Save A festive, crunchy snack bar featuring a medley of nuts, seeds, dried fruits, and white chocolate&perfect for cozy winter days or holiday gatherings.
This snack bar has become a favorite during holiday seasons in my family, bringing warmth and joy with every bite.
Ingredients
- Nuts & Seeds: 1 cup unsalted roasted almonds, 1/2 cup shelled pistachios, 1/4 cup pumpkin seeds
- Dried Fruits: 1/2 cup dried cranberries, 1/3 cup dried apricots, chopped, 1/4 cup dried blueberries
- Grains & Crunch: 1 1/4 cups rolled oats, 1 cup crisp rice cereal
- Bind & Sweeten: 1/2 cup honey or maple syrup, 1/3 cup creamy almond butter, 2 tbsp unsalted butter, 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon, 1/4 tsp salt, 1 tsp pure vanilla extract
- Topping: 1/2 cup white chocolate chips, 2 tbsp festive sprinkles (optional)
Instructions
- Step 1:
- Line an 8x8-inch (20x20 cm) baking pan with parchment paper, leaving some overhang for easy removal.
- Step 2:
- In a large bowl, combine almonds, pistachios, pumpkin seeds, dried cranberries, apricots, blueberries, oats, and rice cereal. Set aside.
- Step 3:
- In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine honey (or maple syrup), almond butter, unsalted butter, cinnamon, salt, and vanilla extract. Stir continuously until melted and smooth (about 2 3 minutes). Remove from heat.
- Step 4:
- Pour the warm mixture over the dry ingredients. Stir well until everything is evenly coated.
- Step 5:
- Transfer the mixture to the prepared pan. Press firmly and evenly into the pan using a spatula or the back of a measuring cup.
- Step 6:
- Sprinkle white chocolate chips and festive sprinkles on top. Gently press them into the surface.
- Step 7:
- Refrigerate for at least 1 hour or until firm.
- Step 8:
- Lift the mixture out of the pan using the parchment paper. Cut into 12 bars. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.
Save Sharing these bars at family gatherings has created warm memories filled with laughter and joy during the holiday season.
Required Tools
8x8-inch baking pan, parchment paper, mixing bowls, small saucepan, spatula or wooden spoon, measuring cups and spoons
Allergen Information
Contains nuts (almonds, pistachios), seeds, and dairy (butter, white chocolate chips). For nut-free: use seed butter and omit nuts, replacing with extra seeds or cereal. Always check ingredient labels for potential allergens or cross-contamination.
Nutritional Information
Calories: 210 per serving. Total Fat: 10 g. Carbohydrates: 28 g. Protein: 4 g.
Save Enjoy these trail mix bars fresh from the fridge for a perfect balance of crunch and sweetness.
Recipe Help
- → Can I make this snack bar nut-free?
Yes, you can substitute almond butter with sunflower seed butter and replace nuts with additional seeds or cereal to maintain texture and flavor.
- → How long should the bars chill before serving?
Refrigerate the bars for at least one hour to allow them to firm up properly for easy slicing and handling.
- → Can I use alternative sweeteners?
Honey can be replaced with maple syrup for a different but equally natural sweetness that complements the other ingredients.
- → What storage method keeps these bars fresh?
Store the bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week to maintain freshness and texture.
- → Are there options to customize the topping?
You can swap white chocolate chips with dark chocolate or add festive sprinkles and shredded coconut for extra flavor and holiday flair.