Homemade Chocolate Trail Mix Bars Recipe: Crunchy Sweet Joy

Snacking just got a delightful upgrade with these chocolate trail mix bars that blend sweet and salty flavors into one irresistible treat.

Packed with a medley of nuts, seeds, and chocolate chips, these bars offer a quick energy boost for busy days.

The no-bake recipe comes together in minutes, making it perfect for anyone seeking a wholesome snack.

Every bite delivers a satisfying crunch and rich chocolatey goodness that keeps you coming back for more.

The combination of ingredients provides a balanced mix of protein, healthy fats, and natural sugars.

Customize the mix with your favorite nuts or dried fruits to make these bars uniquely yours.

Grab your ingredients and get ready to create a snack that will become your new go-to indulgence.

Ingredients for Chocolate Trail Mix Bars

• Puffed Rice Cereal: Light and crispy base that adds delightful crunch and texture to the bars.
• Chia Seeds: Nutrient-packed seeds offering a subtle nutty flavor and boosting nutritional value.

• Almonds, Pecans, Walnuts: Hearty nuts providing rich, robust flavor and satisfying protein boost.

• Maple Syrup, Honey: Natural sweeteners that bind ingredients together and create delicious caramelized undertones.

• Chocolate Chips: Smooth, decadent chocolate that creates an irresistible outer layer.
• Coconut Oil: Helps chocolate melt smoothly and creates a glossy, perfect chocolate coating.

Kitchen Tools for Making Trail Mix Bars with Chocolate

• Baking Dish: Essential for preparing and baking the trail mix bars.
• Parchment Paper: Crucial for lining the baking dish and preventing sticking.
• Medium-Sized Bowl: Perfect for mixing nuts, chia seeds, and puffed rice cereal.
• Spatula or Measuring Cup: Helps flatten the nut mixture evenly in the baking dish.
• Double Boiler or Microwave-Safe Dish: Needed for melting chocolate chips and coconut oil.
• Sharp Knife: Necessary for cutting the bars into clean, even pieces.
• Measuring Cups/Spoons: Useful for accurately measuring ingredients.

How to Make Chocolate Trail Mix Bars at Home

• Preparation Workspace Gather all your baking tools and create a clean, organized area for your chocolate trail mix bars.
• Nutty Base Blend chopped nuts, chia seeds, and crispy rice with sweet maple syrup and golden honey, creating a delicious sticky mixture.
• Baking Magic Spread the nutty mixture into a lined baking dish, pressing firmly to create an even layer. Bake until golden and fragrant, filling your kitchen with warmth.
• Chocolate Coating Gently melt chocolate chips with a touch of coconut oil, creating a smooth, glossy drizzle to pour over your cooled nutty base.
• Finishing Touch Let the chocolate set in the refrigerator, then slice into delightful bars perfect for snacking, sharing, or enjoying as a quick energy boost.

Tips for Making Chewy or Crunchy Chocolate Trail Mix Bars

• Swap out nuts and seeds based on personal preferences or pantry availability. Almonds, pecans, or sunflower seeds work wonderfully as substitutes.
• Sprinkle in protein powder, hemp hearts, or ground flaxseed to increase the nutritional value without compromising taste or texture.
• Experiment with different chocolate varieties like dark, milk, or white chocolate. Consider adding a drizzle of sea salt or crushed coffee beans on top for gourmet flair.
• Replace tree nuts with pumpkin seeds or sunflower seeds for a nut-free version. Use gluten-free puffed rice cereal to accommodate gluten sensitivities.
• Wrap individual bars in parchment paper for grab-and-go convenience. These bars stay fresh for up to two weeks when stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 35 minutes

Total Time: 50 minutes

Calories: 200 kcal

Servings: 13

Ways to Serve Trail Mix Bars for On-the-Go Snacks

• Serve with Refreshing Pairings: Complement these chocolate trail mix bars with a cold glass of almond milk or a hot cup of herbal tea for a delightful flavor contrast.
• Pack for Adventure: Wrap these bars individually in parchment paper for perfect on-the-go snacks during hiking, road trips, or afternoon work breaks.
• Create Breakfast Boost: Crumble the bars over Greek yogurt or blend into a morning smoothie to add extra crunch and nutritional value to your breakfast routine.
• Gift with Love: Package these homemade bars in clear cellophane bags tied with rustic twine as a thoughtful, wholesome gift for health-conscious friends and family.

