Elevate your favorite on-the-go snack with these easy, no-bake Trail Mix Bars. Ready in under 20 minutes, adaptable to any nuts and seeds you have, naturally date-sweetened and a satisfying source of energy for busy days.
This recipe was originally published in July 2017 and updated with new images and tips in January 2025—the recipe itself is unchanged.
Trail mix is one of those perfect snacks: nuts, seeds, dried fruit and a bit of chocolate combine for sweet and salty satisfaction. Turning that mix into a compact bar makes it even more convenient—these Trail Mix Bars are chewy, portable and customizable to your taste.
They’re made with wholesome ingredients, require no baking, and can be adapted to be gluten-free, dairy-free or vegan depending on the add-ins you choose.
Why You Will Love These No Bake Trail Mix Bars:
- No baking required! Quick to prepare and a great way to use up odds and ends from the pantry. With so many possible combinations, you can change the flavor profile every time.
- Highly customizable. Swap peanut butter for almond or sunflower seed butter, mix and match nuts, seeds, dried fruit, chocolate or marshmallows. These bars adapt to dietary needs and preferences.
- Kid-friendly. Let kids pick their favorite mix-ins to encourage snacking on something nourishing. Mini marshmallows are often a hit with little ones.
Recipe Ingredients:
- Quick oats: quick cooking oats work best for texture, though rolled oats also work. Use gluten-free oats if needed.
- Peanut butter: creamy peanut butter blends easily. Substitute almond, cashew or sunflower seed butter for allergies or preference.
- Medjool dates: soaked in warm water then processed into a paste, dates add natural sweetness and chewy binding.
- Vanilla extract: enhances the overall flavor.
- Cinnamon: optional — add if it complements your chosen mix-ins.
- Maple syrup: a little liquid sweetener (maple, honey, agave) for moisture and sweetness.
- Trail mix: a mixture of chopped nuts, seeds and dried fruit. Think chocolate chips, pumpkin seeds, almonds, pecans, coconut flakes, dried cherries, raisins, M&Ms, or mini marshmallows—endless options.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
- If your Medjool dates aren’t soft, soak them in warm water for 15 minutes. Remove pits and process the dates in a food processor until a sticky paste forms. Small chunks are fine.
- Transfer the date paste to a mixing bowl and add oats, peanut butter, maple syrup, vanilla and sea salt. Stir until evenly combined. If the mix is too dry, add a little more maple syrup or an extra tablespoon of peanut butter.
- Fold in the chopped nuts, seeds, dried fruit and/or chocolate chips until evenly distributed.
- Line an 8-inch square pan with parchment paper. Transfer the mixture and press it firmly into the pan — pressing tightly helps the bars hold together and prevents crumbling.
- Chill in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes, then remove and cut into bars. Serve chilled or at room temperature.
Recipe Tips
- No dates? No problem. Dates add chew and natural sweetness, but you can omit them. Increase peanut butter to 3/4 cup, add 1/3 cup ground flaxseed (flaxseed meal) and use a touch more maple syrup to help bind the mixture.
- Make energy balls instead of bars. Roll the mixture into bite-sized balls for a portable snack. You can also press and shape small cookies if you prefer.
- Cinnamon is optional. Use it when it complements your chosen mix-ins; skip it when it doesn’t.
Storage:
Store bars in an airtight container at room temperature for 2–3 days, or refrigerate for up to 2 weeks. For longer storage, freeze wrapped individual bars or layer with parchment in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months.
Fun flavor variations:
- Blueberry Muffin: dried blueberries, almond butter, sliced almonds and an extra teaspoon of cinnamon.
- Almond Joy: sliced almonds, shredded coconut, chocolate chips and almond butter.
- Cherry Chocolate: dried cherries, dark chocolate chips and chopped cashews.
- Chunky Monkey: chopped peanuts, chocolate chips and dried banana chips.
- Tropical: dried mango, dried pineapple, coconut and macadamia nuts.
Try these other No Bake recipes:
- Blueberry Muffin Protein Bars
- No Bake Piña Colada Bites
- Peanut Butter Oatmeal Bites
- Coconut Lemon Bars
- Homemade Perfect Bars
- Mango Coconut Cashew Bars
No Bake Trail Mix Bars
These no-bake trail mix bars are easy to customize, date-sweetened and perfect for quick fuel on the go.
Prep Time: 15
Chill: 30
Total Time: 45
Servings: 16
Ingredients
- 2 cups quick oats, regular or gluten free
- ½ c plus 2 T peanut butter or nut butter
- 15 pitted Medjool dates (soaked in warm water)
- 1 cup chopped nuts or seeds
- 3/4 cup dried fruit and/or chocolate chips
- 1 tsp vanilla
- 1 tsp cinnamon (optional)
- 3 – 4 T 100% pure maple syrup
- ½ tsp sea salt
Instructions
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Process dates in a food processor until a paste forms. If it’s too thick, add 1–2 teaspoons of water.
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In a bowl, combine date paste, peanut butter, maple syrup, vanilla, sea salt and oats. Stir until fully combined, adding more maple syrup if needed.
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Fold in the nuts, seeds, dried fruit and/or chocolate chips and mix evenly.
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Press the mixture firmly into an 8×8-inch pan lined with parchment.
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Refrigerate about 30 minutes before cutting and serving.
Notes
- One serving equals a 2 inch by 2 inch piece.
- Natural, creamy peanut butter that is pourable mixes most easily.
- Cinnamon is optional—add it only if it pairs well with your mix-ins.
Nutrition
Calories: 232kcal, Carbohydrates: 36g, Protein: 5g, Fat: 10g
Nutrition information is automatically calculated and should be used as an approximation.