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See 5 recipes Download free cookbookNut-Free Seed and Cereal Trail Mix
Nut-Free Trail Mix
A crisp, lightly spiced trail mix made with toasted pumpkin and sunflower seeds, whole-grain cereal, dried cranberries, and apricots. It packs neatly for school, work, or an afternoon outdoors without relying on nuts.
Prep Time:12 minCook Time:12 minTotal Time:24 minServings:8Difficulty:Easy
This loose trail mix gets its staying power from pumpkin and sunflower seeds rather than nuts. Crisp whole-grain cereal keeps it light, while chewy cranberries and apricots give each handful a bright, fruity contrast.
A small amount of maple syrup, cinnamon, and salt coats the seeds before they are toasted. The coating is deliberately restrained: it adds warm flavor and helps the seeds form tiny clusters without turning the mix sticky.
For a truly nut-free result, check every package for the allergen statement that suits your needs. Seeds, cereal, and dried fruit can all be processed on shared equipment, so certified nut-free products are the safest choice for school or allergy-aware gatherings.
Let the toasted mixture cool completely before adding the dried fruit or packing it. Once cool, divide it into small containers for an easy grab-and-go snack, or serve it in a wide bowl so the colorful mix is easy to scoop.
Nutrition (per serving)
Calories:285 kcal
Protein:8 g
Carbs:39 g
Fat:12 g
Directions
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1
Heat the oven to 325°F. Line a large rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper.
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2
Combine the pumpkin seeds and sunflower seeds in a large bowl. Add the maple syrup, oil, cinnamon, and salt, then stir until the seeds are evenly coated.
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3
Spread the seed mixture in an even layer on the prepared baking sheet. Bake for 7 minutes, then stir thoroughly, bringing the darker seeds at the edges toward the center.
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4
Scatter the square cereal over the seeds and gently fold it in. Bake for 5 minutes more, until the seeds smell toasted and the cereal is crisp; watch closely so the maple coating does not burn.
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5
Set the baking sheet on a rack and leave the mixture undisturbed until completely cool, about 20 minutes. Break apart any large clusters with clean hands.
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6
Fold in the dried cranberries and apricots. Serve immediately or store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week.
Ingredients
- Raw Pumpkin Seeds:1 cup
- Raw Sunflower Seeds:3/4 cup
- Maple Syrup:2 tablespoons
- Neutral Oil:1 tablespoon
- Ground Cinnamon:1 teaspoon
- Fine Salt:1/4 teaspoon
- Nut-Free Whole-Grain Square Cereal:3 cups
- Dried Cranberries:3/4 cup
- Dried Apricots Cut Into Small Pieces:1/2 cup
Tips & Notes
- For allergy-aware serving, verify that the cereal, seeds, dried fruit, and all other ingredients are labeled for your household's needs and avoid shared utensils.
- Cool the toasted seeds and cereal fully before sealing the container; trapped warmth can soften the cereal.
- Pack the mix in 3/4-cup portions for convenient snacks.
