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
- Prepare the oven environment by setting the temperature to 325F (163C) and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
- Combine almonds, pecans, seeds, and coconut in a spacious mixing vessel, ensuring an even distribution of ingredients.
- Create a flavor-enhancing liquid by whisking maple syrup, oil, cinnamon, and salt in a separate small container until thoroughly integrated.
- Drench the nut and seed mixture with the syrup blend, carefully folding to achieve uniform coating across all ingredients.
- Transfer the coated mixture onto the prepared baking sheet, spreading it into a thin, consistent layer to promote even roasting.
- 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.
- Remove from the oven and allow the trail mix to cool completely at room temperature, which helps crisp the nuts and seeds.
- Once cooled, introduce dried fruit and chocolate chips, gently folding them into the roasted mixture for added texture and flavor complexity.
- 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