Easy Maple Roasted Trail Mix Recipe

Easy Maple Roasted Trail Mix Recipe: A Sweet Crunchy Delight

Crafting a delightful maple roasted trail mix can turn an ordinary snack into a crunchy, sweet adventure.

Nuts, seeds, and dried fruits dance together under a glossy maple glaze.

Clusters of almonds, pecans, and pumpkin seeds create a texture that will make you smile.

Homemade snacks always taste better when you control the ingredients and seasoning.

Each handful promises a perfect balance of salty and sweet flavors that pop with every bite.

Customize this mix by adding your favorite nuts or a sprinkle of cinnamon for extra warmth.

Trust me, you won’t be able to stop at just one handful of this irresistible treat.

Easy Maple Roasted Trail Mix That Feels Homemade

  • Master a Delightful Homemade Snack in Minutes
  • Combines simple ingredients with minimal cooking steps, allowing anyone from novice to experienced cook to create a delicious trail mix effortlessly.
  • Easily swap nuts, seeds, or add chocolate chips to match personal taste preferences, making this recipe incredibly versatile and adaptable for different dietary needs.
  • Packed with nutrient-rich nuts, seeds, and natural maple syrup, this trail mix offers a wholesome alternative to store-bought processed snacks, perfect for energizing midday munching or pre-workout fuel.
  • Significantly cheaper than premium packaged trail mixes, this homemade version delivers restaurant-quality flavor while allowing complete control over ingredients and portion sizes.

Everything That Goes into Maple Roasted Trail Mix

Nuts and Seeds:
  • Almonds, Pecans, Coconut Flakes, Pumpkin Seeds, Sunflower Seeds: Crunchy base of the trail mix with rich, hearty textures. Raw or roasted nuts work best, ensuring freshness and quality.
Liquid Coating:
  • Maple Syrup, Coconut Oil: Sweet binding agent that adds flavor and helps ingredients stick together. Pure maple syrup recommended for best taste.
Flavor Enhancers:
  • Cinnamon, Salt: Adds warmth and balances sweetness. Use ground cinnamon and kosher or sea salt for depth of flavor.
Optional Add-Ins:
  • Dried Fruit, Chocolate Chips: Provides extra sweetness and variety after roasting. Choose unsweetened dried fruits and dark chocolate for healthier options.

Bake and Toss Maple Roasted Trail Mix

Step 1: Prepare Baking Station

Preheat the oven to 325°F (163°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup and perfect roasting.

Step 2: Combine Crunchy Ingredients

Gather your ingredients:
  • Raw almonds
  • Pecan halves
  • Sunflower seeds
  • Pumpkin seeds
  • Unsweetened coconut flakes

Mix these ingredients in a spacious mixing bowl, creating a delightful base for your trail mix.

Step 3: Create Flavor-Packed Coating

In a separate small bowl, whisk together:
  • Pure maple syrup
  • Coconut oil
  • Ground cinnamon
  • Sea salt

Blend these ingredients until they form a smooth, aromatic mixture.

Step 4: Infuse and Coat

Pour the maple syrup mixture over the nut and seed blend. Gently stir until every morsel is evenly coated with the delicious glaze.

Step 5: Spread for Perfect Roasting

Transfer the coated mixture onto the prepared baking sheet. Spread it in a single, even layer to ensure uniform roasting.

Step 6: Roast to Golden Perfection

Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven. Roast for 18-22 minutes, stirring midway through to promote even browning. Look for a golden color and fragrant aroma.

Step 7: Cool and Customize

Allow the roasted mix to cool completely at room temperature. Once cooled, fold in:
  • Dried cranberries
  • Dark chocolate chips
  • Dried blueberries (optional)

Step 8: Store and Enjoy

Transfer the trail mix to an airtight container. Keep at room temperature, where it will stay fresh and crunchy for up to two weeks.

Pro Tips for Maple Roasted Trail Mix Success

  • Toast Nuts Strategically: Stir the trail mix halfway through baking to ensure even roasting and prevent burning, creating a perfectly golden and crunchy texture.
  • Control Sweetness Level: Adjust maple syrup quantity based on personal preference, using less for a subtle sweetness or more for a richer flavor profile.
  • Customize Mix Possibilities: Swap nuts and seeds freely to match dietary needs or personal taste, keeping the same basic roasting technique for consistent results.
  • Prevent Moisture Buildup: Cool trail mix completely before storing to maintain crispness and prevent potential clumping or soggy texture.
  • Smart Storage Solution: Use an airtight container and store at room temperature for maximum freshness, ensuring the trail mix stays crunchy for up to two weeks.

How to Keep Maple Roasted Trail Mix Crunchy

  • Transfer cooled trail mix to an airtight container, keeping it fresh and crunchy for up to 2 weeks at room temperature.
  • Pack the trail mix in freezer-safe bags or containers, storing it for 3 months without losing its delicious flavor or texture.
  • If mix becomes slightly soft, spread on a baking sheet and toast in a 325F oven for 5-7 minutes to revive its crunchiness.
  • Always use a completely dry container and ensure trail mix is totally cool before sealing to maintain its perfect crisp texture.

Pair Maple Roasted Trail Mix with These

  • The warm cinnamon notes in the trail mix beautifully complement the spicy, smooth chai tea, creating a delightful morning or afternoon treat.
  • The bold, robust coffee cuts through the sweetness of maple and enhances the nutty, toasted flavors of the trail mix.
  • A tangy, probiotic kombucha with fruity undertones provides a crisp contrast to the rich, sweet trail mix, balancing each bite with a light, zesty touch.
  • The decadent chocolate and caramel notes blend seamlessly with the maple-roasted nuts, offering a luxurious and comforting flavor experience.

