Homemade Sweet & Crunchy Winter Trail Mix: Granola, Toasted Almonds, Coconut & BROOKSIDE Dark Chocolate
For many years, the idea of “trail mix” conjured images of overly salty nuts, a few dried raisins, and just a meager sprinkling of chocolate – if you were lucky. I confess, I was never a big fan. My usual routine involved meticulously picking out every single chocolate piece, then graciously (or perhaps grudgingly) handing the remaining bag over to my husband. It just never quite hit the spot, always leaning too savory and rarely satisfying my sweet tooth in the way a truly delightful snack should.
But then, everything changed. This right here, this is more than just a trail mix; it’s a revelation. This recipe is my dream trail mix, meticulously crafted to achieve that perfect balance of sweet, salty, and incredibly satisfying crunch. It’s brimming with the delightful textures of golden, toasted coconut, the nutty richness of perfectly roasted almonds, the wholesome goodness of homemade granola clusters, and, most importantly, generous chunks of luscious dark chocolate infused with vibrant fruit flavors. Frankly, my husband will be incredibly fortunate if he manages to get his hands on any of it. In fact, this irresistible blend is so good, it might not even make it out onto the trail before it’s all gone!
The Secret Ingredient: BROOKSIDE Dark Chocolates with Fruit Flavors
Have you had the pleasure of trying BROOKSIDEDark Chocolates? If you haven’t yet, consider this a friendly but firm warning: they are absolutely fabulous, dangerously delicious, and will put your willpower to the ultimate test! These exquisite chocolates come in a wide variety of truly unique and great flavors, each offering a delightful combination of rich dark chocolate and real fruit centers. While all varieties are tempting, the Acai and Blueberry flavor remains my absolute favorite, offering a perfect tangy-sweet counterpoint to the deep chocolate.
I choose to use BROOKSIDE Dark Chocolates in this winter trail mix for a few compelling reasons that elevate it far beyond your average snack. Firstly, they offer a fantastic 2-in-1 experience: you get the intense richness of dark chocolate expertly paired with the bright, natural sweetness of fruit flavors. This fusion creates a more complex and satisfying taste profile than plain chocolate chips could ever achieve. Secondly, and this is a big one for any chocolate lover, these are not tiny, elusive specks of chocolate. BROOKSIDE chocolates come in substantial, satisfying chunks! There’s no need to rummage through the bag, hunting for a measly chocolate chip. In this trail mix, the chocolate is front and center, ensuring every handful delivers a generous, delicious hit of that coveted sweet treat. It’s the kind of chocolate presence that makes every single bite a moment to savor.
The Delight of Homemade Granola Clusters
While the chocolate plays a starring role, the homemade granola clusters are truly the backbone of this exceptional trail mix. Making your own granola allows for complete control over the ingredients, ensuring a fresher taste and the perfect level of sweetness, free from any artificial additives. The process of combining wholesome oats with warming cinnamon, a pinch of salt, a touch of coconut oil, pure maple syrup, and brown sugar, then baking it until golden, fills your kitchen with an intoxicating aroma. The magic happens when it cools, forming those irresistible, chunky clusters that are so satisfying to bite into.
These homemade clusters offer a superior texture and flavor compared to store-bought varieties, providing a sturdy and delicious foundation for the entire mix. They contribute a hearty, wholesome element that balances the indulgence of the chocolate and the richness of the nuts and coconut. It’s this homemade touch that truly elevates this trail mix, making it feel less like a simple snack and more like a gourmet treat crafted with care.
Your Perfect On-The-Go Fuel for Any Adventure
One of the many advantages of this fantastic homemade trail mix is its impressive longevity. It will comfortably last for several weeks when stored properly, making it an ideal candidate for batch preparation. Whip up a large quantity, divide it into convenient plastic bags or airtight containers, and you’ll have delicious, energizing fuel readily available for any occasion. Whether you’re heading out for a strenuous hike, tackling a demanding workout, running a marathon of errands around town, or simply need a quick, satisfying pick-me-up during a busy workday, this trail mix is your perfect companion. Its blend of complex carbohydrates from the granola, healthy fats from almonds and coconut, and a delightful burst of energy from the dark chocolate ensures you stay fueled and focused, no matter what your day entails.
