Energy Boosting Trail Mix
This Trail Mix is a healthy mix of nuts and seeds, plus dried cherries and dark chocolate to satisfy your sweet tooth.ย It’s the perfect snack for the back-to-school rush or to pack in your work bag or purse when you’re on the go!
When life gets busy we all need quick snacks that we can throw in our bag on our way out the door. I’ve been reaching for a handful of this homemade trail mix when hunger hits and I need something easy to snack on.
This trail mix recipe is full of healthy nuts and seeds, plus some dark chocolate chips and dried cherries to make you feel like you’re treating yourself to something sweet too. I know I’m not the only one who craves a little something sweet to get me through the afternoon slump, right? With this trail mix, you get a taste of sweetness along with a protein-packed mix of nuts and seeds so you don’t crash from a sugar rush 30 minutes later.
I used raw almonds and walnuts in my trail mix, plus roasted and lightly salted cashews for a little hit of salt. The sweet-salty combo was just right. I debated about whether or not to add the toasted coconut to this trail mix, and I’m so glad I did. I love the flavor and texture it gives, and the little bits of toasted coconut that combine with the sunflower seeds are delicious!
I recommend making a batch of this trail mix on the weekend, and then portioning it out into individual snack bags so it’s easy to grab when you’re on the go during the week. I find a heaping ยผ cup serving to be just right.
What are your favorite trail mix add-ins? Please share in the comments! ๐
Energy Boosting Trail Mix
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsweetened coconut flakes
- 1 cup raw almonds
- 1 cup raw walnuts
- 1 cup cashews, I used roasted and lightly salted
- ยฝ cup raw sunflower seeds
- 1 cup dried cherries, or cranberries
- ยพ cup dark chocolate chips
Instructions
- Place coconut flakes in a small skillet on the stove. Toast over medium-low heat, until lightly golden and fragrant, gently stirring often. This should take only 2 or 3 minutes; watch the coconut carefully so it doesn't burn. Let cool before mixing with other trail mix ingredients.
- Place toasted coconut and all remaining ingredients in a large bowl or storage container; stir to mix. Store trail mix in an airtight container at room temperature, or divide into individual portions in zip-top baggies. I find that a heaping 1/4 cup is the perfect serving size. Enjoy!
That’s exciting that it’s back-to-school time, Kristine! I’m sure it’s a little bittersweet, too. This trail mix looks like just the snack for hungry kids and adults! Love the dark chocolate and sunflower seeds in here!
It is both exciting and bittersweet. My week is going well so far, though, just busy!
You lucky girl to be in the baby years. How I miss them.
I already miss the early newborn stage! It goes by way too quickly. Thanks for commenting, Candace. ๐
I love that you added coconut! I’ve been obsessed with it lately.
Me too! I was debating it and I’m so glad I went with the coconut!
Toasted coconut is just the best- and love the dark chocolate for the antioxidants ๐
That’s what I was thinking with the dark chocolate. It’s a health food because of those antioxidants, right? ๐
Hope your first day back at teaching went well! I bet it will be nice to have a routine going. This trail mix is such a great on-the-go snack!
Thanks Natalie! It went great!
Oh, I do love this kind of snacks. With the addition of coconut and chocolate (! I’m super excited!), that’s so good. The problem is I try not to have this stuff often cause I cannot restrict myself from eating it. I can easily eat a pound or two or more. Embarrassing.
I agree, snacks like this trail mix can be so addicting! Dividing it out into portions ahead of time does help, so long as you can stick to one serving. ๐
Time goes so fast, Kristine — it seems like yesterday that my kids were that age and now they’re in 7th and 8th grades! It makes me sad. ๐ Enjoy them being young! This trail mix looks so addicting and delicious — I totally need to make this! ๐
I know, the time does go by so fast, Marcie! I’m trying to enjoy it as best I can. ๐
YOu are one busy lady! It’s crazy how time flies. I have a second grader. How did that happen?!? This trail mix looks wonderful, toasted coconut is my favorite.
Time goes WAY too fast, Kelly! I hope your little guy is loving second grade!
Mmmmm this looks like the perfect combo! I need to make my own trail mix. My hubby goes through it like crazy and I bet it’s a lot cheaper to make yourself!! I’m putting it on my list…. ๐
Thank you, Jess!
Oh, I love reading about your kids…so cute that Hannah is almost crawling…watch out, Mamma! And so nice that William loves school. Kai really loves his dayhome and it makes it so much easier for me to be away from him. Loving this trail mix. I need to make some because when hunger strikes, I’m just the worst…I go straight for the bag of chocolate chips ๐
I’m so glad that Kai is happy going to his dayhome, Denise! It makes it so much easier to be at work when the kids are happy. ๐
I should make my own trail mix! This is a good idea. My boyfriend is one of those people who just has an insane metabolism and appetite, so he is always chomping on handfuls of trail mix. Love that I can make this in BULK like he needs it!
Yes! This recipe makes a ton so it’s perfect! ๐
i love a good trail mix and dark chocolate turns it into a trail mix I won’t want to share. Yum!
Thanks, Aileen! I’ll admit, the dark chocolate is my favorite part of this mix!
I finally made this today and it turned out beautifully! I used peanuts instead of walnuts and semi sweet chocolate instead of dark (that’s just what I had on hand). For the fruit, I used a mix of mango, cranberries, and blueberries. Yum!
I’m so glad you liked this recipe, Aileen! Your mix-ins sound delicious! Thanks for commenting to let me know. ๐
Any reason this wouldnโt work WITHOUT toasting the coconut? I want to make gift jars and hesitate to plan anything that isnโt quick mix and jar!ย
I think it would be fine – I just prefer the flavor of toasted coconut. ๐
This trail mix is fantastic! thanks for posting
I’m so glad you like it!