Irresistible Road Trip Caramel Trail Mix Recipe for Adventure

Embarking on a delightful road trip caramel trail mix adventure promises pure snacking bliss.

Crunchy nuts and sweet caramel create an irresistible combination that sparks joy.

Munching on this portable treat makes kilometers fly by effortlessly.

Packed with energy-boosting ingredients, this mix becomes your perfect companion for long journeys.

Salty and sweet elements dance together in each handful, delivering unexpected flavor surprises.

Crafted with simple ingredients, the recipe transforms ordinary snacking into an extraordinary experience.

Buckle up and let this trail mix fuel your wanderlust!

Tips to Nail Road Trip Caramel Trail Mix

• Swap traditional butter with coconut oil for a dairy-free version that still delivers rich caramel flavor.
• Reduce baking time by 5-10 minutes if you prefer a softer caramel coating on the rice cereal.
• Add a sprinkle of sea salt after coating the cereal to enhance the sweet-savory balance of the trail mix.
• Toast nuts beforehand to intensify their nutty flavor and create more depth in the snack mix.
• Store trail mix in portion-sized bags for easy grab-and-go road trip snacking, preventing overeating and ensuring freshness.

Variations to Switch Up Road Trip Caramel Mix

• Gluten-Free Crunch Mix: Replace rice cereal with gluten-free rice chex or corn chex for celiac or gluten-sensitive individuals.
• Tropical Adventure Mix: Swap raisins with dried pineapple chunks and add coconut flakes for a beach-inspired variation.
• Protein Power Mix: Substitute some nuts with roasted pumpkin seeds and add protein granola for extra nutrition and crunch.
• Low-Sugar Trail Blend: Use sugar-free caramel syrup, replace M&M's with dark chocolate chips, and add unsweetened coconut flakes for a reduced-sugar alternative.

Pairings That Compliment Caramel Trail Mix

• Complement the caramel sweetness with a smooth, rich vanilla latte that echoes the trail mix's buttery notes and provides a warm, comforting contrast.
• Balance the trail mix's sugary crunch with a cold, tangy apple cider that cuts through the caramel's richness and adds a bright, fruity dimension.
• Enhance the mix's nutty elements with a chilled chocolate milk that amplifies the M&M's chocolate undertones and creates a decadent flavor harmony.

Proper Storage Tips for Caramel Trail Mix

• Refrigerator Storage: Transfer the trail mix to an airtight container with a tight-fitting lid. Keep at room temperature for maximum crunchiness, avoiding moisture that could soften the cereal.
• Freezer Preservation: Pack the trail mix in a freezer-safe container or heavy-duty zip-lock bag. Remove excess air before sealing to prevent freezer burn. Consume within one month for optimal taste and texture.
• Room Temperature Safekeeping: Store in a sealed container away from direct sunlight and heat sources. Place in a cool, dry pantry or kitchen cabinet. Check for freshness every few days and consume within 3 days.
• Moisture Prevention: Add a small packet of food-grade silica gel to the container to absorb any excess humidity. This trick helps maintain the crispness of the cereal and nuts, keeping the trail mix crunchy and delicious.

FAQs

• Why use corn syrup in this recipe?

Corn syrup helps create a smooth, stable caramel coating that prevents sugar crystallization and gives the mix a glossy, even texture.

• Can I substitute the nuts?

Yes, you can swap pistachios and cashews with almonds, peanuts, or pecans based on your preference or dietary needs.

• How do I prevent the caramel from burning?

Stir the mixture continuously while heating and watch it closely, removing from heat once it’s smooth and fully combined to avoid scorching.

• Is this trail mix good for kids?

The mix is kid-friendly with sweet M&M’s and crunchy nuts, making it a fun and tasty snack for road trips or school lunches.

Road Trip Caramel Trail Mix to Snack On

• Craft a Delightful Snack: Easily transform simple ingredients into a mouthwatering trail mix that satisfies sweet and salty cravings with minimal kitchen skills required.
• Perfect for Adventure Seekers: Packed with nuts, chocolate, and caramel-coated cereal, this trail mix becomes the ultimate companion for road trips, hiking, or spontaneous munching.
• Kid-Friendly Crowd-Pleaser: Colorful M&M's and crunchy nuts make this recipe a guaranteed hit for children and adults alike, ensuring smiles with every handful.
• Simple Storage Solution: Conveniently store in an air-tight container for several days, making it a grab-and-go snack that stays fresh and delicious whenever hunger strikes.

