There’s nothing quite like the satisfying crunch and perfect balance of sweet and salty in a Classic Trail Mix Recipe. This vibrant mix brings together roasted nuts, chewy raisins, and colorful chocolate M&M’s for a snack that’s as delightful to the eyes as it is to your taste buds. Whether you’re packing it for a hike, a quick energy boost at work, or just a little something to munch on at home, this trail mix offers a burst of flavor and texture that keeps you coming back for more. It’s simple, wholesome, and incredibly versatile—a snack that feels homemade yet tastes like a treat.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of the Classic Trail Mix Recipe lies in its straightforward ingredients, each chosen to provide its unique texture, flavor, and color. Combining roasted nuts with sweet raisins and colorful M&M’s ensures every handful bursts with variety and satisfaction.
- 1 cup roasted peanuts: Adds a hearty crunch and familiar roasted flavor that is the backbone of this mix.
- 1 cup raisins: Introduces a chewy sweetness that nicely balances the salty nuts.
- ¾ cup roasted cashews: Creamy and buttery, these nuts bring softness and richness to the mix.
- ¾ cup roasted almonds: Their bold nutty crunch adds a pleasant contrast and fills out the texture.
- ½ cup milk chocolate M&M’s: Provides colorful sweetness that melts delightfully on your tongue.
- ½ cup peanut M&M’s: Adds a double dose of peanuts plus a candy-coated crunch, giving the mix extra depth and fun visuals.
How to Make Classic Trail Mix Recipe
Step 1: Combine All Ingredients
Start by gathering your bowl and adding the roasted peanuts, raisins, roasted cashews, roasted almonds, milk chocolate M&M’s, and peanut M&M’s all together. Gently mix everything to evenly distribute the nuts, chewy bites, and colorful candies. The goal is a harmonious blend so every handful of trail mix has a bit of everything.
Step 2: Portion Your Mix
Once combined, you have the choice to store your trail mix in one large container or divide it into several smaller Ziplock bags. Small portions are great for grab-and-go snacks or sharing, while one big batch is perfect for family-style snacking. Seal tightly to keep the mix fresh and crunchy!
How to Serve Classic Trail Mix Recipe
Garnishes
While this trail mix doesn’t need fancy garnishes, consider sprinkling a pinch of sea salt or a dash of cinnamon for a subtle twist right before serving. These small touches can enhance the flavor, especially if you want to tailor the mix towards more savory or warm, spicy notes.
Side Dishes
Classic trail mix pairs beautifully with fresh fruit like apple slices or banana chunks, offering a refreshing complement to the rich nuts and chocolate. You can also serve it alongside yogurt or cottage cheese to add texture and make a more substantial snack or light breakfast.
Creative Ways to Present
Take this trail mix beyond just a bag by serving it in mini mason jars tied with rustic twine for gift-giving, or layer it in clear parfait glasses with Greek yogurt and fresh berries to create a colorful, fun snack parfait that really wow guests or kids.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store your leftover trail mix in an airtight container or resealable bag to maintain freshness and crunch. Kept in a cool, dry pantry, it will stay delicious for about two weeks, making it an easy snack to prepare well in advance.
Freezing
If you want to keep your trail mix fresh for even longer, freezing is a great option. Place the mix in a freezer-safe container or bag, and it can last up to three months without any loss of flavor or texture. Just thaw at room temperature before enjoying.
Reheating
Since the Classic Trail Mix Recipe is a no-cook snack, reheating isn’t necessary. However, if you prefer your mix with slightly warmed nuts for an aromatic experience, spread the nuts alone on a baking sheet and heat them gently in the oven before mixing with the other ingredients.
FAQs
Can I substitute other nuts in this trail mix?
Absolutely! Feel free to swap in walnuts, pecans, or pistachios depending on your preference or what you have on hand. Just keep the total nut quantity similar to maintain the balance of flavors and texture.
Is it possible to make this trail mix nut-free?
Yes. You can replace the nuts with seeds like pumpkin, sunflower, or even soy nuts to keep the protein and crunch while catering to nut-free diets.
Can I add dried fruit other than raisins?
Definitely! Dried cranberries, cherries, apricots, or blueberries work wonderfully and add a slightly different flavor and color profile to your mix.
How long does this trail mix last when stored properly?
Stored in an airtight container in a cool, dry place, this trail mix stays fresh and tasty for up to two weeks, and even longer if frozen.
Is this trail mix suitable for kids’ lunchboxes?
Yes, it’s a fantastic snack for kids’ lunches. Just be sure to check for any nut allergies at school and consider portion sizes to avoid overly sweet or salty intake.
Final Thoughts
It’s hard to beat the ease and charm of this Classic Trail Mix Recipe. With its beautiful blend of flavors and textures, it’s a snack you can feel good about sharing with family and friends. Give it a try next time you want a quick, fulfilling treat—once you do, it might just become your favorite go-to snack too!
Print
Classic Trail Mix Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: 9 servings
- Category: Snack
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
Description
A simple and delicious Trail Mix recipe combining roasted nuts, raisins, and colorful M&M’s. Perfect for a quick snack on the go or a healthy energy boost during outdoor activities.
Ingredients
Trail Mix Ingredients
- 1 cup roasted peanuts
- 1 cup raisins
- ¾ cup roasted cashews
- ¾ cup roasted almonds
- ½ cup milk chocolate M&M’s
- ½ cup peanut M&M’s
Instructions
- Combine ingredients: Add all the roasted peanuts, raisins, roasted cashews, roasted almonds, milk chocolate M&M’s, and peanut M&M’s into a large mixing bowl. Mix thoroughly until all components are evenly distributed.
- Store the trail mix: Transfer the mixed trail mix into one large or multiple small Ziplock bags for easy storage and portability. Seal tightly to keep fresh.
Notes
- You can customize the trail mix by adding other ingredients like dried cranberries, sunflower seeds, or pretzels for added texture and flavor.
- Store the trail mix in a cool, dry place to maintain freshness and crunchiness.
- This recipe is great for hiking, school snacks, or quick energy boosts during work or study sessions.
