why make this recipe

Dark Chocolate-Cherry Trail Mix is not just an enjoyable snack; it’s also packed with ingredients that help reduce inflammation. Almonds, pistachios, and pumpkin seeds are known for their healthy fats and antioxidants, which are great for your health. The dark chocolate adds a rich flavor while providing additional health benefits, and the dried cherries add a sweet touch and further anti-inflammatory properties. This mix is perfect for anyone looking for a tasty and healthy snack!

how to make Dark Chocolate-Cherry Trail Mix

Ingredients:

1 cup raw almonds
1 cup raw pumpkin seeds (toasted or spiced)
½ cup raw pistachios
½ cup dried cherries or cranberries
½ cup dark chocolate chips

Directions:

Set your oven to preheat at 350°F.
Arrange the raw almonds evenly on a baking sheet and bake them, stirring halfway through, until they emit a fragrant aroma and start to brown slightly. This should take about 10 minutes.
Once done, let the almonds cool and chop them into coarse pieces.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the chopped almonds, pumpkin seeds, pistachios, dried cherries or cranberries, and dark chocolate chips. Stir the mixture well to evenly distribute all the ingredients.
Transfer the trail mix to an airtight container for storage. It can be kept at room temperature for up to five days.

how to serve Dark Chocolate-Cherry Trail Mix

You can enjoy Dark Chocolate-Cherry Trail Mix any time of day! It’s a perfect on-the-go snack, a tasty topping for yogurt, or a great addition to breakfast cereals. You can also use it as a simple dessert option. Just grab a handful and enjoy!

how to store Dark Chocolate-Cherry Trail Mix

To keep your trail mix fresh, store it in an airtight container at room temperature. It will stay good for about five days. If you want to keep it longer, you can refrigerate it for up to two weeks.

tips to make Dark Chocolate-Cherry Trail Mix

Feel free to adjust the ingredients based on your taste. You can swap out nuts or dried fruits for other options you enjoy.
If you prefer a sweeter blend, consider adding a little honey or maple syrup to the nuts before baking them.
For an extra crunch, you can toast the pumpkin seeds in the oven alongside the almonds.

variation

You can make a nut-free version of this trail mix by replacing the nuts with more seeds or adding whole grain cereals. You can also use white chocolate chips instead of dark chocolate for a different flavor.

FAQs

1. Can I use different types of nuts?
Yes, you can use any nuts you like! Feel free to mix and match based on your preferences.

2. Is there a way to make this trail mix healthier?
You can reduce the amount of dark chocolate or use a sugar-free version to make it a bit healthier.

3. How can I make this mix gluten-free?
All the ingredients in this recipe are naturally gluten-free, so you can enjoy it without worry! Just make sure to check labels for any added ingredients.