Double-Chocolate Cherry Trail Mix

Name: Double-Chocolate Cherry Trail Mix
Prep time: 12 min
Cook time: 8 min
Total time: 20 min
Yield: 10
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 3 cups Crisp Rice Cereal Squares; 1 cup Dry-Roasted Almonds; 2 tablespoons Pure Maple Syrup; 1 tablespoon Neutral Oil; 2 tablespoons Unsweetened Cocoa Powder; 1/4 teaspoon Fine Sea Salt; 2 cups Mini Pretzel Twists; 1 cup Dried Tart Cherries; 3/4 cup Dark Chocolate Chips; 1/3 cup Cacao Nibs

Bowl of double-chocolate cherry trail mix with pretzels and almonds

Amanda Harris

Published: July 28, 2026

Categories: Chocolate Desserts, Fruits, Appetizers & Snacks, Nut Desserts

Tags: Make-Ahead, Easy Snack, Dried Cherries, Trail Mix, Chocolate Snack, Hiking Snack

Chocolate Cherry Trail Mix

Cocoa-glazed cereal and almonds mingle with dark chocolate, dried cherries, crisp pretzels, and cacao nibs in an indulgent trail mix with plenty of crunch.

Prep Time:12 minCook Time:8 minTotal Time:20 minServings:10Difficulty:Easy

This dessert-style trail mix begins with a quick cocoa glaze that turns plain crisp rice cereal and roasted almonds into deeply chocolatey clusters. A little maple syrup rounds the edges of the cocoa without making the mix sticky or overly sweet.

Dark chocolate chips reinforce the cocoa base, while tart dried cherries keep each handful lively. Mini pretzels bring a salty snap, and cacao nibs add a pleasantly bitter crunch that makes the chocolate flavor taste fuller.

The short oven time is only for setting the cocoa coating, so the mix comes together faster than a batch of granola. Let the coated pieces cool completely before adding the chocolate chips; otherwise, the chips will soften and smear.

Pack the finished mix into small jars or resealable bags for a hike, picnic, or snack table. Stored airtight in a cool place, it keeps its crisp texture for up to one week.

Nutrition (per serving)

Calories:310 kcal

Protein:6 g

Carbs:39 g

Fat:16 g

Directions

1

Heat the oven to 325°F. Line a large rimmed sheet pan with parchment paper.
2

Place the cereal squares and almonds in a large mixing bowl, leaving enough room to toss them without crushing the cereal.
3

Whisk the maple syrup, oil, cocoa powder, and salt in a small bowl until smooth and glossy.
4

Drizzle the cocoa mixture over the cereal and almonds. Fold gently with a flexible spatula until the pieces are thinly and evenly coated.
5

Spread the coated mixture in a single layer on the prepared pan. Bake for 8 minutes, stirring once halfway through, until the coating looks dry and fragrant.
6

Cool the cocoa-coated cereal and almonds completely on the pan, about 20 minutes, then break apart any large clusters.
7

Combine the cooled cocoa mixture with the pretzels, dried cherries, dark chocolate chips, and cacao nibs. Serve immediately or store airtight in a cool place for up to one week.

Ingredients

Crisp Rice Cereal Squares:3 cups
Dry-Roasted Almonds:1 cup
Pure Maple Syrup:2 tablespoons
Neutral Oil:1 tablespoon
Unsweetened Cocoa Powder:2 tablespoons
Fine Sea Salt:1/4 teaspoon
Mini Pretzel Twists:2 cups
Dried Tart Cherries:1 cup
Dark Chocolate Chips:3/4 cup
Cacao Nibs:1/3 cup

Tips & Notes

Use chocolate chips with at least 60% cacao for a clear dark-chocolate flavor.
For tidy snack packs, portion the mix only after the cocoa-coated pieces have cooled completely.