When you are off hiking or on a camping trip, you tend to burn more energy than usual and the need for snacks becomes more apparent. It’s easy to pack a few chocolate bars, but even if you are exercising a lot it is still not the healthiest option – and certainly doesn’t give you the slow release energy that you need.
Instead, you should take the time to pack or create a few quick and easy snacks that are both delicious, healthy, and offer the energy that you require to keep going. We have just the recipes for you.
#1 Cranberry Energy Bars
These energy bars are not only quick and simple to make, but they are also healthy, and you can make them before you leave so that you simply need to reach for one when you are on the trail.
Cooking Time: 0 mins
Makes: 18 bars
Ingredients:
- 200g/7oz butter, softened
- 200g/7oz light muscovado sugar
- 100g/3½oz golden syrup
- 50g/1¾oz sunflower seeds
- 50g/1¾oz dried cranberries, chopped if large
- 100g/3½oz sultanas
- 50g/1¾oz desiccated coconut
- 100g/3½oz crisped rice cereal
- 150g/5½oz rolled oats
Method: Get a baking tin (23x30cm) and line it with cling film. Now, get a saucepan and place it over a medium heat – adding the butter, sugar, and golden syrup, stirring it until it has melted. Pour it into a large bowl, and then mix in the rest of the ingredients until well combined.
Then, put the mixture into the tin and spread it evenly before placing it in the fridge to set and chill for two hours. Once firm, remove from the tray and cut into 18 bars.
#2 Apple Cookies
These are fun to make if you have kids with you, and while you do have to make them on the site, the ingredients are easy to take along with you.
Cooking Time: 0 mins
Makes: 8 (per apple)
Ingredients:
- 1 apple
- 1/4 cup peanut butter
- 1/4 cup almonds, sliced
- 1/4 cup walnuts, chopped
- 1/4 cup shredded coconut
- 1/4 cup chocolate chips
Method: Slice the apple into rings and then remove the core. Take the peanut butter and spread it over the apple before topping with the nuts, coconut, and chocolate chips.
Serve and enjoy.
#3 Oatmeal Raisin Cookies
These cookies are classics, and they are perfect for giving you the energy boost that you need when you are out hiking. Plus, they are nice and easy to make before you head out, so you are fully stocked.
Cooking Time: 8-10 mins
Makes: 4 dozen
Ingredients:
- 1/2 Cup(s) (1 stick) plus 6 tablespoons butter, softened
- 3/4 Cup(s) firmly packed brown sugar
- 1/2 Cup(s) granulated sugar
- 2 Eggs
- 1 Teaspoon(s) vanilla
- 1-1/2 Cup(s) all-purpose flour
- 1 Teaspoon(s) Baking Soda
- 1 Teaspoon(s) ground cinnamon
- 1/2 Teaspoon(s) salt (optional)
- 3 Cup(s) Uncooked Oats
- 1 Cup(s) raisins
Method: Heat oven to 350°F. In a large bowl, beat butter and sugars on medium speed of electric mixer until creamy. Then add eggs and vanilla. Next, add the combined flour, baking soda, cinnamon and salt before mixing well. Add oats and raisins.
Drop dough by rounded tablespoonful’s onto ungreased cookie sheets. Bake 8 to 10 minutes or until light golden brown. Cool 1 minute on cookie sheets; remove to wire rack. Cool completely.
Store in a tightly covered container.
#4 Guacamole and Flatbread
Guacamole is a delicious and healthy campsite snack – especially when combined with flatbreads instead of tortilla chips. Avocado is packed full of essential nutrients, and this recipe will leave the whole family wanting more. Just remember not to add the avocado until you are on site!
Cooking Time: 0 mins
Makes: 4
Ingredients:
- 3 ripe avocados
- 1 diced tomato
- 1 minced jalapeno
- 2 minced garlic cloves
- ½ minced red onion
- ½ bunch of chopped cilantro/coriander
- 1 teaspoon of salt
- ½ teaspoon of pepper
- Juice of two limes
Method: While you are at home, take all of the chopped and minced ingredients (leave the avocado) and mix them well with the seasoning and lime juice. Add them to a Ziploc bag and ensure that it is sealed before taking it to the campsite in a cooler.
Once there, take a bowl and smash the avocado inside it until it is a little chunky.
Then, add the ingredients from the Ziploc bag and mix well. Serve with a selection of flatbreads.
#5 Trail Mix
This is a simple recipe to make, as well as a classic for hikers and campers everywhere. There are many variations available, but the traditional recipe is always best – and has a good combination of fast and slow release energy.
Cooking Time: 0 mins
Makes: 4
Ingredients:
- 1 bag of nuts (your choice, peanuts are our top pick)
- 1 bag of dried raisins
- 1 bag of M&Ms (classic)
Optional Extras:
- Shredded wheat cereal
- 1 bag of seeds (your choice, but we pick sunflower seeds)
- Coconut flakes
Method: Take the ingredients and mix them all together. Place into a large Ziploc bag (or four separate ones) before packing them away and enjoying when you need quick energy.
You can alter the ingredients according to your own tastes and preferences.
To Conclude
Each of these recipes is incredibly delicious, and we are sure that you are going to love at least one of them. Healthy and packed full of nutrients, these quick and easy snacks have everything you need to just keep on going.
Plus, many of them can be prepped ahead of time so that you don’t have to worry about making them when you are on the move. Your next hiking or camping trip is sure to be an amazing one.
About the Author
Gemma Tyler is a freelance writer and blogger. You can keep up to date by following Gemma on Twitter, Facebook & Pinterest
If you are interested in more information on outdoor fun, such as camping and hiking then check out her Ultimate Info Guides for more details.
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