Add Some Flair to Maple Roasted Trail Mix

  • Gluten-Free Maple Trail Mix: Replace regular seeds with gluten-free seeds like pumpkin or sunflower seeds, ensuring all ingredients are certified gluten-free.
  • Vegan Maple Nut Blend: Swap honey or maple syrup with pure maple syrup, and use dark chocolate chips made from plant-based ingredients for a fully vegan version.
  • Low-Sugar Nutty Mix: Reduce maple syrup quantity and add stevia or monk fruit sweetener to cut down on sugar content while maintaining delicious flavor profile.
  • Protein-Packed Trail Mix: Incorporate additional protein sources like hemp seeds, chia seeds, or add a scoop of plant-based protein powder to boost nutritional value.

FAQs for Maple Roasted Trail Mix Fans

  • Can I customize the nuts and seeds in this trail mix?

Absolutely! Feel free to swap out nuts or seeds based on your preference or what you have on hand. Just keep the total volume similar to maintain the recipe’s balance.

  • Is this trail mix healthy?

Yes, it’s packed with nutritious ingredients like nuts, seeds, and a natural sweetener (maple syrup). It provides healthy fats, protein, and some minerals. Just be mindful of portion sizes since it’s calorie-dense.

  • How can I prevent burning the trail mix?

Stir the mix halfway through baking and watch closely in the last few minutes. Every oven is slightly different, so keep an eye on the color and adjust baking time if needed. Golden brown is what you’re aiming for, not dark brown.

  • Can I make this trail mix vegan?

This recipe is already vegan-friendly! With maple syrup, nuts, seeds, and optional plant-based chocolate chips, it’s perfect for those following a vegan diet.

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Easy Maple Roasted Trail Mix Recipe

Easy Maple Roasted Trail Mix Recipe


5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.6 from 10 reviews

  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 6 1x

Description

Maple roasted trail mix delivers a delightful symphony of crunchy nuts, sweet maple essence, and warm spices that dance across your palate. Nutty, sweet, and perfectly balanced, this simple snack will become your go-to treat for quick energy and pure satisfaction.


Ingredients

Scale

Nuts and Seeds:

  • 1 cup (150 g) raw almonds
  • 1 cup (100 g) pecan halves
  • ½ cup (60 g) pumpkin seeds (pepitas)
  • ½ cup (60 g) sunflower seeds

Sweeteners and Flavor Enhancers:

  • 2 tablespoons (30 ml) maple syrup
  • 1 tablespoon (15 ml) coconut oil or olive oil
  • ½ cup (40 g) shredded unsweetened coconut
  • ½ cup (60 g) dried cranberries or cherries

Spices and Seasonings:

  • ½ teaspoon (2.5 ml) cinnamon
  • ¼ teaspoon (1.25 ml) salt
  • Optional: ¼ cup (40 g) dark chocolate chips (add after baking)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the oven environment by setting the temperature to 325F (163C) and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
  2. Combine almonds, pecans, seeds, and coconut in a spacious mixing vessel, ensuring an even distribution of ingredients.
  3. Create a flavor-enhancing liquid by whisking maple syrup, oil, cinnamon, and salt in a separate small container until thoroughly integrated.
  4. Drench the nut and seed mixture with the syrup blend, carefully folding to achieve uniform coating across all ingredients.
  5. Transfer the coated mixture onto the prepared baking sheet, spreading it into a thin, consistent layer to promote even roasting.
  6. Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and roast for 18-22 minutes, pausing midway to gently rotate and redistribute the ingredients for optimal golden coloration and aromatic development.
  7. Remove from the oven and allow the trail mix to cool completely at room temperature, which helps crisp the nuts and seeds.
  8. Once cooled, introduce dried fruit and chocolate chips, gently folding them into the roasted mixture for added texture and flavor complexity.
  9. Preserve the trail mix in a sealed container, maintaining its crunch and freshness at room temperature for up to two weeks.

Notes

  • Choose high-quality maple syrup for a richer, more authentic flavor that elevates the entire trail mix.
  • Toast nuts and seeds low and slow to prevent burning, preserving their delicate nutrients and developing a deeper, nuttier taste.
  • Customize the mix by swapping ingredients based on dietary needs or personal preferences, like using gluten-free oats or substituting nuts for seeds.
  • Add a protein boost by including roasted chickpeas or protein-packed seeds like hemp or chia for a more nutritious snack option.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Category: Snacks
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 6
  • Calories: 450
  • Sugar: 4 g
  • Sodium: 900 mg
  • Fat: 20 g
  • Saturated Fat: 8 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 42 g
  • Fiber: 10 g
  • Protein: 28 g
  • Cholesterol: 80 mg
Ethan Miller

Ethan Miller

Founder & Lead Content Writer

Expertise

  • Recipe Development and Testing
  • Food Photography and Styling
  • Culinary Writing and Blogging
  • Ingredient Sourcing and Sustainability Practices

Education

Portland Community College

  • Degree: Associate of Applied Science in Culinary Arts
  • Focus: Comprehensive training in culinary techniques, kitchen operations, and food safety protocols.

Culinary Institute of the Pacific

  • Program: Certificate in International Cuisine
  • Focus: Exploration of global culinary traditions, flavor profiles, and plating artistry.

Ethan’s culinary journey began in his grandmother’s kitchen, where he first learned to play with flavors and ingredients. With formal training in culinary arts and a deep love for international cuisines, Ethan’s goal is to share the joy of cooking with others.

He believes food is all about creativity and bringing people together, one meal at a time. When he’s not experimenting with new dishes, he enjoys hiking in the Oregon wilderness and discovering fresh, local ingredients.

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