Fuel Your Adventures with These High-Protein Trail Mix snacks (No Peanut Butter Required!)

Life is an adventure, and every adventurer needs the right fuel to keep going. Whether you’re exploring trails, planning family outings, or crafting at home, these high-protein trail mix bars are your ultimate companion. Packed with energy, endlessly customizable, and made without peanut butter, they’re perfect for busy lives and bold dreams.
Skip the storytelling?

The Story Behind the Bars

For years, our family relied on store-bought snacks like KIND bars—they were tasty, convenient, and packed with great ingredients. But I couldn’t shake the feeling that I could create something just as delicious, using ingredients I loved even more. My first mission? Finding an almond butter without palm oil—surprisingly, not an easy task! After much searching, I discovered Nuttzo, a fantastic brand with a mix of nuts and seeds like chia already blended in. It was the perfect start to this recipe.

I also wanted to use high-quality fats to round out the flavors and textures. My go-to is unrefined, cold-pressed organic coconut oil for its purity and richness. However, when I’ve run out of the solid-state oil, I’ve successfully used the liquid version in a pinch—it’s versatile like that!
Now, crafting these bars feels like its own little adventure. Whether you’re heading out on a road trip, powering through a hectic workday, or grabbing a post-yoga snack, these bars are designed to fuel your journey.

Ingredient Breakdown

Let’s talk about what makes these bars so amazing:

• Almond Butter: This creamy, protein-packed base binds the ingredients together and adds a mild nutty flavor. Cashew butter or sunflower seed butter can work as alternatives.
• Honey or Maple Syrup: Naturally sweet and sticky, this keeps the bars from falling apart while adding a touch of sweetness.
• Coconut Oil: Provides flavor and structure to the bars. My preference is unrefined, cold-pressed organic coconut oil, but the liquid form works in a pinch.
• Rolled Oats: A classic addition for fiber and a chewy texture. (Quick oats are easier to chew but regular work just fine!)
• Protein Powder: Adds a boost of protein to keep your energy levels high. Chocolate or Vanilla options are ideal but unflavored works too.
• Chia Seeds: These tiny seeds are nutritional powerhouses, packed with omega-3s and fiber, while also helping bind the bars.
• Chopped Nuts: A mix of almonds, pecans, or walnuts adds crunch and healthy fats.
• Dried Fruit: Options like cranberries, raisins, or chopped apricots provide natural sweetness and pops of flavor.
• Dark Chocolate Chips (Optional): Because a little chocolate makes everything better, right?

Recipe for Outback Energy Bites

Ingredients:

• 1 cup almond butter (or your favorite nut butter blend)
• 1/3 cup honey or maple syrup
• 1/4 cup coconut oil
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 1/2 cups rolled oats
• 1/2 cup protein powder (vanilla or chocolate works best)
• 1/4 cup chia seeds or flaxseeds
• 1/2 cup chopped nuts (almonds, pecans, walnuts—you choose!)
• 1/2 cup dried fruit (cranberries, raisins, or apricots work wonderfully)
• 1/4 cup dark chocolate chips (optional, but highly recommended!)

Recipe Instructions

1. In a saucepan over low heat, combine almond butter, honey, and coconut oil. Stir until smooth, then remove from heat and add vanilla extract.
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine oats, protein powder, chia seeds, nuts, and dried fruit.
3. Pour the almond butter mixture over the dry ingredients and mix until everything is evenly coated.
4. Use a 12 cupcake tin with silicone liner cups or line an 8×8-inch pan with parchment paper and press the mixture firmly into the pan.
5. Sprinkle chocolate chips on top (if using) and gently press them into the mixture.
6. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours until firm. Once set, cut into bars or squares—or use the cupcake tin method below!

Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week.

Pro Tip: Instead of using a pan, try using a cupcake tin for perfectly portioned bites. Line the cups with silicone liners for effortless removal—it’s a game-changer!

Making the bars Adventure Ready

While these bars are best stored in the fridge to keep them firm, they can hold up for a few hours at room temperature—perfect for short trips or busy mornings. For longer adventures:

• Add stability: Increase the oats or protein powder slightly for a firmer texture.
• Wrap individually: Use parchment paper or reusable wraps to prevent sticking.
• Keep cool on warm days: Bring a small insulated bag with an ice pack to maintain their structure.

Outback Energy Bites

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 30 minutes mins

Chill Time 2 hours hrs

Course Snack

Servings 12

Ingredients

  

• 1 cup almond butter or your favorite nut butter
• 1/3 cup honey or maple syrup
• 1/4 cup coconut oil
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 1/2 cups rolled oats
• 1/2 cup protein powder vanilla or chocolate works best
• 1/4 cup chia seeds or flaxseeds
• 1/2 cup chopped nuts almonds, pecans, walnuts—you choose!
• 1/2 cup dried fruit cranberries, raisins, or apricots work wonderfully
• 1/4 cup dark chocolate chips optional, but highly recommended!

Instructions

 

• In a saucepan over low heat, combine almond butter, honey, and coconut oil. Stir until smooth, then remove from heat and add vanilla extract.
  
• In a large mixing bowl, combine oats, protein powder, chia seeds, nuts, and dried fruit.
  
• Pour the almond butter mixture over the dry ingredients and mix until everything is evenly coated.
  
• Line a 12-cupcake tin with silicone liners or an 8×8-inch pan with parchment paper and press the mixture firmly into the pan.
  
• Sprinkle chocolate chips on top (if using) and gently press them into the mixture.
  
• Refrigerate for at least 2 hours until firm. Once set, cut into bars or squares—or use the cupcake tin method below!
  
• Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week.
  

Notes

Pro Tip

Instead of using a pan, try using a cupcake tin for perfectly portioned bites. Line the cups with silicone liners for effortless removal—it’s a game-changer!

How to Make Them Adventure-Ready

While these bars are best stored in the fridge to keep them firm, they can hold up for a few hours at room temperature—perfect for short trips or busy mornings.

For longer adventures

1. Add stability: Increase the oats or protein powder slightly for a firmer texture.
2. Wrap individually: Use parchment paper or reusable wraps to prevent sticking.
3.  Keep cool on warm days: Bring a small insulated bag with an ice pack to maintain their structure.

Keyword High-Protein, Hiking, Kid Approved

Occasionally, this post may contain affiliate links, which means I earn a small commission at no extra cost to you if you make a purchase through these links. Rest assured, I only recommend products that I personally use and love.

Join The Adventure!

What’s your next big adventure? Whether it’s exploring trails, chasing creativity, or gathering family for fun, these bars are here to fuel every step. Try them out, customize them, and share your twist! I’d love to see your creations—post a photo on social media and tag me.
Have your own snack hacks or favorite travel recipes? Let’s swap ideas—drop them in the comments below.

Our family loves staying active and embracing adventure—whether we’re hiking, biking, kayaking, or exploring scenic trails together. If you’d like to see us in action, be sure to check out our adventures on YouTube, where we share highlights from our journey-packed lives. And if you’re craving more inspiration for your next outing, don’t miss this article showcasing my Top Ten Waterfall Hikes in Upper Michigan—it’s a perfect guide for nature lovers and wanderlust seekers alike!