Next, I add the nuts and coconut flakes if I’m in the mood for a little tropical twist. Mmm, can you smell that wonderful combination? The nuttiness of the walnuts against the sweetness of marshmallows creates a symphony for my tastebuds. Once everything’s in the bowl, I give it a good mix to ensure every bite has a fair share of each component.
The last thing I do is lay the mix out on a baking sheet, if I want to toast it a bit in the oven—this step is optional but can enhance the flavors beautifully. I pop it in a preheated 350°F oven for about 5 minutes, watching closely to keep it from burning. All you need is enough time for the chocolate to melt slightly and the marshmallows to get that perfect golden brown hue! Once done, I let it cool a bit and then transfer my S’mores Trail Mix into a resealable bag or airtight container.
Pro Tips for Best Results
I tested this recipe three ways: with different chocolate types, varying the graham cracker sizes, and even trying toasted and non-toasted versions. My favorite was definitely using a blend of milk and dark chocolate. It gave the mix this luxurious depth of flavor that I can’t get enough of!
Another tip from my kitchen to yours is to be mindful of how you store the trail mix. Using an airtight container not only keeps the snacks fresh, but it also helps maintain that delightful crunch from the pretzels and graham crackers. If you don’t have an airtight container, a resealable plastic bag works in a pinch.
Lastly, if you have little ones around, let them help with the mixing process! It’s a fun way to involve them in the kitchen, and I’ve found that when they help make a snack, they’re much more excited to try it out. Plus, who can resist a bit of marshmallow goodness while you work together?
Common Mistakes to Avoid
One common mistake I see is related to the pretzel sticks. I once ended up with softer pretzels because I forgot to check my bake time, and they absorbed moisture from the marshmallows and chocolate. Trust me, it’s a sad day when your trail mix isn’t crunchy! Keep an eye on the oven if you decide to toast.
Another pitfall is not breaking the graham crackers down enough. If the chunks are too big, they won’t mix well with other ingredients, and you might end up with uneven bites. I typically aim for pieces that are about the size of a quarter.
Also, don’t go overboard with chocolate. While chocolate is the star, too much can overshadow the subtlety of the graham crackers and marshmallows. I usually stick to a 1:1 ratio of chocolate chips to graham cracker pieces for a well-balanced snack. (See the next page below to continue…)