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Crunchy Camp Counselors Trail Mix Recipe Easy Homemade Hiking Snacks

crunchy camp counselors trail mix - featured image

A crunchy, sweet, salty, and smoky trail mix perfect for hiking and outdoor adventures, made with simple pantry staples and lightly toasted nuts for lasting energy and unbeatable taste.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 cup raw almonds (about 140g)
  • 1 cup raw cashews (about 130g), unsalted
  • 1/2 cup pumpkin seeds (pepitas) (about 60g)
  • 1/4 cup sunflower seeds (about 35g)
  • 1/2 cup dried cranberries (about 60g), unsweetened optional
  • 1 cup mini pretzel twists (about 50g)
  • 1/4 cup unsweetened coconut flakes (about 15g), toasted
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon sea salt, or to taste
  • 1 tablespoon maple syrup
  • 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
  2. Toast the almonds, cashews, pumpkin seeds, sunflower seeds, and coconut flakes in a single layer on the baking sheet for 10-12 minutes, stirring halfway through, until golden and nutty-smelling.
  3. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together olive oil, maple syrup, smoked paprika, and sea salt.
  4. Transfer the warm toasted nuts and seeds to the bowl with the seasoning and toss gently but thoroughly to coat every piece.
  5. Stir in dried cranberries and mini pretzel twists.
  6. Spread the mix back onto the parchment-lined baking sheet in an even layer and let cool to room temperature to set the coating and keep everything crisp.
  7. Once cooled, transfer the trail mix to an airtight container or ziplock bag for storage or serving.

Notes

Toast nuts and coconut flakes carefully to avoid burning; coat nuts while warm for better flavor adhesion; add pretzels and dried fruit last to keep them crunchy; store in airtight container to maintain freshness; optional 3-5 minute re-toast after mixing for extra crunch but watch closely to avoid burning pretzels.

Nutrition

Keywords: trail mix, hiking snacks, crunchy snack, homemade trail mix, camp snack, easy snack, nuts and seeds, healthy snack