Crockpot Trail Mix
There’s few snacks that feel more like a road trip or camping weekend essential than trail mix. The combo of healthy fats and protein you get from nuts and simple carbs from dried fruit make for a sustaining snack to both fuel you and keep you satiated until your next meal. It’s easy to find these at any gas station along your way, but often times they’re packed with added sugars, oils, high-fructose corn syrup, and plenty other preservatives. Here’s a recipe that’s easy with little oversight that’ll leave you prepped with a snack that’s addicting without all of added unnatural ingredients!
Trail Mix feels like the quintessential snack, and it can be packed with nutrition too! The combo of healthy fats and protein you get from nuts and simple carbs from dried fruit make for a sustaining snack to both fuel you and keep you satiated until your next meal. It’s easy to find at any grocery store or gas station, but often times it’s packed with added sugars, oils, high-fructose corn syrup, and plenty of other preservatives. Here’s a recipe that’s easy and requires little oversight that’ll leave you prepped with a nutritious snack that even the kids can make!
I intentionally left this recipe vague with only parameters to follow. The wonderful thing about this snack is that it’s incredibly versatile and can take on a plethora of flavors depending on your preferences. You can make it sweet or savory, adding in your favorite types of nuts, seeds, carbs, and other add-ins. This is a great starter recipe to allow your kids to help in the kitchen. Let them choose some of their favorites to create a hands-on snack as you teach them the value of preparing your own nutritious meals. I’m challenging the whole family to get creative. Let’s give it a try!
Ingredients needed for Crockpot Trail Mix
Nuts - You will need a total of 3 cups, but you can choose to include whichever kinds you prefer, or keep it all the same! Prior to having to go nut-free, my favorites to include in this recipe were almonds, cashews, and macadamia nuts! Make sure to check the ingredients for any added oils, sugars, or preservatives. You will want to make sure that you are using nuts that are either raw or dry roasted to avoid and additives.
Seeds - You have some leeway here as well. As long as you include 1/2 cup, you can choose whichever seed or combination of seeds you like. Shelled sunflower seeds and pumpkin seeds are most popular. Check again for additives!
Dried Fruit/Other Carbohydrate - There are many options to choose from depending on the type of trail mix you choose to create. Dried apples, strawberries, banana chips, mangoes, and raisins are all great sweet additions. If you’re looking for savory adds, try adding plantain chips or pretzels. Make sure you’re reading ingredient lists to catch any hidden sugars, oils, or preservatives!
Natural Sweetener - My favorite is maple syrup or agave nectar. This will provide a slight sweetness to your trail mix and offer the sweet n salty sensation that makes it such an addicting snack! Other options include coconut sugar, honey, date syrup, or stevia (you will have to decrease the measurement here as stevia is much sweeter than other sweeteners).
Seasoning - For something savory, you could use jerk or all-purpose seasoning. My favorite clean seasoning brand to use is Kevin’s. It’s paleo approved and has multiple options, or you could always opt to create your own! For sweeter trail mixes, opt for cinnamon.
Salt
Some of My Favorite Combinations
Tropical : 1 cup each of almonds, cashews, and macadamia nuts + 1/2 cup coconut chips + 1/2 cup dried mango + 1/2 cup banana chips + 2 tbsp maple syrup + 1 tsp cinnamon + 1/2 tsp nutmeg + 1/2 tsp ginger + 1 tsp salt
Classic : 1 cup each of almonds, cashews, and peanuts + 1/2 cup sunflower seeds + 1/2 cup raisins + 1/2 cup dark chocolate chips + 2 tbsp maple syrup + 2 tsp all-purpose seasoning
Fall : 1 cup each of almonds, cashews, and pecans + 1/2 cup pumpkin seeds + 1/2 cup raisins + 1/2 cup dried apple chips + 2 tbs maple syrup + 2 tsp pumpkin pie spice + 1 tsp salt
Jerk : 1 cup each of peanuts, almonds, and cashews + 1/2 cup pumpkin seeds + 1 cup plantain chips + 2 tbs maple syrup + 1 tsp jerk seasoning + 1 tsp salt
More Recipes to Try:
Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Protein Bites
Collagen Latte
Baked Oats
If you try this Crockpot Trail Mix, make sure to leave a comment and rating to let me know how it turned out! I love to hear your feedback and it helps me create better recipes and is helpful to KenzieFitCo readers planning to try this recipe!
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 2 hours
Total Time: 2 hours and 10 minutes
Servings: 18
Serving Size: 1/4 cup
Ingredients:
3 cups nut(s)
1/2 cup seeds
1 cup dried fruit (or other carbohydrates)
2 Tbsp natural sweetener
2 tsp seasoning (optional)
1 tsp salt (optional - if using a seasoning with salt, omit)
Directions:
Place all ingredients into a crockpot and mix well to make sure evenly coated.
Turn crockpot to “high” and let sit for 2 hours, stirring occasionally.
Turn crockpot off after 2 hours, let cool, and store in an airtight container.
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— K