I absolutely love trail mix bars! They’re like a little piece of heaven, packed with energy and flavor, and perfect for on-the-go snacking. Every time I make them, I’m reminded of my college days when I’d throw together whatever I could find in my kitchen to make quick meals or snacks for busy study nights. I can still picture my friends coming over, and we’d blast music while trying out crazy combinations—some worked wonderfully, while others were… well, let’s just say they were interesting!
What makes these Cheap Trail Mix Bars so special is not only their convenience but their adaptable nature! You can throw in just about whatever you have on hand. From nuts and seeds to dried fruits and a sprinkle of chocolate, the possibilities are endless. And the best part? You can whip these up in no time at all, and they’ll keep you energized for whatever your day has in store!
What’s in Cheap Trail Mix Bars?
Oats: These are the star of the show! They provide a fantastic base and are full of fiber to keep you feeling full. I personally prefer rolled oats for a chewy texture, but quick oats work fine too if that’s what you have!
Peanut Butter: A staple in my pantry! It adds not just a creamy texture but also protein to keep your energy levels up. I recommend using natural peanut butter without added sugar for a healthier pick.
Honey or Maple Syrup: This is your natural sweetener! Honey gives a beautiful taste, but if you want a vegan option, maple syrup is delightful and works just as well.
Mixed Nuts: I love using a combination of cashews, almonds, and walnuts. Not only do they add a satisfying crunch, but they also offer healthy fats and protein. Feel free to use whatever nuts you adore!
Dried Fruit: For a touch of sweetness, I like to use raisins, cranberries, or apricots. They give the bars a wonderful chewy texture!
Chocolate Chips (optional): Just a sprinkle can make the bars feel like a treat! I go for dark chocolate chips, but you can use whatever you like or skip them altogether.
Is Cheap Trail Mix Bars Good for You?
Oh, absolutely! These bars are filled with good stuff that not only fills you up but nourishes you too.
Oats: As I mentioned earlier, oats are loaded with fiber, which helps with digestion and keeps you feeling satisfied.
Peanut Butter: This is a good source of protein and healthy fats. It’s a great way to fuel your day without loading up on empty calories.
Mixed Nuts: Packed with nutrients, they support heart health while providing a crunchy texture that makes snacking so enjoyable.
Dried Fruit: These are a bit higher in sugar, but they provide natural sweetness and essential vitamins. Just be mindful of portion size if you’re watching your sugar intake.
The only thing to consider here is that while they’re healthy, portion control is key. These bars are calorie-dense, so enjoy your homemade snack but be cautious of eating too many at once; trust me, I speak from experience!
Ingredients
– 2 cups rolled oats
– 1 cup peanut butter (natural, no added sugar)
– 1/2 cup honey or maple syrup
– 1 cup mixed nuts (chopped)
– 1 cup dried fruit (chopped if large)
– 1/4 cup chocolate chips (optional)
**Yields:** About 12 bars
How to Make Cheap Trail Mix Bars?
1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the rolled oats, chopped nuts, and dried fruit. Give it a good stir so everything is mixed well.
2. In a small saucepan over low heat, combine the peanut butter and honey (or maple syrup). Stir until melted and smooth—this will be the glue that holds your bars together!
3. Once melted, pour the peanut butter mixture into the bowl with your dry ingredients and mix well until everything is evenly coated. If you’re using chocolate chips, you can fold them in now.
4. Line a baking dish (about 8×8 inches) with parchment paper for easy removal. Press the mixture firmly into the dish, spreading it evenly.
5. Cover the dish and refrigerate for at least 1-2 hours to allow the bars to set.
6. Once set, lift the bars out of the dish using the parchment paper. Cut them into squares or rectangles, however you like your bars!
7. Store them in an airtight container in the fridge, and they’ll stay fresh for about a week (if they last that long!).
Snack Time Inspirations!
These trail mix bars are such a versatile staple in my kitchen. You can easily customize them by adding shredded coconut, seeds (like chia or flaxseeds), or even swapping the nut butter for almond or cashew butter. Depending on your mood, you can even change the dried fruit to match seasonal flavors – apple in the fall, or tropical fruits in the summer!
I encourage you to try these Cheap Trail Mix Bars; they’re quick to make, incredibly tasty, and can keep those cravings at bay! Don’t forget to share your own variations or combinations in the comments; I’d love to hear what ingredients you try! Happy snacking!