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 has quickly become a favorite in our family during the holiday season because it's both delicious and simple to make.
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 This recipe brings back warm memories of family holiday gatherings where everyone eagerly awaited this treat.
Required Tools
8x8-inch baking pan, parchment paper, mixing bowls, small saucepan, spatula or wooden spoon, measuring cups and spoons
Allergen Information
Contains nuts (almonds, pistachios), seeds, and dairy (butter, white chocolate chips). For nut-free: use seed butter and omit nuts, replacing with extra seeds or cereal. Always check ingredient labels for potential allergens or cross-contamination.
Nutritional Information
Calories: 210 per serving, Total Fat: 10 g, Carbohydrates: 28 g, Protein: 4 g
Save A delightful snack perfect for winter gatherings that balances sweetness and crunch.
Common Questions
- → What nuts are used in the trail mix?
Unsalted roasted almonds and shelled pistachios provide a crunchy base for this mix.
- → Can I substitute the almond butter?
Yes, sunflower seed butter works well as a nut-free alternative without compromising flavor.
- → How is the mix held together without baking?
A warm blend of honey, almond butter, butter, cinnamon, salt, and vanilla coats the dry ingredients, then chilling firms the bars.
- → Are there any optional toppings?
White chocolate chips and festive sprinkles add sweetness and seasonal flair but can be omitted if preferred.
- → What is the best way to store the bars?
Keep the bars in an airtight container refrigerated for up to one week to maintain freshness.
- → Can these bars be made allergy-friendly?
Yes, substitute nut ingredients with additional seeds or cereal and use seed butter instead of almond butter for a nut-free version.