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sweet and salty trail mix clusters - featured image

Sweet and Salty Trail Mix Clusters: 3-Ingredient Easy Snack


  • Author: Saly
  • Total Time: 22 minutes
  • Yield: 8-10 servings 1x

Description

A quick, no-bake snack made with just three core ingredients: chocolate, pretzels, and peanuts. These crunchy, gooey clusters are perfect for late-night cravings, meal prep, or hiking trails.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 cup mini chocolate chips (semi-sweet or dark)
  • 1 cup pretzels (mini or broken into small pieces)
  • 1 cup roasted peanuts (unsalted or lightly salted)
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional)
  • 1 tablespoon butter (optional, for gloss)
  • Pinch of flaky sea salt (for topping)

Instructions

  1. Break pretzels into bite-sized pieces if necessary. Measure out peanuts and chocolate chips.
  2. Place chocolate chips and butter (if using) in a microwave-safe bowl.
  3. Microwave on high for 30 seconds. Remove and stir. If not fully melted, microwave in 15-second intervals, stirring after each, until smooth and glossy. Do not overheat.
  4. Stir in vanilla extract if using.
  5. Add pretzels and peanuts to the melted chocolate. Stir gently but thoroughly until every piece is coated.
  6. Drop spoonfuls of the mixture onto a parchment-lined plate, spacing them out. Yield approximately 8-10 clusters.
  7. Refrigerate for 15-20 minutes until firm. Alternatively, freeze for 10 minutes if in a hurry.
  8. Before fully set, sprinkle a tiny pinch of flaky sea salt on top.
  9. Store in an airtight container.

Notes

Use mini chocolate chips for even melting. If chocolate seizes, add a teaspoon of warm water or cream. For gluten-free, use GF pretzels. For nut-free, use sunflower or pumpkin seeds. Store in the fridge for up to 2 weeks or freeze for 3 months.

  • Prep Time: 5 minutes
  • Cook Time: 2 minutes
  • Category: Snack
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 cluster
  • Calories: 150
  • Sugar: 12
  • Sodium: 90
  • Fat: 8
  • Saturated Fat: 3
  • Carbohydrates: 18
  • Fiber: 2
  • Protein: 4

Keywords: trail mix, no-bake snack, chocolate clusters, easy snack, 3-ingredient recipe, sweet and salty, peanut snack, pretzel snack