It is back to school time again, how did that happen?? Where did the summer go??? This summer went by the fastest ever!! We had a glorious one weather wise but alas we now have to send the kids back!! For this #SundaySupper I wanted to come up with a granola bar that was really healthy. I have made them before and here is the recipe but they didn’t have the healthiest of ingredients. These Playground Granola Bars are healthy, delicious and importantly peanut and nut free for school. That doesn’t mean they aren’t absolutely delicious because they are!! Loaded with yummy ingredients and of course who can resist to add a bit of chocolate too!!!
They are sweet, crunchy, moist and delicious!! Kids will love them and parents will be happy to include them into their lunch box.
My daughter would always grab her snack and run out to the playground at recess. That is where I thought of the name. Most kids are on the go with their snacks and these will be a perfect grab and run treat!! These granola bars are full of pumpkin seeds, sunflower seeds, cranberries, dates, chocolate, and oats. I even put some flax seeds in them for an extra boost of omega 3 fatty acids!! They will fill you up and keep you going for the rest of the morning!!
The Recipe
- 3 cups rolled oats, ground but still leaving some larger pieces (gluten free if desired)
- 2 cups water
- 2 Tbsp. honey
- ½ cup sunflower seeds
- ½ cup pumpkin seeds
- ⅛ cup flax seeds, ground
- 1 cup dates, pitted and chopped
- ½ cup cranberries
- ½ cup semi sweet chocolate pieces
- 1 tsp. cinnamon
- 1 tsp. vanilla
- ¼ tsp. salt
- Preheat oven to 325 F. Prepare a 10x15" pan with foil that is sprayed with cooking oil. Mix all the ingredients together. Spread evenly into pan and flatten slightly with a spatula sprayed with cooking oil. Bake 325 F for 20-25 in. Let cool and cut into rectangles. They will be still moist on the bottom. Keep in the fridge until ready to eat.
Here are a fabulous line up of great recipes to help you get back in the swing of school!!
Back to School Beginnings
- Vegan Oatmeal Raisin Muffins from Killer Bunnies
- Make Ahead Waffle Casserole from Bobbi’s Kozy Kitchen
- Apple Muffins from Meal Diva
- Apple Oat Breakfast Cookies from What Smells So Good?
- Toast Three Ways from Foxes Love Lemons
Back to School Lunches and Simple Suppers
- Owl Bento Box from Simply Gourmet
- First Day of School Pinwheels from Jane’s Adventures in Dinner
- Quick and Easy Hot Pastrami Sliders from Webicurean
- Grilled Chicken Revamp from Culinary Adventures with Camilla
- Baked Eggplant Parmesan from Hezzi D’s Books and Cooks
- Chicken and Zucchinin Meatballs from Casa de Crews
- Clean Eating Lunches Your Kids will Love from Amee’s Savory Dish
- Crispy Chicken Legs from The Not So Cheesy Kitchen
- DIY Veggie Cup Noodles from Food Lust People Love
- Chicken Nuggets from Nosh my Way
- Skinny Spinach Mac and Cheese from Take a Bite out of Boca
- Chicken Schnitzle from Panning the Globe
- Spagetti and Chicken Meatballs from Soni’s Food
- Chopped Shrimp Salad with Honey Lime Vinagraitte from The Weekend Gourmet
- Steak & Cheese Pockets from Momma’s Meals
- Turkey Pinwheels from Peanut Butter and Peppers
Back to School Sips
- Hulk SMASH Smoothie from Run DMT
Back to School Super Snacks
- Nutty Granola from Life Tastes Good
- On the Go Guacamole from Shannon at Country Girl in the Village
- Cinnamon Caramel Apple Energy Balls from Cupcakes and Kale Chips
- Playground Granola Bars from Noshing with the Nolands
- Apricot Dip from Magnolia Days
- Parmesan Garlic Oven Roasted Chick Peas from Ruffles and Truffles
- Home Made Graham Crackers from Curious Cuisiniere
- Peanut Butter and Jelly Granola Bars from Pies and Plots
- Gluten Free Apple Zucchini Flax Bread from Sue’s Nutrition Buzz
- Beef and Veggie Sliders from Grumpy’s Honeybunch
Back to School Sweets and Treats
- Open Face PB & J Cookies from Desserts Required
- Berry Topped Chocolate Silk Tart from That Skinny Chick Can Bake
- Peanut Butter and Jelly Paletas from La Cocina de Leslie
- Cinnamon Sugar Donut Muffins from Confessions of a Culinary Diva
- Love Note Doodle Bugs from Happy Baking Days
- Frozen Yogurt Mud Pies from Cindy’s Recipes and Writings
- Brown Butter Peanut Butter Crispy Treats from The Texan New Yorker
Join the #SundaySupper conversation on twitter on Sunday! We tweet throughout the day and share recipes from all over the world. Our weekly chat starts at 7:00 pm ET. Follow the #SundaySupper hashtag and remember to include it in your tweets to join in the chat. To get more great Sunday Supper Recipes, visit our website or check out our Pinterest board.
