Dark Chocolate Trail Mix Recipe for Sweet & Nutty Energy

Whipping up a delectable dark chocolate trail mix can turn any ordinary snack moment into a delightful adventure.

Nuts, seeds, and dried fruits dance together under a rich cocoa coating that promises pure satisfaction.

Sweet meets crunchy in this irresistible blend that beckons you to nibble and savor.

Each handful delivers a perfect balance of texture and flavor that keeps you coming back for more.

Homemade goodness beats store-bought options every single time, especially when you control the ingredients.

Weekend meal prep becomes exciting with this simple yet impressive recipe that takes minimal effort.

Grab a bowl and let’s create something unexpectedly delicious that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Dark Chocolate Trail Mix for Anytime Cravings

• A nutrient-dense trail mix packed with wholesome ingredients that deliver serious energy and flavor in every handful.
• Takes less than 5 minutes to prepare, making it perfect for busy professionals, students, and active individuals seeking instant nutrition.
• Ideal for hiking, road trips, office snacking, pre-workout fuel, or mid-afternoon energy boosts without complicated preparation steps.
• Simple recipe allows personal modifications with different nuts, seeds, or chocolate types, catering to various dietary preferences and taste profiles.

Dark Chocolate Trail Mix Q&A

• What are the health benefits of the ingredients in this trail mix?

Almonds, cashews, and seeds provide protein, healthy fats, and essential minerals. Dried fruits add antioxidants and natural sweetness. Dark chocolate offers heart-healthy flavonoids and mood-boosting properties.

• Is this trail mix suitable for vegetarians or vegans?

Yes, the recipe is vegetarian and can be vegan if you choose dairy-free dark chocolate. All ingredients are plant-based and provide excellent nutritional value.

• How can I customize the trail mix if I have nut allergies?

Replace nuts with additional seeds like chia or hemp seeds. You can also add roasted pumpkin seeds or sunflower seeds for crunch and nutrition.

• What type of dark chocolate works best for this recipe?

Choose high-quality dark chocolate with at least 70% cocoa content for maximum health benefits and rich flavor. Dark chocolate chunks or chips both work well in this trail mix.

Dark Chocolate Trail Mix Ingredients You’ll Want Handy

• Almonds: Crunchy base with healthy fats and protein, choose raw or roasted.
• Cashews: Creamy texture that adds richness, select whole or pieces.
• Pumpkin Seeds: Nutty flavor with minerals, preferably raw or lightly toasted.
• Sunflower Seeds: Light crunch with subtle nuttiness, hulled seeds work best.

• Dried Cranberries, Dried Cherries: Sweet-tart burst of flavor, look for unsweetened or low-sugar options.

• Coconut Flakes: Optional tropical touch with soft texture, unsweetened variety recommended.

• Dark Chocolate Chunks or Chips: Rich indulgence with antioxidants, select high-quality chocolate with at least 70% cocoa content.

• Sea Salt: Enhances overall flavor profile, use flaky or fine grain.

Mix and Match Instructions for Dark Chocolate Trail Mix

Step 1: Prepare Mixing Bowl

Grab a spacious mixing bowl that gives you plenty of room to work with and create your delicious trail mix.

Step 2: Combine Dry Ingredients

• Almonds
• Cashews
• Pumpkin seeds
• Sunflower seeds
• Dried cranberries
• Dried cherries
• Coconut flakes (optional)

Step 3: Fold In Chocolate

Gently introduce dark chocolate chunks or chips into the mix, carefully folding them throughout to ensure even distribution.

Step 4: Season And Toss

Sprinkle sea salt over the trail mix and give it a light toss, making sure all ingredients are perfectly coated and mixed.

Step 5: Store And Serve

Transfer your trail mix to an airtight container to maintain freshness. This delightful snack can be enjoyed immediately or stored at room temperature for up to two weeks, providing a quick energy boost whenever you need it.

Smart Tips for Assembling Dark Chocolate Trail Mix

• Customize Your Crunch: Swap out nuts or seeds based on personal preference or dietary needs, keeping the same overall quantity for balanced texture.
• Melt Chocolate Strategically: Drizzle melted dark chocolate over the trail mix for a more decadent coating that helps bind ingredients together.
• Control Salt Intensity: Adjust sea salt quantity to taste, using less for a milder flavor or more for a pronounced savory-sweet profile.
• Boost Nutritional Value: Add protein-rich ingredients like chia seeds or hemp hearts to increase the mix's nutritional density and staying power.
• Store Smart: Keep trail mix in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight to maintain chocolate's quality and prevent ingredient clumping.

