📝 About This Recipe
This isn't your average supermarket snack; it is a meticulously balanced blend of energy-dense fats, complex carbohydrates, and just enough sweetness to keep your spirits high on the trail. Inspired by the traditional 'GORP' (Good Old Raisins and Peanuts), our elevated version features premium roasted nuts, tart dried fruits, and a hint of sea salt to create a sophisticated flavor profile. Whether you are scaling a mountain or navigating a long afternoon at the office, this mix provides the perfect crunch and sustained energy boost.
🥗 Ingredients
The Nut & Seed Base
- 1 1/2 cups Raw Almonds (whole and unsalted)
- 1 cup Walnut Halves (lightly broken into bite-sized pieces)
- 1 cup Raw Cashews (whole)
- 1/2 cup Raw Pumpkin Seeds (Pepitas) (hulled)
- 1/4 cup Sunflower Seeds (raw and hulled)
The Roasting Aromatics
- 1 tablespoon Maple Syrup (Grade A dark preferred)
- 1/2 teaspoon Fine Sea Salt (adjust to taste)
- 1/4 teaspoon Ground Cinnamon (for a warm depth)
The Sweet & Chewy Finish
- 1/2 cup Thompson Seedless Raisins (plump and sun-dried)
- 1/2 cup Dried Cranberries (sweetened or juice-sweetened)
- 1/3 cup Dried Apricots (diced into small cubes)
- 3/4 cup Dark Chocolate Chips (at least 60% cacao)
- 1/2 cup Banana Chips (lightly broken)
- 1/4 cup Unsweetened Coconut Flakes (toasted)
👨🍳 Instructions
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1
Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C) and line a large rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat to prevent sticking.
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2
In a large mixing bowl, combine the raw almonds, walnut halves, cashews, pumpkin seeds, and sunflower seeds.
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3
Drizzle the maple syrup over the nut and seed mixture, then sprinkle with the sea salt and ground cinnamon.
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4
Toss the mixture thoroughly with a spatula until every nut and seed is very lightly coated in the syrup and spices.
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5
Spread the nut mixture in a single, even layer on the prepared baking sheet, ensuring they aren't too crowded to allow for even crisping.
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6
Place the tray in the center of the oven and roast for 12-15 minutes, stirring halfway through the cooking time.
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7
Watch the nuts closely during the final minutes; they should be fragrant and golden brown, but not dark or burnt.
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8
Remove the baking sheet from the oven and let the nuts cool completely on the tray. This is crucial as they will continue to crisp up as they cool.
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9
While the nuts are cooling, dice your dried apricots into pieces roughly the size of a raisin to ensure a consistent texture.
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10
Once the roasted nuts are stone-cold to the touch, transfer them back into a clean, large mixing bowl.
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11
Add the raisins, dried cranberries, diced apricots, banana chips, and toasted coconut flakes to the bowl.
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12
Add the dark chocolate chips last, ensuring the nuts are completely cool so the chocolate doesn't melt and create a mess.
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13
Gently fold the entire mixture together using a large spoon until the colors and textures are beautifully distributed.
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14
Transfer the finished trail mix to an airtight glass jar or individual snack pouches for storage.
💡 Chef's Tips
Always roast your own nuts rather than buying pre-roasted ones for a fresher flavor and better control over salt and oil. Ensure the roasted components are completely cool before adding chocolate to prevent unappetizing streaks and clumps. If you prefer a spicy kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or smoked paprika to the maple syrup glaze before roasting. Check the freshness of your seeds; sunflower and pumpkin seeds can go rancid quickly, so smell them before adding to the mix. To keep the mix crunchy for weeks, store it in a cool, dry place or even the refrigerator if you live in a humid climate.
🍽️ Serving Suggestions
Pair with a crisp, tart green apple for a refreshing contrast to the salty-sweet nuts. Serve alongside a thermos of hot black coffee or herbal tea during a morning hike. Sprinkle over a bowl of Greek yogurt or overnight oats for an added textural crunch. Pack into small 1/2 cup reusable containers for a perfectly portioned grab-and-go energy boost. Enjoy with a sharp cheddar cheese snack stick for a savory-sweet protein-packed lunch.