This homemade spiced trail mix is a nutritious and flavorful snack, combining roasted nuts and seeds with dried fruits and a hint of warming spices like cinnamon and cayenne pepper.
It’s perfect for taking on hikes, packing in lunchboxes, or enjoying as a wholesome snack anytime you need a quick energy boost.
Making it yourself allows you to control the ingredients and customize the spice level to your taste.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Roasting the nuts and seeds enhances their natural flavors and adds a satisfying crunch.
- The combination of sweet dried fruit and warm spices creates a balanced taste that is both sweet and savory.
- Customizable ingredient options let you tailor the trail mix to your dietary preferences and what you have available at home.
Homemade Spiced Trail Mix
A delicious and healthy homemade spiced trail mix featuring roasted nuts, seeds, dried fruits, and warming spices for a perfect on-the-go snack.
- Prep time
- 10 minutes
- Cook time
- 15 minutes
- Servings
- 6
- Yield
- About 3 cups of homemade spiced trail mix
Ingredients
- 1 cup raw almonds (about 140g)
- 1 cup raw cashews (about 140g)
- 1/2 cup raw pumpkin seeds (pepitas) (about 60g)
- 1/2 cup raw sunflower seeds (about 60g)
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
- 2 tablespoons maple syrup or honey
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup dried cranberries (about 130g)
- 1/2 cup unsweetened shredded coconut (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Mix Nuts and Seeds with Spices In a large bowl, combine the almonds, cashews, pumpkin seeds, and sunflower seeds. Add the cinnamon, cayenne pepper, and kosher salt. Stir to coat evenly.
- Add Maple Syrup and Vanilla Drizzle the maple syrup (or honey) and vanilla extract over the nut and seed mixture. Toss to coat everything thoroughly.
- Roast the Mixture Spread the mixture in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet. Roast in the preheated oven for 12 to 15 minutes, stirring once halfway through, until the nuts and seeds are golden and fragrant. Watch carefully to prevent burning.
- Cool and Add Dried Fruit Remove from the oven and let the mixture cool completely on the baking sheet. Once cool, stir in the dried cranberries and shredded coconut, if using.
Helpful Tips
- Adjust the cayenne pepper to your preferred spice level or omit it for a milder flavor.
- Use raw nuts and seeds to ensure even roasting and the best texture.
- Store the trail mix in an airtight container to keep it fresh and crunchy.
- Try swapping dried cranberries with other dried fruits like raisins, chopped apricots, or blueberries as you like.
- You can add a handful of mini dark chocolate chips once cooled for a sweet touch.
Storage and Make-Ahead
Store the trail mix in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 weeks.
For longer storage, keep it in the refrigerator for up to 1 month.
Make sure the trail mix is completely cool before storing to prevent moisture buildup.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use roasted nuts instead of raw nuts for this trail mix?
Using raw nuts is best because they roast evenly with the spices and maple syrup. Roasted nuts may burn more easily when roasted again, so if you use them, reduce the roasting time and watch carefully.
Is this trail mix gluten-free?
This recipe contains almonds and cashews and is not safe for people with tree-nut allergies. It is naturally gluten-free, but always check packaged ingredients such as dried fruit for certified gluten-free labeling if needed.
Can I make this trail mix vegan?
Absolutely! Use maple syrup or another plant-based sweetener instead of honey to keep the recipe vegan-friendly.
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