Looking for the perfect healthy snack that satisfies your sweet tooth while providing sustained energy? This ultimate chocolate cranberry trail mix (vegan + gluten-free) combines the perfect balance of crunchy nuts, chewy dried fruit, and rich dark chocolate to create an irresistible treat that’s both nutritious and delicious.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
This homemade trail mix is a game-changer for anyone seeking a wholesome snack option. Unlike store-bought versions loaded with artificial ingredients and excess sugar, this recipe gives you complete control over quality and freshness. The combination of protein-rich nuts and seeds provides lasting energy, while the natural sweetness from dates and cranberries satisfies cravings without the crash. The dark chocolate adds an indulgent touch that makes this mix feel like a treat rather than just another healthy snack.
What makes this recipe particularly special is its versatility. Whether you’re hitting the hiking trails, need an afternoon pick-me-up at work, or want a guilt-free movie night snack, this mix delivers. It’s naturally vegan and gluten-free, making it suitable for various dietary needs without compromising on taste or nutrition.
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1/2 cup raw almonds
- 1/3 cup raw walnuts
- 1/3 cup raw pumpkin seeds
- 1/4 cup raw sunflower seeds
- 1/8 cup dried cranberries (unsweetened preferred)
- 1/8 cup dark chocolate chunks (70% cacao or higher)
- 2 medjool dates, roughly chopped
- 1/8 teaspoon sea salt
How to Make Chocolate Cranberry Trail Mix:
Creating this nutritious snack is incredibly simple and requires no cooking or special equipment. The key is using high-quality ingredients and achieving the right balance of flavors and textures.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
Step 1: Prepare Your Workspace Gather all ingredients and ensure you have a large mixing bowl and an airtight storage container ready.
Step 2: Chop the Dates Remove pits from medjool dates and roughly chop them into small, bite-sized pieces. This helps distribute their natural sweetness throughout the mix.
Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients In a large mixing bowl, combine the raw almonds, walnuts, pumpkin seeds, and sunflower seeds. Toss gently to distribute evenly.
Step 4: Add Sweet Components Add the dried cranberries, dark chocolate chunks, and chopped dates to the nut and seed mixture.
Step 5: Season and Mix Sprinkle the sea salt over the mixture and toss everything together until well combined. The salt enhances all the flavors and balances the sweetness.
Step 6: Final Taste Test Sample the mix and adjust quantities if desired. Some prefer more chocolate, while others might want extra cranberries for tartness.
Helpful Tips:
Choose raw nuts and seeds for the best nutritional value and to avoid added oils or salt that can overpower the natural flavors. When selecting dried cranberries, opt for unsweetened varieties or those sweetened with apple juice rather than refined sugar.
For the chocolate component, stick with dark chocolate containing at least 70% cacao. This provides antioxidants while keeping added sugar to a minimum. Ensure your chocolate is vegan-certified if following a strict plant-based diet.
Storage temperature matters significantly for maintaining freshness. Keep your trail mix in a cool, dry place, and consider refrigerating during hot weather to prevent the chocolate from melting.
Details:
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 10 minutes
Servings: 8 (approximately 1/4 cup per serving)
Calories: Approximately 180 per serving
This recipe provides an excellent source of healthy fats, plant-based protein, fiber, and essential minerals like magnesium and zinc. The combination of ingredients offers sustained energy release, making it ideal for pre-workout fuel or afternoon energy boosts.
Notes:
Feel free to customize this base recipe according to your preferences and dietary needs. Coconut flakes, goji berries, or cacao nibs make excellent additions. For nut-free versions, substitute seeds like hemp hearts or additional pumpkin seeds.
The natural oils from nuts and dates help bind the mixture slightly, but this isn’t meant to be a sticky or clustered trail mix. If you prefer a more cohesive texture, lightly warm the mixture and press it into a pan to create bars instead.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Q: Can I use roasted nuts instead of raw? A: Absolutely! Roasted nuts add extra flavor depth. Just be mindful that they may contain added oils or salt, so adjust the sea salt accordingly.
Q: How long does this trail mix stay fresh? A: When stored properly in an airtight container, this mix stays fresh for up to 2 weeks at room temperature or up to 1 month refrigerated.
Q: Can I make this nut-free? A: Yes, replace almonds and walnuts with additional seeds like hemp hearts, chia seeds, or more pumpkin and sunflower seeds.
Q: What if I can’t find medjool dates? A: Regular dates work fine, though you might need to chop them more finely. Dried figs or apricots also make good substitutes.
Q: Is this recipe keto-friendly? A: While nuts and seeds are keto-approved, the cranberries and dates contain natural sugars that may not fit strict keto macros. Consider reducing these ingredients or replacing with lower-carb options.
Storage Instructions:
Store your chocolate cranberry trail mix in an airtight glass jar or sealed container at room temperature for up to two weeks. For longer storage, refrigerate for up to one month or freeze for up to three months. Individual portion sizes in small containers or bags make grab-and-go snacking even more convenient.
Avoid storing in direct sunlight or warm areas, as this can cause the chocolate to melt and the nuts to become rancid more quickly. If the mix seems to lose its crispness, spread it on a baking sheet and toast lightly in a 300°F oven for 5-7 minutes.
Related Recipes:
Looking for more healthy snack inspiration? Check out these delicious options from RunofLif.com:
- Energy Balls Recipe Collection – Perfect bite-sized treats for on-the-go energy
- Homemade Granola Bars – Chewy, satisfying bars packed with wholesome ingredients
- Roasted Chickpea Snacks – Crunchy, protein-rich alternatives to processed snacks
Conclusion:
This ultimate chocolate cranberry trail mix proves that healthy eating doesn’t mean sacrificing flavor or satisfaction. With its perfect balance of textures and tastes, plus the convenience of make-ahead preparation, it’s destined to become your go-to snack solution.
The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity and adaptability. Whether you’re fueling up for outdoor adventures, looking for a midday energy boost, or simply want a wholesome treat that satisfies chocolate cravings, this vegan and gluten-free trail mix delivers on all fronts. Make a batch today and discover how easy it is to snack smart without compromising on taste.