Description
Blueberry baby trail mix delivers a nutrient-packed punch for tiny adventurers, combining wholesome dried fruits and gentle nuts. Packed with essential vitamins and minerals, this snack provides growing little ones with delicious energy for their playful journeys.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 2 (8 ounces / 226 grams) packages cream cheese, softened
- 2 large eggs
- 1 ½ cups fresh or frozen blackberries
- 1 cup graham cracker crumbs
Dairy and Sweeteners:
- ½ cup sugar
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- ⅓ cup sour cream
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
Flavoring and Binding Ingredients:
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1–2 teaspoons dried culinary lavender
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon water
Instructions
- Prepare the oven environment by adjusting the temperature to 325F (163C) and positioning a muffin tin with protective paper liners.
- Craft the foundation by blending graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and melted butter into a cohesive mixture. Gently press approximately one tablespoon of this mixture into each liner, then briefly bake for 5 minutes and allow to cool.
- Create a delicate lavender essence by warming milk or cream with dried lavender until it reaches a gentle simmer. Allow the liquid to steep for 5-10 minutes, then meticulously strain out the lavender buds and cool the infused liquid.
- Prepare the creamy filling by vigorously beating cream cheese and sugar until achieving a silky texture. Incorporate eggs individually, then integrate sour cream, vanilla, and the strained lavender-infused cream. Mix carefully to maintain a smooth consistency without overmixing.
- Distribute the filling evenly across each prepared crust, filling each liner approximately three-quarters full. Bake for 18-22 minutes, monitoring until centers appear set with a slight wobble.
- Allow the cheesecakes to cool completely at room temperature, then refrigerate for a minimum of 2 hours to achieve optimal texture.
- Develop the blackberry topping by combining blackberries, sugar, and lemon juice in a saucepan. Simmer over medium heat until berries soften and break down. Introduce a cornstarch slurry to thicken the mixture, then remove from heat and let cool.
- Finalize the dessert by delicately spooning the blackberry topping over each individual cheesecake. Optionally garnish with additional fresh blackberries or a delicate lavender sprig for an elegant presentation.
Notes
- Customize the baby trail mix by experimenting with different dried fruits like raisins, cranberries, or chopped apricots for variety.
- Create a nut-free version by replacing almonds and walnuts with sunflower or pumpkin seeds, perfect for school snacks and allergy-sensitive environments.
- Boost nutritional value by adding a sprinkle of chia seeds or hemp hearts, which provide extra protein and omega-3 fatty acids without changing the mix’s delicate flavor profile.
- Store the trail mix in airtight containers at room temperature for up to two weeks, ensuring freshness and preventing moisture from making ingredients soft or stale.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Snacks
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 10
- Calories: 540
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 900 mg
- Fat: 30 g
- Saturated Fat: 16 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 1 g
- Carbohydrates: 45 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 28 g
- Cholesterol: 85 mg