Ingredients to Make Road Trip Caramel Trail Mix

• Rice Cereal: A crispy foundation that absorbs the caramel coating and provides a delightful crunch.

• Brown Sugar, Corn Syrup, Butter: A sweet and rich mixture that creates a glossy caramel layer for the cereal.

• Pistachios, Cashews: Provide a satisfying nutty texture and enhance the overall flavor profile of the trail mix.

• Raisins, M&M's: Add natural sweetness and colorful chocolate elements to balance the salty nuts and caramel cereal.

How to Prepare Road Trip Caramel Trail Mix

Step 1: Prepare Baking Surface

Line a rimmed baking sheet with a silicone mat or aluminum foil. Spread rice cereal evenly across the surface and set aside.

Step 2: Create Caramel Coating

• Brown sugar
• Corn syrup
• Butter

Stir continuously until the mixture melts and becomes smooth. Remove from heat.

Step 3: Coat Rice Cereal

Pour the caramel mixture over the rice cereal. Gently stir to ensure each piece is thoroughly coated.

Spread into an even layer.

Step 4: Bake Caramel Cereal

Place the baking sheet in a preheated oven at 300 degrees Fahrenheit.

Bake for 30 minutes, stirring every 10 minutes to prevent burning.

Step 5: Cool Caramel Cereal

Transfer the baked cereal onto a silicone mat or aluminum foil sprayed lightly with cooking spray.

Allow to cool completely on a cooling rack.

Step 6: Mix Trail Mix Ingredients

• Pistachios
• Cashews
• Raisins
• M&M's

Gently stir to mix all ingredients.

Step 7: Store Trail Mix

Store the trail mix in an air-tight container. It will stay fresh for up to 3 days at room temperature or up to a month in the freezer.

Road Trip Caramel Trail Mix Recipe

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4.8 from 37 reviews

• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 8 1x

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Description

Craving a road trip caramel trail mix brings adventure to snacking with sweet and salty goodness. Crisp nuts, chocolate pieces, and caramel drizzle create irresistible flavor combinations travelers will crave mile after mile.

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Ingredients

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• 3 cups rice cereal (original, wheat, or combination)
• 1 cup roasted pistachios
• 1 cup roasted cashews
• 1 cup mixed raisins
• 1/2 cup original M&M’s
• 1/2 cup peanut M&M’s
• 2 tablespoons brown sugar
• 2 tablespoons light corn syrup
• 2 tablespoons butter

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Instructions

1. Prepare the oven at 300°F and line a rimmed baking sheet with a silicone mat or aluminum foil. Distribute rice cereal evenly across the surface.
2. In a small saucepan, combine brown sugar, corn syrup, and butter over medium heat. Continuously stir until the mixture melts into a smooth, glossy consistency. Remove from heat immediately.
3. Drizzle the caramel mixture over the rice cereal, gently folding to ensure complete and uniform coating of each piece.
4. Spread the coated cereal into a single layer and bake for 30 minutes. Interrupt baking every 10 minutes to stir and prevent burning.
5. Transfer a clean silicone mat or cooking spray-coated aluminum foil onto a cooling rack. Carefully pour the hot caramel cereal onto the mat, allowing it to cool completely.
6. Once the caramel cereal reaches room temperature, combine it with pistachios, cashews, raisins, and M&M’s in a large mixing bowl. Gently toss to distribute ingredients evenly.
7. Transfer the trail mix to an air-tight container. Preserve at room temperature for up to 3 days or freeze for maximum preservation of up to one month.

Notes

• Adjust the caramel coating thickness by controlling stirring technique, ensuring each rice cereal piece gets evenly glazed without clumping.
• Customize the trail mix by swapping nuts or adding dried fruits like cranberries or chopped apricots for diverse flavor profiles.
• Prevent caramel from burning by maintaining medium heat and stirring consistently during the melting process.
• Create a gluten-free version by using certified gluten-free rice cereal and checking ingredient labels for M&M’s.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Snacks, Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 263 kcal
• Sugar: 16 g
• Sodium: 62 mg
• Fat: 14 g
• Saturated Fat: 3 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 0.1 g
• Carbohydrates: 29 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 5 g
• Cholesterol: 8 mg