper-lined baking dish. Use a spatula or the back of a measuring cup to flatten the nut mixture into an even layer. Bake for 35 minutes.
- Cool: Remove the baking dish from the oven and let rest in the dish for 5 minutes. Then remove from the baking dish and let cool for at least 45-50 minutes at room temperature or for 20-30 minutes in the fridge.
- Melt Chocolate: Add chocolate chips and coconut oil to either a double boiler or a small microwaveable safe dish and melt. If melting in the microwave, microwave for 15 seconds and then mix, and microwave for another 15 seconds and mix until it is completely melted.
- Spread Chocolate: Once completely cooled, remove the baked nut mixture from the fridge (or freezer) and gently turn it over. Spread the melted chocolate in an even layer. Return to fridge for 10-20 minutes (or the freezer) to let the chocolate set.
- Cut Bars: Once the chocolate has set, use a very sharp knife to gently cut it into bars. Store in a cool dry place, or in the fridge.
Notes
- Use a 9x6 inch baking dish or similar size; a loaf pan can be used for narrower bars.
- Store bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week.
- Refrigerate to extend shelf life up to one week, or freeze up to three months.
- Cool bars completely before spreading melted chocolate to ensure the coating sets properly.
- Feel free to adjust nuts or dried fruit to your preference or availability.
- Bars can be cut into larger bars or smaller bite-sized pieces depending on your serving needs.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 7bars
Amount Per Serving
Calories 349 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 349kcal | 17% |
| Carbohydrates | 35g | 12% |
| Protein | 6g | 12% |
| Fat | 22g | 34% |
| Saturated Fat | 9g | 45% |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 3g | 18% |
| Monounsaturated Fat | 8g | 40% |
| Trans Fat | 0.02g | 1% |
| Cholesterol | 2mg | 1% |
| Sodium | 6mg | 0% |
| Potassium | 313mg | 7% |
| Fiber | 5g | 20% |
| Sugar | 25g | 50% |
| Vitamin A | 16IU | 0% |
| Vitamin C | 0.1mg | 0% |
| Calcium | 68mg | 7% |
| Iron | 3mg | 17% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
4.9
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