Gluten-Free No-bake Granola Bars {cooking with kids}

These are a great homemade alternative to packaged granola bars. It's nice to know all of the ingredients and get the kids involved in making them. They store really well and the kids loved them! I still occasionally buy store bought bars but these are so tasty I think we'll be having them more often.

Recipe: (makes 12-18 bars)
Ingredients:
1/4 cup Coconut Oil
2 Tablespoons brown sugar
1/2 cup honey
1/2 cup creamy peanut butter
1/8 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon vanilla

2 teaspoons Chia Seeds
2 teaspoons water
1/2 cup Unsweetened Shredded Coconut
2 cups oats
1 3/4 cups Koala Crisp Cereal
1/4 cup dried fruit, chopped

Directions:
1. In a saucepan over medium heat, combine coconut oil, brown sugar, honey, peanut butter, salt and vanilla and stir occasionally until well combined and heated through, about 3-5 minutes.

2. In a small dish combine chia seeds with 2 teaspoons of water, let soak briefly
3. In a large mixing bowl combine soaked Chia seeds, coconut, oats, crisp cereal and dried fruit, let the kids measure and mix ingredients.

4. Have an adult pour the warm peanut butter and honey mixture over the top of the dry ingredients and stir gently to coat.  If mixture seems too wet, add another 1/4 cup of oats.
5. Spread mixture on a Silpat-lined, rimmed baking sheet or glass pan.  Using the back of a spatula, spread and flatten mixture trying to keep it uniform in thickness.  Place pan in the refrigerator to chill.

6. Once chilled through, slice with a butter knife into bars or squares.  Store in an airtight container for up to 1 week.

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