Trail Bars
Chewy, crunchy trail bars packed with cereal, nuts, dried fruit, and seeds, perfect for hiking, snacking, or on-the-go energy boosts for active lifestyles.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Spray a 13 x 9-inch baking pan with no-stick spray.
- Measure out the cereal.
- Cut up fruits and nuts and have all measured and ready to add before melting marshmallows.
- Melt margarine in a large saucepan over low heat.
- Add marshmallows and stir almost continuously until melted and well blended.
- Remove the pot from heat and quickly stir in the remaining ingredients, stirring until well coated.
- Pour the mixture into the sprayed pan and allow to cool.
- Cut into bars and wrap each bar in foil for hiking or on-the-go snacking.
- These bars travel well and keep fresh for several days.
Tips & Substitutions
For a healthier twist, consider using coconut oil instead of margarine or butter. You can also substitute traditional puffed cereal with gluten-free options for dietary restrictions. Adding a dash of cinnamon or a scoop of peanut butter can enhance the flavor. If you're short on time, pre-packaged mixed nuts and dried fruits can simplify the prep process.
Serving Suggestions
These trail bars make an excellent snack for hiking trips or busy days. Pair them with a refreshing glass of Super Lemonade for a quick energy boost. They can also be enjoyed as a sweet treat alongside a cup of coffee or tea. For a fun twist, consider adding chocolate chips or drizzling melted chocolate on top before cutting into bars.
Storage & Reheating
Store the trail bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. For longer storage, wrap each bar in foil and place them in the freezer, where they can last up to three months. When ready to eat, simply thaw at room temperature or enjoy them straight from the freezer.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Trail Bars contains roughly 744 calories, with 16g protein, 56g carbohydrates, and 51g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (56% of the Daily Value), vitamin A (41% of the Daily Value), and protein (31% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium and vitamin C. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 783mg per serving (34% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use different types of nuts and fruits in this recipe?
Absolutely! Feel free to get creative with your mix-ins. Almonds, walnuts, or pecans work wonderfully, and dried fruits like cranberries, apricots, or even chocolate chips can add great flavor. Just ensure that the total amount remains around three cups for the best texture.
How can I make these bars vegan?
To make these trail bars vegan, simply replace the butter with coconut oil and use vegan marshmallows, which are widely available. This way, you can enjoy a delicious plant-based snack without compromising on taste.
What can I do if the mixture is too sticky?
If you find the mixture too sticky while preparing, lightly greasing your hands with a bit of oil can help you shape the bars without them sticking. Alternatively, you can add a little more puffed cereal to achieve the desired consistency.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).