Embracing Winter with Every Sweet Bite
As the colder months approach and the call of snowy landscapes beckons, I find myself particularly excited about this winter trail mix. There’s nothing quite like the feeling of stuffing my pockets full of this delightful concoction before heading out to hit the slopes this weekend. The combination of crisp mountain air, the exhilarating rush of skiing, and the promise of a sweet, crunchy reward on the chairlift makes for an unparalleled experience. I’m honestly not sure which I’m looking forward to more: the fresh powder and stunning views, or those glorious fistfuls of homemade trail mix I’ll be savoring between runs. It’s the ultimate winter companion, transforming simple moments into truly delicious memories.
Winter Trail Mix
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Ingredients
For the trail mix:
- 1 cup whole raw almonds (140 grams)
- 1 cup sweetened wide-cut shredded coconut flakes (85 grams)
- 1 cup BROOKSIDE Dark Chocolates, any variety (175 grams)
- Granola clusters , see below
For the granola clusters:
- 1 ¾ cup old-fashioned rolled oats (175 grams)
- ¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- Pinch salt
- 2 tablespoons coconut oil
- 2 tablespoons pure maple syrup
- 2 tablespoons light or dark brown sugar
Instructions
To make the granola clusters:
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Preheat oven to 325° F (160° C). Line a sheet pan with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat to prevent sticking.
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In a medium mixing bowl, combine the old-fashioned rolled oats, ground cinnamon, and a pinch of salt, stirring well to ensure even distribution. In a small saucepan, gently combine the coconut oil, pure maple syrup, and light or dark brown sugar over medium heat. Stir continuously until the mixture is smooth and just begins to boil. Immediately pour this warm, syrupy mixture over the dry oat mixture and stir thoroughly until all of the oat ingredients are fully moistened and coated.
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Spread the granola mixture evenly onto the prepared sheet pan in a single layer. Bake in the preheated oven for approximately 20-25 minutes, or until the granola turns a beautiful golden brown. Once baked, remove from the oven and allow it to cool completely on the sheet pan without disturbing it. This crucial step allows the granola to crisp up and form those desirable, chunky clusters. Once fully cooled, break the granola into various-sized chunks.
To prepare the trail mix:
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Spread the whole raw almonds evenly on a separate clean sheet pan. Toast them in the same 325° F (160° C) oven for about 10 minutes, or until they become fragrant and lightly golden. Keep a close eye on them to prevent burning. Let them cool completely before proceeding.
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In a large mixing bowl, combine the completely cooled toasted almonds, sweetened wide-cut shredded coconut flakes, your chosen BROOKSIDE Dark Chocolates (whole or roughly chopped if very large), and the homemade granola clusters. Toss everything gently to ensure an even distribution of all the wonderful ingredients. Store this delicious homemade trail mix in a large airtight container or individual ziplock bags at room temperature. It will remain fresh and delicious for several weeks or even longer, ready to grab whenever you need a sweet and satisfying energy boost.
Notes
Disclosure: This post is sponsored by The Hershey Company as part of a long-term food ambassadorship program. Thank you for supporting partnerships with brands I love and believe in, which make Completely Delicious possible. All opinions are always 100% my own.
Did you know that The Hershey Company has an online ingredient glossary where you can find out what those crazy sounding ingredients in your food actually are? For example, the soy lecithin found in BROOKSIDE Dark Chocolates is just an emulsifier to keep ingredients from separating, and it’s sourced naturally from things like soy, rice, sunflower and eggs. Not nearly as scary as it sounds, right? Click here to demystify your food label!