As an avid hiker and nutrition enthusiast, I’m excited to share my recipe for Homemade Trail Mix Bars. These bars are not just a snack; they’re a portable powerhouse of energy, perfect for outdoor adventures, busy workdays, or as a wholesome treat any time. Packed with nuts, seeds, dried fruits, and a touch of dark chocolate, these bars offer a delightful balance of flavors and textures while providing sustained energy and essential nutrients.
The Evolution of Trail Mix
Trail mix, the inspiration for these bars, has a rich history dating back to indigenous cultures who relied on portable, nutrient-dense foods for long journeys. The modern concept of trail mix is often attributed to two outdoorsmen, Hadley Edwords and Jack Grimes, who coined the term “gorp” (believed to stand for “good old raisins and peanuts”) in the 1960s. Our recipe takes this time-honored concept and transforms it into a convenient, chewy bar form, perfect for on-the-go snacking.
Ingredients
For these nutrient-packed bars, you’ll need:
- 1 cup (150g) almonds, roughly chopped
- 1 cup (130g) pumpkin seeds
- 1 cup (120g) dried cranberries
- 1/2 cup (75g) dried apricots, chopped
- 1/4 cup (45g) dark chocolate chips
- 1/3 cup (110g) honey
- 1/3 cup (85g) almond butter
- 1 tsp (5ml) vanilla extract
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prepare the Pan
I always start by lining an 8×8 inch (20×20 cm) baking pan with parchment paper. This step is crucial as it prevents the bars from sticking to the pan and makes removal and cutting much easier. I make sure to leave some overhang on the sides to use as handles when lifting the bars out of the pan later.
2. Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, I combine the roughly chopped almonds, pumpkin seeds, dried cranberries, chopped apricots, and dark chocolate chips. This mix of ingredients provides a perfect balance of crunchy, chewy, and sweet elements. The almonds and pumpkin seeds offer healthy fats and protein, while the dried fruits add natural sweetness and chewiness. The dark chocolate chips not only add a touch of indulgence but also provide antioxidants.
I ensure that all ingredients are evenly distributed throughout the mixture. This step is important to guarantee that each bar will have a good balance of all components.
3. Prepare the Binding Mixture
In a small saucepan, I gently heat the honey and almond butter over low heat. It’s important to keep the heat low to prevent burning. I stir the mixture constantly until it’s well combined and has a smooth, pourable consistency. This usually takes about 2-3 minutes.
Once the honey and almond butter are well combined, I remove the pan from the heat and stir in the vanilla extract. The vanilla adds a wonderful aroma and depth of flavor to the bars.
4. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
I pour the warm honey-almond butter mixture over the dry ingredients in the large bowl. Using a sturdy spatula or wooden spoon, I mix everything together thoroughly. It’s important to work quickly at this stage, as the mixture will start to set as it cools.
I make sure that all the dry ingredients are well coated with the binding mixture. This ensures that the bars will hold together well once they’re set.
5. Press into the Pan
Once everything is well combined, I transfer the mixture to the prepared baking pan. Using the back of a spatula or my hands (slightly dampened to prevent sticking), I press the mixture firmly and evenly into the pan. This step is crucial for ensuring that the bars hold together well.
I pay extra attention to the corners and edges, making sure they’re well packed. A flat, even surface will make cutting the bars easier later on.
6. Refrigerate
I cover the pan with plastic wrap and place it in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours, or until the mixture is firm. This cooling period allows the bars to set properly. For best results, I often leave them overnight.
7. Cut and Store
Once the mixture is fully set, I use the parchment paper overhang to lift the entire block out of the pan and onto a cutting board. Using a sharp knife, I cut the block into bars of desired size. I typically aim for 12-16 bars, depending on how large I want them to be.
I store the cut bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They’ll keep well for up to two weeks, though in my experience, they rarely last that long!
Nutrition Information
This recipe yields approximately 12 bars. Here’s the estimated nutritional information per bar:
- Calories: 290
- Total Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
- Sodium: 5mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 30g
- Dietary Fiber: 4g
- Sugars: 22g (includes natural sugars from dried fruits and added sugars from honey)
- Protein: 8g
Please note that these values are estimates and may vary based on specific ingredients used.
Preparation and Storage Times
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Chilling Time: 2 hours (minimum)
- Total Time: 2 hours 15 minutes
- Storage: Up to 2 weeks in an airtight container in the refrigerator
Tips and Variations
To customize these Trail Mix Bars to your taste preferences or nutritional needs, consider these variations:
- Nut-free version: Replace almonds with sunflower seeds or more pumpkin seeds.
- Lower sugar option: Reduce honey and use unsweetened dried fruits.
- Protein boost: Add a scoop of your favorite protein powder to the dry ingredients.
- Seasonal twist: Use dried cherries in summer or dried cranberries in fall.
- Chocolate lover’s delight: Drizzle melted dark chocolate over the top of the bars after they’ve set.
Conclusion
These Homemade Trail Mix Bars are more than just a snack – they’re a nutrient-dense, energy-boosting treat that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re hitting the trails, need a quick breakfast on-the-go, or are looking for a healthier alternative to store-bought granola bars, these homemade bars have got you covered.
The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity and versatility. With just a handful of wholesome ingredients and no baking required, you can create a batch of these delicious bars in no time. Plus, the recipe is easily customizable, allowing you to adapt it to your dietary needs or flavor preferences.
So, gather your ingredients, clear some space in your fridge, and get ready to enjoy the satisfying crunch, natural sweetness, and sustained energy these Trail Mix Bars provide. Happy snacking!