How to Make Tennessee Road Trip Snack Mix
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
🔥 Preheat your oven to 275°F (135°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
Step 2: Melt the Honey & Coconut Oil
🥄 In a small saucepan, heat honey and coconut oil over low heat until melted and smooth.
🌿 Stir in the vanilla extract and cinnamon, mixing well.
✔ Tip: Don’t overheat the honey—it just needs to melt, not boil!
Step 3: Coat the Nuts & Cranberries
🥜 In a large mixing bowl, combine pecans, cashews, almonds, and dried cranberries.
🔥 Pour the warm honey mixture over the nuts and stir until evenly coated.
Step 4: Bake & Stir
⏲ Spread the mixture evenly on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
👩🍳 Bake at 275°F for 20–30 minutes, stirring every 10 minutes to ensure even roasting.
✔ Tip: If you prefer a chewier texture, remove at 20-25 minutes. For extra crunch, bake for the full 30 minutes.
Step 5: Cool & Enjoy!
❄️ Let the mix cool completely before storing—it will crisp up as it cools!
🥄 Once cooled, break apart and transfer to an airtight container.
✔ Tip: Store at room temperature for up to 2 weeks, or freeze for longer freshness.
How to Customize Your Trail Mix
Want to mix things up? Here are fun variations:
✔ Swap the Nuts – Try walnuts, hazelnuts, or macadamia nuts.
✔ Change the Dried Fruit – Use dried cherries, raisins, or chopped dates.
✔ Make it Spicier – Add a pinch of cayenne or pumpkin spice.
✔ Add Chocolate – Stir in dark chocolate chips after cooling.
✔ Boost with Seeds – Toss in pumpkin seeds or sunflower seeds for extra crunch.
Make-Ahead & Storage Tips
🥶 Freezing Option: Store in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months.
📦 Portioning: Pack in small snack-sized bags for easy grab-and-go treats.
💡 Gift Idea: This makes a wonderful homemade gift—just package in mason jars with a ribbon!
FAQs
Q: Can I make this mix keto-friendly?
A: Yes! Swap the honey for sugar-free maple syrup or monk fruit sweetener and use unsweetened dried cranberries.
Q: Can I use olive oil instead of coconut oil?
A: Yes, but coconut oil gives it a lightly sweet, tropical taste.
Q: What if I don’t have dried cranberries?
A: Try dried blueberries, apricots, or golden raisins!
Why This Snack is Perfect for Road Trips
🚗 Portable & Mess-Free – Easy to store and eat on the go.
💪 Packed with Protein & Healthy Fats – Keeps you full longer.
🍯 Naturally Sweetened – No refined sugars!
🥥 Crunchy & Satisfying – The perfect mix of textures and flavors.
