Guys! Operation: Eat Healthier Snacks (subtitle: Put Down the Chex Mix) is going strong three weeks into 2015. Meet these Trail Mix Bites. Impossibly easy and so, so good.
When B and I trekked from California to Tennessee, we stocked the car with some serious snacks. We had protein in the form of beef jerky (ugh, taste aversion due to jerky blow out is still going strong), we had caffeine, and we had guilty pleasure carbs (coooookies ♥). We also had a huge container of trail mix. HUGE. Of which we ate multiple handfuls and then thought about chucking the container out the window somewhere in Mississippi because we were so over trail mix.
Don’t worry there wasn’t any littering, though that container of trail mix has been hogging up valuable cabinet space in our teeny tiny kitchen for months now. Since I’ve been making an effort to eat more nutritious afternoon snacks to stave off hangriness, I knew it was time for a trail mix shake up. Enter these trail mix bites! All of the protein and fiber of trail mix in a new, simple, and fab variation.
These trail mix bites only contain five ingredients – peanuts, almonds, raisins, dark chocolate chips, and vanilla extract. That’s it! After twenty to thirty seconds in the food processor, the nuts and chocolate are ground finely and the raisins are pulverized to act as the glue holding it all together. Using a tablespoon, I scooped the mixture, rolled each portion into a ball, and refrigerated them so they firmed up a bit. Five minutes of work = a week’s worth of healthy, nutrient-packed snacks.
To make things even easier, I used a cup of our never-ending trail mix, which was comprised of approximately 50% peanuts, and equal parts almonds and raisins. Once upon a time our mix also contained M&Ms and dried cherries, but (real talk) we ate those long ago. Because one of the best parts of trail mix is the chocolate component, I added dark chocolate chips to the nuts and raisins, adding a satisfying touch of sweetness to these bites. Feel free to use a premade trail mix for these bites to suit your preferences, keeping in mind the raisins are important as a binding ingredient.
And one of the best things about them? While I keep these bites in the refrigerator at home, they’re able to be kept at room temperature for at least a few hours and still retain their shape and consistency. Healthy work snacks that’ll actually make it through the work day? Perfection.
- 1/2 cup peanuts, approx.
- 1/4 cup almonds, approx.
- 1/4 cup raisins, approx.
- 1/3 cup dark chocolate chips
- 1/4 tsp vanilla extract
- In the bowl of a food processor, add all ingredients and process for 20-30 seconds, or until mixture resembles a cohesive, formable dough (see picture in post for the consistency you're going for). Let mixture cool off for a few minutes if it's warm.
- Roll approximately 1 tbsp of dough into a ball and place on parchment paper. Repeat for the rest of the dough. Refrigerate bites for at least 20 minutes before serving, or until firm.
These bites are best kept in the refrigerator, though they can withstand at least a few hours at room temperature and still retain their shape and consistency.
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Annie @Maebells says
This is so genius! I am SO bad about picking out only what I want from trail mix, then I don’t know what to do with the leftovers!
Alyssa says
Thanks Annie! I’m the worst when it comes to hand picking trail mix pieces. Or any sort of mix really. These bites definitely take care of that issue! 🙂
Azu says
These bites look delicious! I’m also trying to snack healthier, and chocolate and nuts are my two favorite things. Great idea!
Alyssa says
Thank you Azu! 🙂
Anna @ shenANNAgans says
So simple and so delicious! 🙂 I like that they look a little bit naughty, perfect office snacking.
Alyssa says
Thanks Anna! That little bit of chocolate works wonders in getting through a work afternoon! 🙂
Aunt. B says
I am definitely going to try these when we get home. Sound great. Aunt B
Alyssa says
Thank you Aunt B!! 🙂
marcie says
What an awesome idea, Alyssa! I would never have thought of this, and these look a lot more fun to eat than a handful of trail mix! haha Pinned.
Alyssa says
Thanks Marcie! Agreed! 🙂
Kathy @ Olives & Garlic says
Simple ingredients = yummy treats. Love these.
Alyssa says
Thanks Kathy! Sometimes simple is the way to go.
Gayle @ Pumpkin 'N Spice says
I love the idea of combining trail mix into bites, Alyssa! These sound perfect to take to work for a mid-morning snack. Yum!
Alyssa says
Thanks Gayle! I’ve been loving bringing these to work. Quick and easy, and they don’t scatter crumbs all over my desk!
Ashley says
I love little bites like this!! Also perfect for before dinner when I’m haaangry and want to eat off my arm! haha These look deelicious!
Alyssa says
Thanks Ashley! I try to avoid hangriness at all costs. It’s not pretty haha. These bites totally hold me over between lunch and dinner (which is no small feat)!
Crystal | Apples & Sparkle says
What a great idea!! I love this trail mix transformation. It makes me want to try it out on my picky eater sons. Love it!
Natalie @ Tastes Lovely says
Shawn picks out all the m&m’s from our trail mix too! That’s cheating! You have to eat whatever you get in your handful, right? I love these trail mix bites! What a smart idea!
Alyssa says
Hahaha count us in as cheaters! 🙂 If I’m remembering correctly, my favorite combination was almond + dried cherry + M&M. Yummmm. Thanks girl!
Christine @ Cooking with Cakes says
this is super creative girrrl, I’m digging it!
Alyssa says
Thanks!!
Sues says
I love the idea of bringing these to work to satisfy my constant feelings of being hungry! And obviously, I can always use the extra work day energy 🙂
Alyssa says
I’m a serious work snacker and these definitely hit the spot!
Kristine @ Kristine's Kitchen says
I love the short, simple ingredient list for these bites! And the fact that they contain dark chocolate, one of my favorite health foods. 🙂 Thank you for another delicious healthy snack idea!
Alyssa says
Thanks Kristine! Dark chocolate is most definitely one of my favorite health foods, too. 🙂