Winter Wonderland Trail Mix

Featured in: Olive-Warm Comfort Meals

This cozy snack blends roasted almonds, pistachios, pumpkin seeds, dried cranberries, apricots, and blueberries with oats and crisp rice cereal. Honey and almond butter create a smooth binding layer flavored with cinnamon and vanilla. White chocolate chips and festive sprinkles top the mixture before chilling to set. Perfect for holiday gatherings or a wholesome winter treat.

Updated on Wed, 10 Dec 2025 08:38:00 GMT
Winter Wonderland Trail Mix Bars, a festive snack studded with white chocolate, are ready to enjoy. Pin It
Winter Wonderland Trail Mix Bars, a festive snack studded with white chocolate, are ready to enjoy. | olivecinder.com

A festive, crunchy snack bar featuring a medley of nuts, seeds, dried fruits, and white chocolate&perfect for cozy winter days or holiday gatherings.

This snack bar has become a seasonal favorite in my family, loved by kids and adults alike for its sweet and nutty flavors.

Ingredients

  • Nuts & Seeds: 1 cup unsalted roasted almonds, 1/2 cup shelled pistachios, 1/4 cup pumpkin seeds
  • Dried Fruits: 1/2 cup dried cranberries, 1/3 cup dried apricots chopped, 1/4 cup dried blueberries
  • Grains & Crunch: 1 1/4 cups rolled oats, 1 cup crisp rice cereal
  • Bind & Sweeten: 1/2 cup honey or maple syrup, 1/3 cup creamy almond butter, 2 tbsp unsalted butter, 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon, 1/4 tsp salt, 1 tsp pure vanilla extract
  • Topping: 1/2 cup white chocolate chips, 2 tbsp festive sprinkles (optional)

Instructions

Step 1:
Line an 8x8-inch (20x20 cm) baking pan with parchment paper leaving some overhang for easy removal
Step 2:
In a large bowl combine almonds pistachios pumpkin seeds dried cranberries apricots blueberries oats and rice cereal Set aside
Step 3:
In a small saucepan over medium heat combine honey (or maple syrup) almond butter unsalted butter cinnamon salt and vanilla extract Stir continuously until melted and smooth (about 23 minutes) Remove from heat
Step 4:
Pour the warm mixture over the dry ingredients Stir well until everything is evenly coated
Step 5:
Transfer the mixture to the prepared pan Press firmly and evenly into the pan using a spatula or the back of a measuring cup
Step 6:
Sprinkle white chocolate chips and festive sprinkles on top Gently press them into the surface
Step 7:
Refrigerate for at least 1 hour or until firm
Step 8:
Lift the mixture out of the pan using the parchment paper Cut into 12 bars Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week
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Making this recipe together has become a cherished family tradition, especially during the holiday season.

Required Tools

8x8-inch baking pan, parchment paper, mixing bowls, small saucepan, spatula or wooden spoon, measuring cups and spoons

Allergen Information

Contains nuts (almonds pistachios) seeds and dairy (butter white chocolate chips) For nut-free use seed butter and omit nuts replacing with extra seeds or cereal Always check ingredient labels for potential allergens or cross-contamination

Nutritional Information

Per serving Calories 210 Total Fat 10 g Carbohydrates 28 g Protein 4 g

Golden-brown Winter Wonderland Trail Mix Bars, packed with dried fruit and nuts, look deliciously crunchy and sweet. Pin It
Golden-brown Winter Wonderland Trail Mix Bars, packed with dried fruit and nuts, look deliciously crunchy and sweet. | olivecinder.com

These snack bars are perfect for gifting or enjoying throughout the winter season as a delicious homemade treat.

Recipe FAQs

What nuts are used in this trail mix?

Roasted almonds and shelled pistachios provide crunch and richness.

Can I substitute the almond butter?

Yes, sunflower seed butter works well as a nut-free alternative.

How is the mixture bound together?

A blend of honey or maple syrup, almond butter, and butter gently melts together to coat the dry ingredients.

What drying fruits enhance the flavor?

Dried cranberries, chopped apricots, and dried blueberries add sweetness and texture.

Is chilling necessary for this bar?

Refrigeration for at least one hour helps the bars firm up and hold their shape.

Winter Wonderland Trail Mix

A festive snack bar combining nuts, seeds, dried fruits, and white chocolate for winter enjoyment.

Prep Time
15 mins
0
Total Time
15 mins
Recipe by Owen Barnes


Skill Level Easy

Cuisine American

Makes 12 Portions

Diet Preferences Vegetarian

What You'll Need

Nuts & Seeds

01 1 cup unsalted roasted almonds
02 1/2 cup shelled pistachios
03 1/4 cup pumpkin seeds

Dried Fruits

01 1/2 cup dried cranberries
02 1/3 cup chopped dried apricots
03 1/4 cup dried blueberries

Grains & Crunch

01 1 1/4 cups rolled oats
02 1 cup crisp rice cereal

Bind & Sweeten

01 1/2 cup honey or maple syrup
02 1/3 cup creamy almond butter
03 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
04 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
05 1/4 teaspoon salt
06 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

Topping

01 1/2 cup white chocolate chips
02 2 tablespoons festive sprinkles (optional)

Directions

Step 01

Prepare baking pan: Line an 8x8-inch baking pan with parchment paper, allowing overhang for easy bar removal.

Step 02

Combine dry ingredients: In a large bowl, mix almonds, pistachios, pumpkin seeds, dried cranberries, apricots, blueberries, rolled oats, and rice cereal.

Step 03

Heat binding mixture: In a small saucepan over medium heat, stir honey or maple syrup, almond butter, unsalted butter, cinnamon, salt, and vanilla extract until melted and smooth, about 2 to 3 minutes. Remove from heat.

Step 04

Mix wet and dry ingredients: Pour the warm binding mixture over the dry ingredients and stir thoroughly until evenly coated.

Step 05

Press mixture into pan: Transfer the combined mixture into the prepared pan, pressing firmly and evenly with a spatula or back of a measuring cup.

Step 06

Add toppings: Sprinkle white chocolate chips and festive sprinkles evenly on top and press gently into the surface.

Step 07

Chill bars: Refrigerate for at least 1 hour until firm.

Step 08

Slice and store: Lift bars from pan using parchment paper, cut into 12 pieces, and store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week.

Tools You'll Need

  • 8x8-inch baking pan
  • Parchment paper
  • Mixing bowls
  • Small saucepan
  • Spatula
  • Measuring cups and spoons

Allergy Advice

Make sure to review every ingredient for allergens and check with your doctor if you’re unsure.
  • Contains nuts (almonds, pistachios), seeds, and dairy (butter, white chocolate chips).

Nutrition (Per Serving)

Details here are just for reference and not a substitute for medical guidance.
  • Calorie Count: 210
  • Fats: 10 g
  • Carbohydrates: 28 g
  • Proteins: 4 g