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.
Ingredients
Scale
- 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
Instructions
- Preparation: Warm the oven to 325°F (163°C) and layer a rectangular baking dish completely with parchment paper.
- Mixing Dry Ingredients: Chop nuts into uniform pieces and blend with chia seeds and puffed rice cereal, ensuring even distribution throughout the mixture.
- 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.
- 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.
- Baking Cycle: Bake for 35 minutes until edges turn golden brown and the mixture appears set and slightly crisp, signaling optimal texture and doneness.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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