Pin This A festive, crunchy snack bar featuring a medley of nuts, seeds, dried fruits, and white chocolate—perfect for cozy winter days or holiday gatherings.
Ingredients
- Nuts & Seeds: 1 cup unsalted roasted almonds, 1/2 cup shelled pistachios, 1/4 cup pumpkin seeds
- Dried Fruits: 1/2 cup dried cranberries, 1/3 cup dried apricots, chopped, 1/4 cup dried blueberries
- Grains & Crunch: 1 1/4 cups rolled oats, 1 cup crisp rice cereal
- Bind & Sweeten: 1/2 cup honey or maple syrup, 1/3 cup creamy almond butter, 2 tbsp unsalted butter, 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon, 1/4 tsp salt, 1 tsp pure vanilla extract
- Topping: 1/2 cup white chocolate chips, 2 tbsp festive sprinkles (optional)
Instructions
- Step 1:
- Line an 8x8-inch (20x20 cm) baking pan with parchment paper, leaving some overhang for easy removal.
- Step 2:
- In a large bowl, combine almonds, pistachios, pumpkin seeds, dried cranberries, apricots, blueberries, oats, and rice cereal. Set aside.
- Step 3:
- In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine honey (or maple syrup), almond butter, unsalted butter, cinnamon, salt, and vanilla extract. Stir continuously until melted and smooth (about 2–3 minutes). Remove from heat.
- Step 4:
- Pour the warm mixture over the dry ingredients. Stir well until everything is evenly coated.
- Step 5:
- Transfer the mixture to the prepared pan. Press firmly and evenly into the pan using a spatula or the back of a measuring cup.
- Step 6:
- Sprinkle white chocolate chips and festive sprinkles on top. Gently press them into the surface.
- Step 7:
- Refrigerate for at least 1 hour or until firm.
- Step 8:
- Lift the mixture out of the pan using the parchment paper. Cut into 12 bars. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.
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Pin This Recipe FAQs
- → Can I substitute almond butter for a nut-free alternative?
Yes, sunflower seed butter works well as a nut-free substitute, maintaining creamy texture and flavor.
- → How do I store the trail mix bars to keep them fresh?
Store bars in an airtight container refrigerated for up to one week to preserve freshness and texture.
- → Are there options to change the chocolate topping?
Dark chocolate chips can replace white chocolate for a richer taste and a different contrast.
- → What is the purpose of chilling the bars for one hour?
Chilling helps the mixture set firmly, allowing easy cutting and handling without crumbling.
- → Can additional ingredients be added for variety?
Yes, shredded coconut or mini marshmallows can add extra winter flair and texture to the bars.