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Crunchy Trail Mix Recipe Perfect for Pool Days Easy Sweet Nutty Snack

crunchy trail mix - featured image

A quick and easy sweet and nutty trail mix perfect for poolside snacking, combining toasted nuts, seeds, dried fruits, and a light honey or maple syrup coating for a satisfying crunch.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 cup raw almonds (about 140g)
  • 1 cup cashews (about 135g), roasted or raw
  • ½ cup pumpkin seeds (about 60g)
  • ½ cup dried cranberries (about 60g)
  • ½ cup honey-roasted peanuts (about 70g)
  • 1 cup mini pretzels, crushed slightly
  • ¼ cup unsweetened coconut flakes (about 15g), toasted
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • ½ teaspoon sea salt
  • 2 tablespoons maple syrup or honey

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.
  2. Toast the almonds, cashews, pumpkin seeds, and coconut flakes evenly on the baking sheet for 8-10 minutes, stirring halfway through, until fragrant and coconut edges turn golden brown. Watch carefully to avoid burning.
  3. In a small bowl, stir together maple syrup (or honey), ground cinnamon, and sea salt until combined.
  4. In a large mixing bowl, combine the toasted nuts and coconut flakes with honey-roasted peanuts, dried cranberries, and crushed pretzels. Pour the syrup mixture over everything and gently toss with a spatula to coat evenly without crushing the crunchy bits.
  5. Spread the mixture back onto the parchment-lined baking sheet in an even layer and let it cool completely (about 20 minutes) to set the coating and keep the trail mix crunchy.
  6. Once cooled, transfer the trail mix into an airtight container or jar. Store at room temperature for up to two weeks.

Notes

Toast nuts lightly to enhance flavor and crunch without burning. Use sticky sweeteners sparingly to avoid clumping. Mix gently to keep textures distinct. Cool completely before storing to maintain crunch. Store in airtight container in a cool, dry place. For gluten-free, use certified gluten-free pretzels or substitute with gluten-free cereal clusters. Vegan option by using maple syrup instead of honey.

Nutrition

Keywords: trail mix, crunchy snack, poolside snack, sweet nutty snack, easy trail mix, healthy snack, gluten-free snack, vegan snack option