Homemade nut-free granola bars

Trying to find yummy, healthy AND nut-free snacks to send to school can be downright tricky.  Then add to the mix a picky eater and you might as well just throw in the towel!

So, to satisfy the schools policy of nut-free healthy snacks and my daughters particular palate - I set out to make my own granola bars. Of course I did a little online research and came across a recipe that not only looked good but was full of super healthy & scrummy ingredients over at Sweet Girl Confections.

The following is my version of the granola bars - simply using what I had on hand.

Healthy Nut-Free Granola Bars


Preheat oven to 350 degrees F

Ingredients
2 cups rolled oats
½ cup brown sugar, lightly packed
¼ cup coconut flour
¼ cup dried unsweetened coconut
1 tsp cinnamon
1 cup whole wheat flour

½ cup chopped prunes
¼ cup dried cranberries
2 tbsp dark chocolate chips
2 tbsp sesame seeds
¾ tsp sea salt

½ cup honey
1 egg, beaten
1/3 cup melted coconut oil
1/3 cup mashed ripe banana
2 tsp vanilla extract



Directions
Grease a 9×13-inch baking pan.

In large bowl, combine oats, brown sugar, coconut flour, coconut, cinnamon, flour, prunes, dried cranberries, sesame seeds and chocolate chips, and salt; mix and form a well in the center.

In medium bowl, whisk together honey, egg, coconut oil, banana and vanilla.
Pour honey mixture into the well created by the dry ingredients in large bowl; mix well.

Pat down the granola bar dough evenly into the pan.

Bake in preheated oven (350 degrees F) for 20 to 25 minutes.
Cool in pan for 5 minutes.

Cut into squares or bars.

The true test came when I gave a piece to my daughter - she LOVED it!