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- 1 cup dark chocolate chips - 1 cup white chocolate chips - 1/2 cup crushed peppermint candies Dark chocolate chips bring a rich flavor. White chocolate chips add sweetness. Crushed peppermint candies give a festive crunch. Together, they create a perfect holiday base for the mix. - 1 cup almond or cashew nuts - 1 cup pretzel bites - 1/2 cup dried cranberries Nuts add a nice crunch and protein. Pretzel bites give a salty twist. Dried cranberries bring a chewy texture and a bit of tartness. These ingredients make the mix more fun and varied. - 1/2 teaspoon sea salt for seasoning - Extra crushed peppermint for garnish A sprinkle of sea salt enhances the flavors. Adding more crushed peppermint on top makes it look pretty. These optional touches can make your trail mix even more special. For the full recipe, follow the steps outlined to create this delightful treat! Start by melting 1 cup of dark chocolate chips. Place them in a microwave-safe bowl. Heat the chocolate in 30-second intervals. Stir the chocolate after each interval. This helps it melt evenly. Keep heating until it is fully melted and smooth. Once your chocolate is ready, pour it onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Spread it into a thin layer using a spatula. This creates your dark chocolate base. Now, melt 1 cup of white chocolate chips in the same way. After it is melted, take a spoon and drizzle it over the dark chocolate base. Use a toothpick to swirl the white chocolate into the dark chocolate. This gives a nice marbled look. Before the chocolate sets, sprinkle 1/2 cup of crushed peppermint candies on top. Press them gently into the chocolate so they stick. Then, place your baking sheet in the refrigerator. Let it chill for about 20 minutes until the chocolate is firm. Once the chocolate is set, break it into uneven pieces. In a large mixing bowl, combine the chocolate bark pieces with 1 cup of nuts, 1 cup of pretzel bites, and 1/2 cup of dried cranberries. Toss everything together gently until well mixed. Finally, sprinkle 1/2 teaspoon of sea salt over the trail mix. This adds a tasty flavor boost. Enjoy your Peppermint Bark Trail Mix as a festive treat! For a full recipe, check the previous sections. To melt chocolate well, use microwave-safe bowls. This helps avoid any mess. Heat the chocolate in short bursts, about 30 seconds at a time. Stir after each round to keep the heat even. This way, you won’t burn the chocolate. Overheating can ruin the taste and texture. If it looks grainy or clumpy, it’s too hot. Feel free to adjust the trail mix to fit your taste. You can change the amount of nuts or pretzels. If you like more crunch, add extra pretzel bites. For a nut-free option, skip the nuts and add seeds instead. You can also mix in other snacks, like popcorn or chocolate-covered treats. This keeps the mix fun and interesting. When serving, use festive bowls or clear mason jars. This makes your mix look special. You can also sprinkle extra crushed peppermint on top for flair. For gifts, package the trail mix in cute bags or jars. Tie a ribbon around it for a nice touch. This adds a personal feel and makes it great for sharing. {{image_2}} You can make this Peppermint Bark Trail Mix dairy-free. Just swap out regular chocolate chips for dairy-free chocolate chips. These chips melt well and taste great. Look for options made from coconut or almond milk. This way, everyone can enjoy the treat! Add festive cheer to your trail mix for holidays. Include seasonal spices like cinnamon or nutmeg. You can also cut up dried fruits like apples or pears. These fruits add a sweet and festive touch. Try using different colored candies for fun and color. This makes your mix look extra special during the holidays! Changing up the nuts and snacks can make the mix more fun. Try using walnuts, pecans, or even hazelnuts. You can also add puffed rice or popcorn for a light crunch. Mixing different textures makes every bite exciting. Feel free to experiment until you find your favorite blend. To keep your peppermint bark trail mix fresh, store it in airtight containers. This helps keep air and moisture out. Choose containers that seal tightly. Glass jars or plastic containers work well. Avoid keeping the mix in paper bags or open bowls. These do not protect the mix from humidity. Temperature matters too. Store your trail mix in a cool, dry place. Heat and humidity can ruin the taste and texture. A pantry or cupboard away from the stove is ideal. Your peppermint bark trail mix will stay fresh for up to two weeks when stored correctly. After that, it may lose its crunch and flavor. Watch for signs of spoilage. If you see any white spots on the chocolate, it may be stale. A soft or chewy texture instead of a crisp one also means it’s time to toss it. Always trust your nose; if it smells off, it’s better to throw it out. For the full recipe, refer back to the main article. To make Peppermint Bark Trail Mix, follow these steps: 1. Melt the dark chocolate chips in a microwave-safe bowl. Heat in 30-second bursts. Stir between each until smooth. 2. Spread the melted dark chocolate on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Make a thin layer as your base. 3. Melt the white chocolate chips the same way. Drizzle it over the dark chocolate. Use a toothpick to swirl them for a pretty effect. 4. Sprinkle crushed peppermint candies on top. Press lightly to stick them to the chocolate. 5. Chill the baking sheet in the fridge for about 20 minutes to set the chocolate. 6. Break the chocolate into uneven pieces once firm. 7. In a bowl, mix the chocolate bark, nuts, pretzel bites, and dried cranberries. Toss gently to combine. 8. Finish by sprinkling sea salt over the mix for extra flavor. This recipe is quick and fun, making it great for all skill levels. You can find the Full Recipe for more detailed steps! Yes, you can use different types of chocolate! Here are some ideas: - Milk chocolate: For a sweeter taste, swap dark chocolate for milk chocolate. - White chocolate: If you love creamy flavors, use only white chocolate. - Flavored chocolate: Try mint or orange chocolate for a twist. - Dark chocolate: Use a higher cocoa percentage for a richer taste. Mix and match to discover your favorite flavors. Be creative with what you have on hand! Absolutely! Peppermint Bark Trail Mix makes a lovely gift. Here are some tips for packaging: - Use clear bags: Fill clear cellophane bags and tie them with ribbons. - Mason jars: Layer the mix in mason jars for a cute look. - Gift boxes: Fill small gift boxes with the trail mix. Add a festive note. - Personal touch: Include a handwritten recipe card for a personal touch. Make it eye-catching and festive. Your friends and family will love it! This blog post showed you how to make a fun Peppermint Bark Trail Mix. We covered the main and optional ingredients, from dark chocolate to peppermint candies. You learned step-by-step how to melt chocolate, layer it, and create a tasty mix with nuts and pretzels. I shared tips to customize your trail mix and keep it fresh. Remember, you can change the ingredients to match your taste. Enjoy making your trail mix for yourself or as gifts! It’s easy and fun to create.

