Description
This customizable homemade trail mix combines tart dried cherries with crunchy nuts, seeds, dark chocolate, and coconut. Perfect for hiking, road trips, or healthy snacking, this cherry trail mix takes just 5 minutes to make.
Prep Time: 5 minutes | Cook Time: 0 minutes | Total Time: 5 minutes | Servings: 10 servings (about 5 cups total)
Ingredients
- 1 cup dried cherries (look for unsweetened or lightly sweetened, not candied)
- 1 cup raw almonds (whole or slivered, raw is best but roasted works too)
- 1 cup pumpkin seeds (hulled pepitas, raw or lightly salted)
- 1 cup dark chocolate chips (at least 60% cacao for best flavor)
- 1 cup coconut flakes (large flakes work best, unsweetened preferred)
Instructions
- Grab a large mixing bowl—you need room to toss everything without it flying everywhere.
- Dump in the dried cherries, raw almonds, pumpkin seeds, dark chocolate chips, and coconut flakes. Don’t stress about order or technique—just get everything in there.
- Toss the mixture with your hands or a big spoon until all ingredients are evenly distributed throughout. Mix well so every handful has a good balance of all five ingredients.
- Portion the trail mix into snack-sized resealable bags. I use sandwich bags and fill each with about 1/3 to 1/2 cup—enough for a satisfying snack without overdoing it.
- Store the portioned bags in a cool, dry place away from heat and direct sunlight. A pantry cabinet works great, or use the fridge in hot weather to prevent chocolate melting.
- Grab a bag whenever you need a quick energy boost—perfect for hiking, road trips, gym bags, or desk drawer emergencies. Stays fresh for up to 2 weeks.
Nutrition Information (Per Serving, 1/2 cup):
- Calories: 285
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Protein: 8g
- Fat: 19g
- Fiber: 5g
- Sodium: 5mg
- Iron: 15% DV
- Magnesium: 20% DV
- Vitamin E: 12% DV
This trail mix provides healthy fats, protein, and fiber for sustained energy without refined sugars.
Notes:
- All ingredients should smell fresh—rancid nuts ruin everything.
- Store in a cool place or the chocolate will melt, especially in summer.
- Portion control is key—trail mix is calorie-dense, so stick to 1/3-1/2 cup servings.
- Use raw nuts over roasted for longer shelf life and cleaner flavor.
- Mix with your hands to ensure even distribution of ingredients.
Storage Tips:
Store portioned bags in an airtight container in a cool, dry place for up to 2 weeks. Refrigerate for 3-4 weeks, especially in hot weather to prevent chocolate melting. Freeze in airtight containers for up to 3 months—great for making big batches. Thaw at room temperature before eating. Keeps well in desk drawers, car glove boxes (in cool weather), gym bags, and backpacks.
Serving Suggestions:
- Hiking Fuel: Pack individual portions for day hikes or backpacking trips
- Road Trip Snack: Keep bags in the car for long drives to avoid fast food stops
- Desk Drawer Emergency: Stash at work for afternoon energy slumps
- Post-Workout Recovery: Grab a bag after exercise for protein and quick carbs
Mix It Up (Recipe Variations):
Tropical Cherry Mix: Replace coconut flakes with 1 cup dried pineapple and swap almonds for macadamia nuts for island-inspired flavors.
Spiced Cherry Trail Mix: Toss everything with 1 tsp cinnamon and pinch of cayenne before portioning for warming fall flavors perfect for autumn hikes.
Protein-Packed Mix: Add 1 cup roasted chickpeas or dry-roasted edamame for extra protein and savory crunch.
Berry Blast Mix: Add 1/2 cup each dried blueberries and cranberries along with cherries for antioxidant-rich berry explosion.
What Makes This Recipe Special:
This portable cherry trail mix improves on commercial versions by using high-quality, fresh ingredients in balanced proportions. The tart dried cherries provide brightness often missing from store-bought mixes loaded with super-sweet ingredients. The combination of protein from nuts and seeds, quick energy from dried fruit, and satisfying fat creates sustained energy rather than sugar crashes.