Healthy Trail Mix Bars

Trail Mix Granola Bars are a wholesome homemade snack packed with nuts, seeds, and dried fruit. These bars combine glutenfree oats with almond butter and natural sweeteners like honey or maple syrup for a chewy and satisfying texture without any processed sugars. A final layer of dark chocolate melts over the top, making these bars both healthy and indulgent. Perfect for hikes, after workouts, or a midday pickmeup, these bars are easy to make and free of preservatives.

I first made these bars on a busy weeknight when I needed a healthy grabandgo snack. Now they have become a favorite for both me and my family, especially when we go hiking or need an afternoon boost.

Ingredients

• Gluten free rolled oats: Makes the base hearty and fiber rich choose thick, whole flakes for best texture
• Trail mix: Select a mix of raw almonds, cashews, sunflower kernels, dried blueberries, and cranberries for a balance of crunch and sweetness
• Almond butter: Binds the mixture together while adding natural creaminess and protein look for a smooth version without added sugars
• Maple syrup or honey: Sweetens the bars naturally verify it is pure and not blended with corn syrup
• Dark chocolate chips: For the topping bring a touch of indulgence and antioxidants use good quality chips that melt smoothly

Instructions

Scoop together the dry ingredients:

In a large bowl, pour in the glutenfree oats, your chosen trail mix, and any additional seeds or extra chocolate chips. This combination forms the flavorful base of your bars.

Melt almond butter and sweetener:

Place the almond butter and maple syrup or honey in a microwave safe bowl or cup. Heat gently for about 30 to 40 seconds until the mixture is soft and pourable. Stir well to combine the two into a smooth liquid.

Combine wet and dry ingredients:

Pour the warmed almond butter mixture over the oat and trail mix in the large bowl. Using a sturdy spoon or spatula, stir thoroughly until every bit of the dry ingredients is coated. Check by pinching a small handful—which should stick together easily.

Press into prepared pan:

Line an 8x8 inch pan with parchment paper and lightly spray with non stick spray or lightly oil it. Transfer the granola mixture evenly into the pan and press down firmly with your hands or the back of a spoon to create a compact and level layer. This helps bars hold their shape.

Chill to set:

Place the pan in the refrigerator and chill for at least two hours. This step solidifies the almond butter and sweetener so the bars become sturdy.

Melt and spread chocolate:

In a clean microwave safe container, melt the dark chocolate chips in bursts of 20 seconds, stirring in between to avoid burning. Pour the smooth melted chocolate over the chilled granola layer and spread evenly with a spatula.

Final chill and cut:

Return the pan to the refrigerator and chill until the chocolate topping firms up, about 30 minutes. Once set, carefully lift the entire block out of the pan using the parchment paper and cut into desired sized bars. I like to cut 16 bars for adults but smaller squares are great for kids.

My favorite part of the recipe is the trail mix because it combines sweet dried berries with crunchy seeds and nuts for perfect texture contrast. I remember making these bars with my kids after school and how proud they were to eat a healthy treat they helped create.

Storage Tips

Store your granola bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator. This keeps them fresh and maintains the chocolate toppings firmness. If you want to store them longer, wrap each bar individually in parchment paper and freeze for up to two months. Thaw them at room temperature before eating.

Ingredient Substitutions

Swap almond butter for peanut butter or sunflower seed butter if you have a nut allergy. Use agave nectar or brown rice syrup instead of honey or maple syrup to keep it vegan or vary flavor. Try different nuts or mix ins like pumpkin seeds, dried cherries, or coconut flakes for variety.

Serving Suggestions

These bars are fantastic on their own but make a great pairing with a cup of coffee or tea. Wrap a few in a lunchbox for healthy school or work snacks. They are also perfect as fuel on a hike or bike ride for steady energy without crashing.

These granola bars are an easy makeahead snack that balances nutrition and indulgence. Enjoy them chilled or at room temperature.

Common Questions About Recipes

→ What nuts are used in these bars?

They feature raw almonds, cashews, and sunflower kernels for a crunchy, nutritious blend.

→ Are these bars gluten-free?

Yes, they use gluten-free oats to accommodate gluten sensitivities.

→ How are the bars sweetened?

Natural sweeteners like honey or maple syrup are used instead of processed sugars.

→ Is any baking required to make these bars?

No baking is needed; the mixture is pressed into a pan and chilled until set.

→ Can the nut and fruit mix be customized?

Absolutely, you can swap in your favorite nuts, dried fruits, and seeds for variety.

→ How long do the bars keep fresh?

They can be stored refrigerated for up to two weeks while maintaining freshness.