Peppermint Bark Trail Mix

Discover the perfect holiday treat with this easy Peppermint Bark Trail Mix recipe! Combining rich dark and white chocolate with crunchy nuts, pretzels, and festive peppermint candies, this mix is a deliciously sweet and salty snack for any occasion. After just 35 minutes, you’ll have a homemade delight that’s perfect for sharing or gifting. Click through to explore the full recipe and create your own festive treat today!
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Ingredients
  

1 cup dark chocolate chips

1 cup white chocolate chips

1/2 cup crushed peppermint candies

1 cup almond or cashew nuts

1 cup pretzel bites

1/2 cup dried cranberries

1/2 teaspoon sea salt

Instructions
 

Begin by melting the dark chocolate chips in a microwave-safe bowl. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until fully melted and smooth.

    On a parchment-lined baking sheet, drizzle the melted dark chocolate into a thin layer, spreading it evenly to form a base.

      Next, melt the white chocolate chips the same way. Once melted, drizzle it over the dark chocolate base and use a toothpick to swirl the two chocolates together for a marbled effect.

        Before the chocolate sets, sprinkle the crushed peppermint candies generously over the top, and then lightly press them into the chocolate to adhere.

          Place the baking sheet in the refrigerator for about 20 minutes until the chocolate is firm.

            Once set, break the chocolate bark into uneven pieces.

              In a large mixing bowl, combine the chocolate bark pieces, nuts, pretzel bites, and dried cranberries. Gently toss everything together until well mixed.

                Finally, sprinkle sea salt over the trail mix for that extra flavor boost.

                  Prep Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 35 minutes | Servings: 4-6

                    Presentation Tips: Serve in festive bowls or mason jars for a delightful and approachable snack. Optionally, add a few extra crushed peppermint pieces on top for garnish.