Save A festive, crunchy snack bar featuring a medley of nuts, seeds, dried fruits, and white chocolate—perfect for cozy winter days or holiday gatherings.
This snack bar has become a family favorite during the holiday season, bringing everyone together with its delightful flavors.
Ingredients
- Nuts & Seeds: 1 cup unsalted roasted almonds, 1/2 cup shelled pistachios, 1/4 cup pumpkin seeds
- Dried Fruits: 1/2 cup dried cranberries, 1/3 cup dried apricots, chopped, 1/4 cup dried blueberries
- Grains & Crunch: 1 1/4 cups rolled oats, 1 cup crisp rice cereal
- Bind & Sweeten: 1/2 cup honey or maple syrup, 1/3 cup creamy almond butter, 2 tbsp unsalted butter, 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon, 1/4 tsp salt, 1 tsp pure vanilla extract
- Topping: 1/2 cup white chocolate chips, 2 tbsp festive sprinkles (optional)
Instructions
- Step 1:
- Line an 8x8-inch (20x20 cm) baking pan with parchment paper, leaving some overhang for easy removal.
- Step 2:
- In a large bowl, combine almonds, pistachios, pumpkin seeds, dried cranberries, apricots, blueberries, oats, and rice cereal. Set aside.
- Step 3:
- In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine honey (or maple syrup), almond butter, unsalted butter, cinnamon, salt, and vanilla extract. Stir continuously until melted and smooth (about 2–3 minutes). Remove from heat.
- Step 4:
- Pour the warm mixture over the dry ingredients. Stir well until everything is evenly coated.
- Step 5:
- Transfer the mixture to the prepared pan. Press firmly and evenly into the pan using a spatula or the back of a measuring cup.
- Step 6:
- Sprinkle white chocolate chips and festive sprinkles on top. Gently press them into the surface.
- Step 7:
- Refrigerate for at least 1 hour or until firm.
- Step 8:
- Lift the mixture out of the pan using the parchment paper. Cut into 12 bars. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.
Save Sharing these bars during family gatherings brings back warm memories and adds a festive touch to our celebrations.
Notes
Substitute almond butter with sunflower seed butter for a nut-free version. Swap white chocolate chips for dark chocolate if preferred. Add shredded coconut or mini marshmallows for extra winter flair.
Required Tools
8x8-inch baking pan, parchment paper, mixing bowls, small saucepan, spatula or wooden spoon, measuring cups and spoons.
Nutritional Information
Calories: 210, Total Fat: 10 g, Carbohydrates: 28 g, Protein: 4 g per serving.
Save This trail mix bar is the perfect quick winter snack that combines nutrition and festive flavors.
Recipe FAQ
- → What nuts are included in the trail mix?
Roasted almonds and shelled pistachios form the nut base, complemented by pumpkin seeds for extra crunch.
- → Can I substitute the almond butter?
Yes, sunflower seed butter works well as a nut-free alternative, keeping the texture creamy.
- → How long should I chill the bars?
Refrigerate for at least 1 hour or until firm to ensure clean slicing.
- → Are there options to adjust sweetness?
You can use honey or maple syrup based on preference, and switching white chocolate to dark chocolate reduces sweetness.
- → What equipment is needed to make this snack?
An 8x8-inch baking pan, parchment paper, mixing bowls, a small saucepan, and measuring tools are essential for preparation.