Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This trail mix is a fun and flavorful snack that brings together the best of both worlds: sweet and savory. The combination of crunchy, roasted nuts and chewy dried fruits like cranberries and cherries creates a satisfying texture, while the chocolate-covered sunflower seeds and yogurt-covered raisins add a sweet touch. A sprinkle of cinnamon and a hint of cayenne pepper (for those who like it spicy) give the trail mix a unique and exciting flavor profile. Whether you’re indulging while watching a movie or fueling up for an adventure, Vampire Bite Trail Mix is the perfect snack to keep you going.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

1 cup almonds
1 cup cashews
1 cup walnuts
1 cup dried cranberries
1 cup dried cherries
1 cup chocolate-covered sunflower seeds
1 cup yogurt-covered raisins
½ cup pumpkin seeds
½ tsp cinnamon
¼ tsp cayenne pepper (optional for a spicy kick)

Directions

Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Roast the nuts: Spread the almonds, cashews, and walnuts in a single layer on a baking sheet. Roast the nuts in the oven for about 10 minutes, stirring halfway through, until they are lightly golden and aromatic. Remove from the oven and allow them to cool.
Combine the ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the roasted nuts, dried cranberries, dried cherries, chocolate-covered sunflower seeds, yogurt-covered raisins, and pumpkin seeds.
Add the spices: Sprinkle the cinnamon and cayenne pepper (if using) over the mix.
Toss the mix: Gently toss all the ingredients together until they are evenly coated with the spices.
Store: Transfer the Vampire Bite Trail Mix to an airtight container to keep fresh.

Servings and Timing

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Rest Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Servings: Varies (about 8 servings)

Variations

Spicy Kick: For those who like extra heat, increase the cayenne pepper or add a pinch of chili powder.
Sweet and Salty Twist: Add a handful of salted pretzels or chocolate chips to balance the sweetness with a salty crunch.
Nuts and Seeds Swap: You can swap any of the nuts or seeds in this recipe for your favorites—try adding pecans, hazelnuts, or sunflower seeds for a unique twist.
Dried Fruit Mix: Feel free to mix up the dried fruits—try dried apricots, figs, or raisins for a different flavor profile.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: Store the Vampire Bite Trail Mix in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week.
Refrigeration: While refrigeration isn’t necessary, it can help keep the trail mix fresh for a longer period. If you want it to last longer, keep it in the fridge for up to 2 weeks.
Freezing: You can freeze the trail mix in a sealed container for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature when ready to enjoy.

FAQs

1. Can I use different nuts in this recipe?

Yes! You can substitute or add any of your favorite nuts, such as pecans, hazelnuts, or almonds, to personalize the mix.

2. Can I adjust the spice level?

Yes, you can increase or decrease the cayenne pepper based on your preference for spice. If you want a milder mix, skip the cayenne altogether.

3. Can I use other dried fruits instead of cranberries and cherries?

Absolutely! You can swap in dried apricots, raisins, figs, or any dried fruit of your choice.

4. Can I make this trail mix ahead of time?

Yes, this trail mix can be made ahead of time and stored in an airtight container for up to a week.

5. Can I make this trail mix without roasting the nuts?

While roasting the nuts adds depth of flavor, you can skip this step if you’re short on time or prefer raw nuts.

6. How can I make this trail mix vegan?

This recipe is already vegan-friendly, as long as you use vegan-friendly yogurt-covered raisins and chocolate-covered sunflower seeds.

7. Can I add more sweetness to the mix?

Yes, if you prefer a sweeter trail mix, you can add chocolate chips, honey, or a drizzle of maple syrup.

8. How long will this trail mix last?

The trail mix will last about 1 week when stored in an airtight container at room temperature. It can also be refrigerated to extend its freshness for up to 2 weeks.

9. Can I freeze this trail mix?

Yes, you can freeze it for up to 3 months. Just make sure to store it in a sealed container to keep the mix fresh.

10. What’s a good way to serve Vampire Bite Trail Mix?

This trail mix is perfect for movie nights, parties, hikes, or as a nutritious snack on the go. You can also serve it at spooky-themed events or Halloween parties for a fun, themed snack.

Conclusion

Vampire Bite Trail Mix is a fun and flavorful snack that offers a unique blend of crunchy, chewy, sweet, and spicy elements. Whether you’re enjoying it as a movie snack, a hike companion, or just an afternoon treat, this mix is sure to hit the spot. It’s quick to prepare, fully customizable, and easy to store, making it an excellent go-to snack for any occasion. With its blend of bold flavors and a touch of heat, this trail mix is perfect for those who like a snack with a little “bite”!

Vampire Bite Trail Mix

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Vampire Bite Trail Mix is a wickedly delicious blend of roasted nuts, chewy dried fruits, and a spicy kick that combines sweet, savory, and fiery flavors in one addictive snack.

Author: Amy
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 8 servings
Category: Snack
Method: Roasting, Mixing
Cuisine: American
Diet: Vegan

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Spread the almonds, cashews, and walnuts in a single layer on a baking sheet. Roast the nuts in the oven for about 10 minutes, stirring halfway through, until lightly golden and aromatic. Remove and allow to cool.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the roasted nuts, dried cranberries, dried cherries, chocolate-covered sunflower seeds, yogurt-covered raisins, and pumpkin seeds.
Sprinkle cinnamon and cayenne pepper (if using) over the mix.
Gently toss all the ingredients together until evenly coated with the spices.
Transfer the trail mix to an airtight container to keep fresh.