Best Way to Store Chocolate Trail Mix Bars

• Maximize Freshness: Store bars in an airtight container to maintain their crisp texture and prevent moisture absorption.
• Quick Refrigeration Strategy: Keep bars chilled for up to 7 days, extending their delicious taste and preventing chocolate from melting.
• Freeze for Long-Term Enjoyment: Wrap individual bars in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container to store up to 3 months for later snacking.
• Smart Portioning Tip: Separate bars with wax paper when storing to prevent sticking and make grab-and-go moments easier during busy weeks.

Crunchy Chocolate Trail Mix Bars

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4.8 from 28 reviews

• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: 13 1x

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Description

Homemade chocolate trail mix bars combine sweet and salty flavors for a quick snack. Protein-packed ingredients and simple preparation make these bars a perfect energy boost for hikers and busy people.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 cup (240 ml) semi-sweet chocolate chips
• ⅓ cup (80 ml) maple syrup
• ¼ cup (60 ml) cashews
• ¼ cup (60 ml) peanuts
• ¼ cup (60 ml) almonds
• ¼ cup (60 ml) pecans
• ¼ cup (60 ml) dried cranberries
• ¼ cup (60 ml) puffed rice cereal
• 1 tbsp (15 ml) honey
• 1 tbsp (15 ml) coconut oil
• 1 tbsp (15 ml) chia seeds

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Instructions

1. Preparation: Warm the oven to 325°F (163°C) and layer a rectangular baking dish completely with parchment paper.
2. Mixing Dry Ingredients: Chop nuts into uniform pieces and blend with chia seeds and puffed rice cereal, ensuring even distribution throughout the mixture.
3. Binding Process: Drizzle maple syrup and honey over the dry ingredients, stirring thoroughly to coat each component with the sweet liquid binders, creating a glossy, cohesive mixture.
4. Pan Arrangement: Press the moistened mixture into the prepared baking dish, creating a smooth, compact layer with consistent thickness using a spatula or measuring cup’s back.
5. Baking Cycle: Bake for 35 minutes until edges turn golden brown and the mixture appears set and slightly crisp, signaling optimal texture and doneness.
6. Cooling Strategy: Allow the baked mixture to rest in the dish for 5 minutes, then transfer the parchment paper to a cooling rack, letting it settle to room temperature for 45-50 minutes or expedite in the refrigerator for 20-30 minutes.
7. Chocolate Coating: Melt chocolate chips and coconut oil using a double boiler or microwave method, stirring at 15-second intervals until smooth and fully liquefied.
8. Finishing Touches: Once cooled, flip the nut mixture and spread melted chocolate in an even layer, then refrigerate for 10-20 minutes to set the chocolate firmly.
9. Serving Preparation: Slice the hardened mixture into individual bars using a sharp knife, storing in an airtight container in a cool, dry place or refrigerator for extended freshness.

Notes

• Ensure Uniform Chopping: Cut nuts into similar-sized pieces for consistent texture and even baking throughout the bars.
• Press Firmly While Preparing: Use consistent pressure when compacting the mixture to prevent crumbly bars and ensure they hold together perfectly.
• Control Chocolate Melting: Stir chocolate chips continuously to prevent burning and achieve a smooth, glossy chocolate coating.
• Optimal Cooling Strategy: Allow bars to cool completely before cutting to maintain structural integrity and prevent crumbling during slicing.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Category: Snacks, Breakfast
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 13
• Calories: 200
• Sugar: 12 g
• Sodium: 5 mg
• Fat: 10 g
• Saturated Fat: 4 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 27 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 3 g
• Cholesterol: 0 mg