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Trail Mix Granola Bars are a wholesome snack packed with nutritious nuts, seeds, and dried fruit. These bars are naturally sweetened without processed sugar, making them ideal for a quick energy boost whether you are hiking, working out, or needing a satisfying afternoon pickmeup. They are glutenfree and topped with a hint of dark chocolate, adding a little treat to an otherwise healthy bite.
I first made these bars when I wanted a clean snack for long hikes, and now they are a regular in my snack lineup. It’s rewarding to know exactly what goes in them, and the chocolate topping always gets compliments.
Ingredients
- Glutenfree rolled oats: provide a chewy texture and heart healthy fiber, choose organic if possible
- Almond butter: adds creaminess and healthy fats, look for brands with no added sugar or oils
- Maple syrup or honey: natural sweeteners that bind ingredients, select pure grade maple syrup or raw honey
- Trail mix: a blend of raw almonds, cashews, sunflower kernels, dried blueberries and cranberries, pick unsweetened and unsalted varieties
- Dark chocolate chips: for a touch of indulgence, use a quality chocolate with at least 70 percent cocoa for richness and antioxidants
Instructions
- Scoop and combine dry ingredients:
- Measure oats, trail mix, and any additional seeds or chocolate chips you like into a large mixing bowl. Toss to mix evenly so every bite has a balanced flavor.
- Melt wet ingredients:
- In a microwave safe bowl, gently heat almond butter and maple syrup or honey until smooth and pourable. Stir well to blend the two together perfectly.
- Combine thoroughly:
- Pour the warm almond butter mixture over the oat mixture. Stir carefully with a spatula until every oat and nut is coated. Make sure the mixture sticks together when pinched between your fingers this is how you know it will hold as bars.
- Press into pan:
- Line an 8x8inch pan with parchment paper and lightly grease it. Transfer the mixture and press down firmly and evenly until it is smooth and compact. This helps the bars hold their shape when chilled.
- Chill firmly:
- Place the pan in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours or until the granola is set and firm to the touch. This step locks everything together.
- Add chocolate topping:
- Melt dark chocolate in a microwave safe container in short bursts, stirring after each interval to avoid burning. Pour the melted chocolate evenly over the chilled granola base and spread with an offset spatula.
- Final chill:
- Return the pan to the refrigerator for another 30 minutes until the chocolate topping hardens and sets completely.
- Cut and serve:
- Remove the slab from the pan using the parchment paper edges. Cut into 16 equal bars for adults or smaller pieces for children. Store any leftovers in the fridge.
My favorite addition is the dried blueberries in the trail mix which add a sweet tart burst that keeps these bars interesting and full of flavor. These bars became a staple when my husband’s office requested something homemade and healthier than typical vending machine treats.
Storage Tips
Keep the bars refrigerated in an airtight container to maintain freshness for up to two weeks. If you want to keep them longer, wrap individually and freeze for up to three months. Thaw in the fridge before eating for best texture.
Ingredient Substitutions
Almond butter can be swapped with peanut butter or sunflower seed butter for a different nutty note if allergies are a concern. Maple syrup or honey works fine interchangeably depending on what you have on hand or your sweetness preference. The trail mix can be tailored with walnuts, pumpkin seeds, raisins, or even coconut flakes to suit your taste or what you have available.
Serving Suggestions
These bars are perfect eaten as a snack on their own or paired with a fresh piece of fruit for added fiber and hydration. They also make a smart pre or post workout boost or a lunchbox treat for kids and adults alike. Try them crumbled over yogurt or a smoothie bowl for extra crunch and nutrition.
These granola bars are a great way to enjoy a homemade, healthy snack that you can feel good about. They come together quickly with simple ingredients and offer a satisfying crunch with just the right touch of chocolate finish.
Common Questions About Recipes
- → What ingredients hold the bars together?
Almond butter and maple syrup or honey act as natural binders, keeping the oat and nut mixture together without baking.
- → Can I use different nuts or dried fruits?
Absolutely! Feel free to swap in your favorite nuts, seeds, or dried fruits to customize the flavor and texture.
- → Are these bars gluten-free?
Yes, using gluten-free oats ensures the bars are safe for those avoiding gluten.
- → How should I store the bars?
Keep them chilled in the refrigerator where they stay fresh for up to two weeks.
- → Is baking required for these bars?
No baking needed! The bars simply chill to set after mixing all the ingredients.
- → How do I add a chocolate topping?
Melt dark chocolate chips and pour over the chilled bars, then chill again until set for a rich finish.