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You’re instantly thinking, “What the heck is curried trail mix going to taste like?”
It’s going to taste like little crunchy savory-sweet, slightly spicy bits of heaven!!! That’s what it’s going to taste like!
Yes, I know a curried trail mix doesn’t sound like your typical flavor of trail mix – I fully agree. But, I know that you aren’t sticking around this blog if you are looking for your typical flavor profile lol. Adventurous flavors is my expertise.
And it’s my job to expose you to them. To make you think, “hmmm that sounds interesting. Got. To. HAVE. It. NOW!”.
My job is to expand your taste buds.
This curried trail mix is no exception. It’s bold, it’s unique – and I know that if you love the savory-sweet with a hint of spice flavor profile that you will go NUTS for this trail mix.
Get it?
You will go nuts!
Because there are actual real life nuts in this trail mix! HA!
I am SO funny!
I also know that the idea of making trail mix in a slow cooker sounds kind weird too but here’s the advantage: It doesn’t heat up your kitchen!!!!
Although we are currently having a colder spring here in Iowa I imagine this slow cooker curried trail mix to be made during the summer. When I think of trail mix I think of snacking on it while hiking, camping, canoeing, traveling, and road tripping. Agreed?
So, if you know anything about me it’s that turning on my oven during hot summer days is a really bad idea! Hence where the use of the slow cooker comes in hand.
And friends, it works beautifully. I first saw the idea of making trail mix in a slow cooker from Cotter Crunch and instantly knew that I had to give it a try.
You simply throw everything into the slow cooker, give it a stir and set a timer. The only thing is, you do have to give it a stir a few times to prevent the nuts from burning – and towards the end of it you need to keep a good eye on it – so it’s not a slow cooker recipe that can be going while you’re at work. BUT no heat, and almost hands off method means that you can multi-task while the slow cooker is doing it’s thing!
Once the trail mix makes the nuts all toasty you spread it out onto a baking sheet to allow it to cool. Then you stir in dried fruit!
See? So easy!
I love how this curried trail mix clumps up as it dries. That way you don’t have the small pepita seeds and coconut flakes falling through your fingers every time you go to grab a handful. Know what I mean? #trailmixproblems.
Look at that beautiful golden tray of goodness!
Of course this curried trail mix is easily customizable. You can use a variety of dried fruits, or you can leave out the coconut flakes, or the cayenne pepper if you don’t want any heat. It’s all up to you!
Here’s all you need to make this curried trail mix:
- raw cashews
- raw almonds
- pepitas
- coconut flakes (easy to leave out if you’re not a coconut fan)
- coconut sugar – for that crunchy sweet flavor
- pure maple syrup – more sweetness that also helps the trail mix to clump up
- curry powder – because it can’t be curried trail mix without curry powder
- turmeric – for a little extra golden hue
- salt – for the salty sweet flavor we love in trail mix
- black pepper – for flavor and also adds to the nutrition of turmeric
- cayenne pepper – for that spice!!! (optional, of course)
- coconut oil – to help all those spices stick to the nuts
- dried fruit – I used apricots and dried raisins. Other options, such as dried mango are listed in the recipe card below
Simple and nutritious ingredients that come together to make one tasty and energizing trail mix for all your snacking needs!!!
Best part is that it makes about 7.5 cups of trail mix and it lasts in an air tight container for up to 1 month!!!
Snack away, friends!
I imagine snacking on this trail mix this summer in the middle of a hike or in our canoe, when I need to refuel.
This curried trail mix is packed with energizing, good for you ingredients. We’ve got:
- healthy fats from the nuts and seeds and coconut oil – good for you brain, heart, and energy levels
- protein from the nuts – essential to keeping you fuller longer
- fiber from the nuts and dried fruit – also helps to keep you satisfied longer
- healthy sugars from the dried fruit – balance is needed to replenish those muscles when you’re out and about
- anti inflammatory properties that’s good for joints, from the turmeric – an added bonus that I will happily receive!
Best. Snack. Ever.
This trail mix is also gluten free, grain free, dairy free, refined sugar free, and vegan. You are so winning at your snacking game!
Curried trail mix, as I said before, would be great for all your summer adventurers and traveling. However, it would also make a great midday snack at your desk (I can vouch for this), or a school snack.
Go. Be free.
Make your golden crunchy joy of heaven. Be happy wherever you go knowing that you always have a healthy snack at your fingertips.
Life is good!
Slow Cooker Curried Trail Mix
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- Author: Emily Koch
- Prep Time: 5 mins
- Cook Time: 90 mins
- Total Time: 1 hour 35 mins
- Yield: 10 to 15 servings (about 7.5 cups) 1x
- Category: snack, appetizer, slow cooker, easy
- Cuisine: gluten free, vegan, vegetarian, dairy free, refined sugar free
Description
Curried trail mix made in the slow cooker. It’s savory-sweet, spicy, and packed with crunch. Loaded with energizing ingredients making it the perfect on-the-go snack.
Ingredients
UnitsScale
- 1 1/2 cups raw cashews
- 1 1/2 cups raw almonds
- 1 cup raw pepitas
- 1/3 cup unsweetened coconut flakes (can swap with more pepitas if you don’t like coconut)
- 1/4 cup coconut sugar
- 1/4 cup pure maple syrup
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons curry powder
- 1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder
- 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
- Optional 1/4 tablespoon Cayenne pepper
- 2 tablespoons coconut oil, melted
- Optional mix ins
- 3/4 to 1 cup dried apricots (unsweetened)
- 3/4 to 1 cup golden raisins
- 3/4 to 1 cup dried mango, roughly chopped (unsweetened)
- 3/4 to 1 cup dried pineapple (Unsweetened)
- 3/4 to 1 cup dried papaya (unsweetened)
Instructions
- Mix: Place all of the ingredients – nuts, sugars, and seasonings (not the dried fruit mix ins) into your slow cooker. Give everything a good stir until it’s all well combined.
- Cook: Cook on high for 60 minutes, stirring 2 to 3 times during the end of the 60 minutes. Reduce the temperature to low and cook another 20 to 30 minutes, stirring every 10 minutes. You will know the trail mix is done when the nuts begin to look slightly browned and the mixture looks drier. Be careful not to burn the trail mix within the last few minutes of cooking. Even though we are using a slow cooker this is one we have to keep our eyes on at the end of the cooking time.
- Cool: Transfer the trail mix to a large rimmed baking sheet that has been lined with parchment paper or a silpat mat. Spread out the trail mix in an even layer, there may be some clumps, that’s okay. Allow the trail mix to cool completely.
- Add dried fruit: Once the trail mix is completely cool add your choice of dried fruits to the pan and use your hands or tongs to mix.
- Store: Transfer the trail mix to a mason jar, or other air tight containers – or even a resealable bag. Store at room temp for up to one month,
Notes
Mix ins: You can choose to use any combo of 2, or even 3 of the dried fruits if you would like. I used golden raisins and dried apricots (left whole), which I loved. Any of these tropical dried fruits would go nicely with the flavor of the curry powder. I do recommend getting unsweetened dried fruit for any of these.
The turmeric in the trail mix will get onto your fingers and stain things you touch. I recommend washing hands or using a napkin when eating this trail mix to prevent staining on clothes or car seats…or wherever you are…because you know, trail mix is for portable snacking!
Slow cooker methodfor this recipe is adapted from Cotter Crunch.
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