Outdoor Adventure Trail Mix Bars with Mixed Nuts and Dried Fruit

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Homemade no-bake trail mix bars packed with nuts, seeds, and dried fruit, perfect for on-the-go snacking during outdoor adventures. This american-inspired snacks (gluten-free) ready in about 15 minutes pairs rolled oats, dried cranberries, pumpkin seeds for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 180 calories and feeds 12, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart.

★ 4.3 (11 ratings) Prep: 15 min Serves 12 American cuisine 180 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Line an 8x8 inch baking pan with parchment paper, allowing edges to hang over for easy removal.
  2. Step 2: In a large mixing bowl, combine 1 1/2 cups rolled oats, 1 cup chopped mixed nuts, 1/2 cup dried cranberries, and 1/4 cup pumpkin seeds.
  3. Step 3: In a small saucepan over low heat, warm 1/3 cup honey and 1/2 cup natural peanut butter, stirring constantly until smooth and combined, about 3 minutes.
  4. Step 4: Remove from heat and stir in 1 tsp vanilla extract and 1/4 tsp sea salt.
  5. Step 5: Pour the warm peanut butter mixture over the dry ingredients and mix thoroughly until everything is coated evenly.
  6. Step 6: Transfer the mixture to the prepared pan and press firmly with a spatula or clean hands to create an even layer.
  7. Step 7: Refrigerate for at least 2 hours until firm. Use the parchment edges to lift the slab out and cut into 12 bars before serving.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Outdoor Adventure Trail Mix Bars with Mixed Nuts and Dried Fruit take to make?

Total time is about 15 minutes (15 min prep + 0 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Outdoor Adventure Trail Mix Bars with Mixed Nuts and Dried Fruit?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep rolled oats from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Outdoor Adventure Trail Mix Bars with Mixed Nuts and Dried Fruit?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Outdoor Adventure Trail Mix Bars with Mixed Nuts and Dried Fruit for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 12 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 12). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

Is Outdoor Adventure Trail Mix Bars with Mixed Nuts and Dried Fruit gluten-free?

Yes — this recipe is tagged gluten-free based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.

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