This trail mix recipe is super simple to make and perfect for on-the-go snacks! It’s ready in 5 minutes and easily customizable with all your favorite mix-ins!
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The Perfect Snack
Homemade trail mix is one of the easiest snack recipes for kids to make, and it only takes 5 minutes to throw together. My kids have so much fun choosing their favorite ingredients and mixing them together. They also love to help make ants on a log, energy balls and these easy fruity pebbles treats.
We made it for our last big road trip and plan to make more for after-school snacks. It also makes a great snack for camping, going on a hike, movie night, and everything in between! Just like Chex mix puppy chow, kids and adults all love it.
Reasons to Love Trail Mix
The best thing about this trail mix recipe is how customizable it is to your taste! You can make it healthy, sweet, salty, or savory. So many ways to make it your own!
- Inexpensive. Makes a big batch with 8 servings! Way more cost-effective than pre-made.
- Quick. Only 5 quick minutes to combine all of the ingredients together. So easy.
- Perfect for kids. Such an easy recipe for kids to make with you. My kids LOVE trail mix!
- Customizable. Add your favorite mix-ins and create your own personal recipe.
- On-the-go. The perfect grab-and-go snack for lunch boxes, after school, road trips, and more.
“My husband loves trail mix and I was tired of trekking to Costco for it. This recipe is great!! Thank you!”
Ingredient Notes
Find the full printable recipe with specific measurements below.
- Nuts: I like to use a mix of cashews, peanuts, and almonds. Feel free to use your favorite nuts of choice like walnuts, pistachios, hazelnuts, or macadamia nuts.
- Raisins: Dried raisins add a sweet bite and complement the salt from the nuts so nicely. If you don’t have raisins, dried cranberries are a great substitute.
- M&M’s: Isn’t the small bite of chocolate candy always the best part of any snack mix? I happen to believe so! You could always sub with chocolate chips, peanut butter chips, or white chocolate chips if you’d like.
GORP: The Original Trail Mix
GORP, short for good old raisins and peanuts, is the classic trail mix that hikers have packed for decades. This homemade trail mix recipe starts with that simple raisin-and-peanut base, then adds cashews, almonds, and M&M’s for a little more crunch and sweetness. If you want it a little healthier, swap the M&Ms for dark chocolate.
How to Make Homemade Trail Mix
The best part about this homemade trail mix you can make it as healthy as you want! If my kids are helping make it, they love to add in pretzels, Cheerios, and mini marshmallows. I usually don’t add the chocolate every time, but it’s fun to add it on special occasions. When I do, my kids think I’m the best mom ever!
- Gather ingredients. Measure out all ingredients. Modify the ingredients according to your favorites. Add more or less if needed.
- Combine. Place in a large bowl. Toss until mixed together.
- Storing. Store in zip-top bags for easy snacks. This is a great on-the-go snack or treat for school, camping, breakfast, or hiking.
Other Mix-In Ideas
Trail mix is SO versatile, so feel free to add more ingredients for extra flavor and texture. Add in even more with some other fun ingredients we’ve tried. Make it sweet and salty or savory and crunchy. There are so many variations! The possibilities are endless!
- Pretzels: A salty and crunchy add-in! You can use either pretzel sticks, pretzel-shaped mini ones, or large pretzels.
- Mini marshmallows: Always a soft and flavorful texture everyone loves.
- Crackers: Goldfish or Teddy Grahams add that fun kid-approved version.
- Cereal: Cheerios, Chex, Golden Grahams, or other types of cereals work perfectly and are easy to pour into the bowl.
- Seeds: Sunflower seeds, sesame seeds, or pumpkin seeds are a healthy and delicious variation.
- Coconut: Coconut flakes or coconut chips give a Hawaiian vibe!
- Granola: Choose your favorite granola mix and add in for more crunch! I love to use this granola recipe.
- Popcorn: Pop your buttery-flavored popcorn or white popcorn for a fun twist on homemade trail mix.
- Dried fruit: Apple chips, banana chips, mango, apricots, pineapple, or cherries are all great ways to add in a healthy and sweet fruit.
- Nuts: Candied nuts or pecans are always a traditional add-in.
- Chocolate: Chocolate, yogurt-covered raisins, or any other candy chocolates are great ideas too!
Mini Snack Bags
This recipe is PERFECT for making snack bags! Simply measure out 1/2 cup portions and place them in snack-size zip lock bags (photo above). It should make around 12-14 servings.
More Ways to Use This Snack Mix
Although it makes a great snack, it can also be used in other delicious recipes as well! Try any of the below if you have some extra snack mix to use up before it expires.
- Use it to make trail mix cookies. We love these cookies and how easy they are to mix and bake together. Get a little sweet with your savory trail mix.
- Mix with stovetop popcorn on movie night. This is a perfect blend of sweet and salty!
- Add to a yogurt parfait or yogurt bowl. This is a crunchy and delicious add-in.
- Use it to make trail mix muddy buddies. A great way to add sweetness to your homemade trail mix!
- Add to homemade granola bars.
More Easy Snack Ideas
Trail Mix Recipe
Video
Ingredients
- 1 cup cashew halves , or nut of choice
- 1 cup peanuts , or nut of choice
- ½ cup almonds
- 1 cup raisins or dried cranberries
- ½ cup M&M's
Instructions
- In a large bowl, stir the cashews, peanuts, almonds, raisins and M&M's until combined.
- Store trail mix in a mason jar or zip-top bag.
Last step: Please leave a comment and rating after you make the recipe.
Notes
Nutrition
Nutrition provided is an estimate. It will vary based on specific ingredients used.
Tracy
I just made this and scooped out a cup for my very picky grandson. He loves it. I added the mini M&M’s and he is happily munching away on all of it. Thanks for sharing your recipe!!
Sarah @IHeartNaptime
So glad he enjoyed the trail mix recipe!