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Wholesome Lake Day Trail Mix Recipe

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An easy, filling, and wholesome homemade snack mix of dried fruit and nuts, perfect for lake days, hikes, and outdoor adventures. This trail mix balances crunchy nuts, chewy dried fruits, and a touch of sweetness for sustained energy without the sugar crash.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 cup raw almonds (140g)
  • 3/4 cup raw cashews (100g)
  • 1/2 cup dried apricots, chopped (70g)
  • 1/2 cup dried cranberries (60g)
  • 1/3 cup sunflower seeds (45g)
  • 1/4 cup unsweetened coconut flakes (20g) – optional
  • 1/4 cup mini dark chocolate chips (40g)
  • 1/2 teaspoon sea salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon (optional)

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This step is optional but recommended for toasting the nuts and seeds to bring out their natural oils and deepen the flavor. It takes about 8-10 minutes.
  2. Spread almonds, cashews, and sunflower seeds evenly on a baking sheet in a single layer. Set a timer and stir halfway through to avoid burning.
  3. While the nuts toast, chop your dried apricots into bite-sized pieces.
  4. Once toasted, remove the nuts and seeds from the oven and let them cool for about 5 minutes to prevent chocolate chips from melting later.
  5. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled nuts and seeds with dried apricots, dried cranberries, coconut flakes, and mini dark chocolate chips.
  6. Sprinkle the sea salt and cinnamon over the mixture. Toss everything gently but thoroughly.
  7. Transfer the trail mix to an airtight container or ziplock bag. It’s ready to pack for your lake day or snack stash and keeps well at room temperature for up to two weeks.

Notes

Toasting nuts and seeds is optional but recommended for extra crunch and flavor. Watch closely to avoid burning. Let nuts cool completely before adding chocolate chips to prevent melting. For a sweeter glaze, drizzle a small amount of honey or maple syrup before toasting, but keep it light to avoid stickiness. Store in airtight containers at room temperature for up to two weeks or freeze for longer storage. Keep chocolate chips separate if storing for extended periods to avoid melting.

Nutrition

Keywords: trail mix, homemade snack, dried fruit, nuts, lake day snack, healthy snack, easy snack, gluten-free, vegan option