School is back in session! To celebrate, here is a nut-free granola bar recipe that can easily also be made gluten-free and is ready in 20 minutes! No baking required! These granola bars are high in fibre and have some protein too. Pack them for a recess or after school snack, or pair them with some protein (like a hard boiled egg or Greek yogurt) and some fruit in the morning for a quick, filling breakfast! If you try these bars, make sure to tag us in your pictures on Facebook and Instagram @VancouverDietitians!

Ingredients

• 1 ½ cups rolled oats (certified gluten-free if necessary)

• 1 cup rice crisp cereal

• ¼ cup sunflower seeds

• ¼ cup pumpkin seeds

• ¼ cup unsweetened shredded coconut

• 2 tbsp chia seeds

• ¼ cup coconut oil, melted

• ½ cup sunflower seed butter

• ¼ cup honey

• 1 tsp vanilla extract

• Pinch of salt

• 2 tbsp dark chocolate chips

Recipe

1. In a large mixing bowl stir together the oats, cereal, sunflower seeds, pumpkin seeds, coconut, and chia seeds

2. In a small mixing bowl stir together the melted coconut oil, sunflower seeds butter, honey, vanilla extract

3. Pour wet mixture over dry mixture and stir to combine

4. Add a pinch of salt and stir again

5. Line a 8-inch or 9-inch square pan with parchment paper and spoon the mixture into the pan and roughly spread out

6. Sprinkle on the chocolate chips in an even layer

7. Use a spatula or slightly wet hands to firmly press down on the mixture. Make sure you pack down the mixture as much as possible because this will ensure the bars stay together better

8. Transfer the pan to the freezer and let firm up for at least 10 minutes (I leave them overnight)

9. Slice into bars, wrap and store in fridge or freezer

#nutfree #glutenfree #healthybaking #healthysnacks #schoolfriendly