Healthy Trail Mix Bars

Trail Mix Granola Bars have everything you could want in a healthy snack. They are homemade with wholesome ingredients, no processed sugar and packed with nutritious nuts, sunflower kernels and dried fruit. Finished with a topping of chocolate, they make the perfect snack for hikes, an afternoon pick me up or anytime you want something both tasty and nourishing. Plus they are gluten free and require no baking, making them simple and accessible.

I first made these when I wanted a healthy snack for hiking that would satisfy my sweet tooth. Now I keep these bars in my fridge and my family always asks when I’ll make another batch. They are a hit with kids and adults alike.

Ingredients

• Glutenfree rolled oats: provide a hearty base and good fiber, choose organic if you can for better flavor and quality
• Raw almonds and cashews: add crunch and healthy fats, look for unsalted and unroasted nuts to keep the flavor pure
• Sunflower kernels: boost protein and add texture, buy fresh to avoid bitterness
• Dried blueberries and cranberries: bring natural sweetness and antioxidants, pick unsweetened versions to reduce added sugars
• Almond butter: binds all ingredients together and delivers creaminess, use smooth for easier mixing and check for no added oils or sugars
• Maple syrup or honey: natural sweeteners that hold the bars, prefer pure maple syrup or raw honey for best taste and health benefits
• Dark chocolate chips: add a decadent final touch with antioxidants, choose 70 percent cocoa or higher for less sugar and more depth

Instructions

Sauté the Aromatics:

is not applicable here so we start with mixing the base ingredients

Mix the Dry Ingredients:

Combine oats, trail mix including nuts, seeds, and dried fruit, and any extra chocolate chips if you like, in a large bowl. Stir to distribute everything evenly so the bars will have a consistent texture

Melt the Binder:

Gently warm the almond butter and maple syrup or honey in a microwave safe bowl just enough to soften and loosen them, about 30 seconds, stirring midway. This helps the mixture coat the dry ingredients thoroughly

Combine Wet and Dry:

Mix the melted almond butter and syrup into the oat mixture. Use a sturdy spoon or your hands to mix well until all dry ingredients are coated and when pressed together the mixture sticks without crumbling. This step ensures bars hold together after chilling

Press Into Pan:

Line an 8 x 8 inch baking pan with parchment paper and lightly spray with oil if you have it. Transfer the mixture into the pan and press firmly and evenly with your hands or a spoon to create a compact, level layer. This compaction is key to avoid crumbly bars

Chill to Set:

Refrigerate the pan for at least two hours or until the mixture is firm to the touch

Add Chocolate Topping:

Melt the dark chocolate chips in a microwave safe dish in 20 to 30 second intervals stirring in between to avoid burning. Pour the smooth chocolate over the chilled bars and spread evenly with a spatula

Final Chill:

Return the pan to the refrigerator and chill for about 30 minutes or until the chocolate is fully set and firm

Cut and Serve:

Remove from the fridge and lift the bars out using the parchment paper. Cut into 16 equal bars for adults, or smaller sizes for kids. Store extras in an airtight container in the fridge

My favorite ingredient in this recipe is the almond butter. It not only binds the bars together but also brings a lovely nutty richness that complements the dried fruit and chocolate perfectly. I remember making these bars before a family hiking trip and they gave everyone sustained energy while tasting delicious. They quickly became a staple for any outdoor adventure.

Storage tips

Store your granola bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator to keep them fresh and firm. They will last up to two weeks this way. If you want to take them on the go, wrap individual bars in parchment or plastic wrap.

Ingredient substitutions

Feel free to swap the nuts and seeds for your favorites. Walnuts, pecans, pumpkin seeds or chia seeds work well. Use sunflower seed butter if you have a nut allergy, and swap dried fruit for raisins or chopped dates. Adjust the sweetener to taste if you prefer a less sweet bar.

Serving suggestions

These bars are perfect for a quick breakfast on the run, a post workout snack or a healthy treat with your afternoon coffee or tea. Pair with fresh fruit or yogurt for added nutrition and variety.

These Trail Mix Granola Bars are an easy, nutritious snack that keeps well refrigerated. They freeze well too, making them great for meal prep.

Your Recipe Questions Answered

→ What ingredients hold the bars together?

Almond butter combined with honey or maple syrup acts as a sticky binder, keeping the oats and nuts compact without baking.

→ Are these bars gluten-free?

Yes, using gluten-free oats and natural ingredients ensures these bars are suitable for gluten-sensitive diets.

→ Can I substitute the nuts or dried fruit?

Absolutely! Feel free to replace nuts and dried fruit with your preferred mix to tailor flavor and texture.

→ How should I store the bars to keep them fresh?

Keep the bars refrigerated in an airtight container to maintain freshness for up to two weeks.

→ Is baking required for these bars?

No baking is needed; chilling the mixture until set provides a quick and easy preparation method.

→ What does the chocolate topping add?

The melted dark chocolate adds a rich, slightly indulgent finish that balances the nutty and fruity flavors.