These trail mix bars are simply delicious, combining chewy, sweet, and nutty flavors with wholesome ingredients. You can easily customize them by swapping out nuts and seeds to your liking. Trail mix is a great snack choice, packed with healthy fats and carbs from nuts and seeds. Adding dried fruits like cranberries, raisins, or blueberries not only adds sweetness but also brings in vitamins and antioxidants for an extra health boost.
HOW TO MAKE A HOMEMADE TRAIL MIX BARS?
Preparation is key. Start by preheating your oven to 325 degrees Fahrenheit (165 C) and lining an 8×8 inch baking pan with parchment paper.
Next, it’s time to mix things up! Combine all your nuts, dried fruit, seeds, and a pinch of salt and cinnamon in a mixing bowl.
Pour maple syrup over your nutty mixture and give it a good stir until everything is evenly coated.
Now, transfer the mixture into your prepared baking pan and use a large spoon to flatten it into a nice, even layer.
Pop it into the preheated oven and let it bake for about 40-45 minutes until it’s perfectly golden brown. Once baked, it’s important to let it cool in the pan for at least an hour.
Finally, once cooled, it’s time to slice them into 12 delicious bars. Enjoy your homemade healthy granola bars!
SIMPLE TIPS FOR MAKING GREAT BARS:
Bake them long enough: If your bars are too soft, bake them until the maple syrup caramelizes and hardens when cool. If they’re still soft, bake a bit longer next time.
Chop nuts finely to prevent your bars from crumbling: Smaller pieces help hold the bars together better. You can also mix some whole nuts with chopped ones.
Cut with a sharp knife: Slice straight down through the nuts instead of sawing for cleaner cuts.
Let them cool: Don’t rush to cut them straight out of the oven. Let them cool at room temperature for an hour or in the fridge for 30-45 minutes for easier slicing.
HOW TO STORE THE BARS:
After cutting the bars, place them in airtight containers before storing them in either the refrigerator or freezer. To prevent sticking, I advise inserting a sheet of parchment paper between layers.
When refrigerated, these bars will maintain their quality for up to a week, while in the freezer, they can last for up to two months. If frozen, allow them to thaw at room temperature for approximately 15-20 minutes before enjoying.
MORE HEALTHY SNACK IDEAS:
Peanut Butter Banana Baked Oatmeal
WATCH IT STEP-BY-STEP!
Give it a try and let me know how you like them in a comment below!
Trail Mix Bars
Equipment
- 1 baking pan 8×8 inches (20×20 cm)
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup sunflower seeds
- 1/2 cup pumpkin seeds
- 1/2 cup raw almonds
- 1/2 cup raw cashews
- 1/2 cup raw pecans
- 1/2 cup dried fruits
- 1/2 cup maple syrup
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 325 degrees Fahrenheit (165 C) and line a baking pan with parchment paper.
- Combine all your nuts, dried fruit, seeds, and a pinch of salt and cinnamon in a mixing bowl.
- Pour maple syrup over your nutty mixture and give it ti stir until everything is evenly coated.
- Transfer the mixture to a baking pan, and flatten it into an even layer using a spoon or spatula.
- Bake in the preheated oven for about 40-45 minutes until the maple syrup caramelizes and hardens upon cooling.
- Once baked, let the mixture cool in the pan for an hour to harden.
- Once the mixture is cooled, slice into 12 even bars. If the bottom is too sticky, place a piece of parchment paper underneath.
Notes
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