How to Keep Dark Chocolate Trail Mix Fresh Longer

• Store trail mix in an airtight container in the refrigerator to maintain freshness for up to 4 weeks. Keep away from direct sunlight and moisture.
• Seal the mixture in a tightly closed container at room temperature, ensuring it stays in a cool, dry spot for best quality within 2 weeks.
• Transfer trail mix to a freezer-safe container or ziplock bag, removing excess air. Freeze for up to 3 months without compromising taste or texture.
• Before consuming stored trail mix, inspect for any signs of staleness, unusual odors, or moisture that might indicate spoilage.

What Goes Well with Dark Chocolate Trail Mix

• Blend a creamy almond milk smoothie with banana and vanilla protein powder to complement the trail mix's rich chocolate and nut profile.
• Brew a strong, dark espresso that echoes the intense dark chocolate notes, creating a robust flavor harmony with the trail mix's deep chocolate chunks.
• Select a bold red wine like Cabernet Sauvignon or Malbec, whose deep fruit and chocolate undertones will beautifully enhance the mix's complex textures and flavors.
• Choose a robust porter or stout with chocolate and roasted malt characteristics that mirror the dark chocolate and nutty elements in the trail mix.

Creative Variations for Dark Chocolate Trail Mix Fans

• Low-Sugar Version: Replace dark chocolate chunks with cacao nibs and add stevia-sweetened dark chocolate chips for reduced sugar content while maintaining rich flavor.
• Keto-Friendly Adaptation: Swap dried cranberries and cherries with lower-carb berries like goji or acai, increase nuts proportion, and use sugar-free dark chocolate to align with ketogenic diet requirements.
• Nut-Free Alternative: Substitute almonds and cashews with pumpkin seeds, sunflower seeds, and roasted hemp seeds for individuals with nut allergies while keeping the protein and crunch factor.
• Vegan Option: Use dairy-free dark chocolate chunks, ensure all ingredients are plant-based, and add extra seeds like chia or flax for increased nutritional value and omega-3 content.

Dark Chocolate Trail Mix Recipe

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4.8 from 15 reviews

• Total Time: 10 minutes
• Yield: 8 1x

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Description

Indulgent dark chocolate trail mix blends rich cocoa with crunchy nuts and sweet dried fruits for an irresistible snack. Packed with energy and flavor, this treat satisfies cravings while offering a perfect balance of nutrients you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Nuts and Seeds:

• 1 cup (240 ml) raw almonds (lightly roasted if desired)
• 1 cup (240 ml) raw cashews
• ½ cup (120 ml) pumpkin seeds
• ½ cup (120 ml) sunflower seeds

Dried Fruits:

• 1 cup (240 ml) dried cranberries
• ½ cup (120 ml) dried cherries
• ½ cup (120 ml) unsweetened coconut flakes (optional)

Chocolate and Seasoning:

• 1 cup (240 ml) dark chocolate chunks or chips (70% cocoa or higher)
• ¼ teaspoon (1.25 ml) sea salt (optional)

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Instructions

1. Gather a spacious mixing vessel to assemble the trail mix ensemble of nutty and fruity components.
2. Methodically introduce raw almonds, cashews, pumpkin seeds, and sunflower seeds into the container, creating a textural foundation.
3. Delicately incorporate dried cranberries and dried cherries, ensuring balanced distribution throughout the mixture.
4. If desired, sprinkle coconut flakes to enhance the tropical undertones of the trail mix.
5. Carefully introduce dark chocolate chunks or chips, gently folding them into the existing ingredient medley.
6. Enhance the flavor profile by sprinkling a light dusting of sea salt across the mix, using gentle tossing motions to ensure even seasoning.
7. Transfer the completed trail mix into a sealed, airtight container to preserve freshness and maintain optimal crunch.
8. Relish immediately as a quick energy-boosting snack or store at ambient temperature, where the mix will retain its delectable qualities for approximately two weeks.

Notes

• Select high-quality dark chocolate with at least 70% cocoa for maximum antioxidant benefits and richer flavor.
• Toast nuts and seeds briefly before mixing to enhance their natural nutty taste and create a crunchier texture.
• Customize trail mix by swapping ingredients based on dietary preferences or allergies, like using pumpkin seeds for nut-free versions.
• Keep trail mix in a cool, dry place to prevent chocolate from melting and maintain optimal crispness of ingredients.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 0 minutes
• Category: Snacks, Desserts
• Method: Blending
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 405
• Sugar: 40 g
• Sodium: 180 mg
• Fat: 20 g
• Saturated Fat: 12 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 52 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 4 g
• Cholesterol: 100 mg