The Ninja Baker says
Gorgeous photos, Tara! do believe I am gazing at the post of an-oh-so important Huffington food writer! Seriously, first class photos AND recipe,,,Flax seeds I do believe balances out any extra chocolate addition =)
Noshing with the Nolands says
Oh Kim, you are always so kind, thank you so very much!!
Betsy @ Desserts Required says
These are the perfect grab and run treat!! Sweet memory of your daughter, too!
Noshing with the Nolands says
Thanks Betsy!
Liz says
Now these are some yummy sounding granola bars, Tara! Perfect ANY time of day!
Noshing with the Nolands says
Thanks Liz!
Katie says
I really need to try my hand at homemade granola bars – yours look so so so yummy!
Noshing with the Nolands says
I really want to make them more, I love them!! Thanks Katie!!
Lisa @ Panning The Globe says
Firstly, your pictures are stunning! The pumpkin seeds and the cranberries are so delicious looking and the whole combo of healthy fruits and seeds and chocolate look so appealing. I don’t have a good granola bar recipe and I’m excited to try this!
Noshing with the Nolands says
Thank you so much Lisa, I am enjoying one right now!!
Jill Johnston says
Mmmmmm … I’m going hiking tomorrow with M and her little ones. These look like delicious snacks for us to take along. Do you use blocks of dates when you made these or fresher ones?
Noshing with the Nolands says
I can’t stop eating them, they are so good!! I haven’t used a block of dates forever. You can get the fresher ones easily now. Enjoy Jill!!
Nichole says
Love the name! It makes sense and looks yummy. Great photos!
Noshing with the Nolands says
Thanks so much Nichole!!
[email protected] Tastes Good says
Great idea to pack these with seeds and keep them nut free for schools!! Tara, these are some gorgeous photos!
Noshing with the Nolands says
Thank you so very much Marion!!
Family Foodie says
What a great idea and your photography is absolutely gorgeous!!
Noshing with the Nolands says
Thank you so very much Isabel!!
Shannon R says
These look awesome, I need to pick up some pumpkin seeds!
Noshing with the Nolands says
Thanks Shannon!!
Soni says
I know, this summer went way too fast!!Love your granola bar recipe and it seems like the perfect snack for my kids.Would love to try it!
Noshing with the Nolands says
Thanks so much Soni!!
Gwen @simplyhealthyfamily says
What a perfect healthy snack! My kids will love the chocolate and dried fruit in them and so will I.
Noshing with the Nolands says
Thanks so very much Gwen, they turned out really good, they are almost gone already!!
Marlene @Nosh My Way says
Who needs kids as an excuse to make these anyway. I am all over this recipe.
Noshing with the Nolands says
Thanks so much Marlene!! I have eaten more of these than my daughter, so no need for kids!!
Simply Gourmet says
You have inspired me to try my hand at making a homemade granola bar. I love how full of ingredients yours look. Great recipe.
Noshing with the Nolands says
They are so easy and so good, thanks Sherron!!
Amee says
Forget the kids, I want these for a snack! I love this recipe and can’t wait to give it a try!
Noshing with the Nolands says
Hehe, thanks Amee!!
Shelby says
Love this recipe Tara! I’m really into making my own breakfast bars lately. These look so colorful too, will definitely have to give these a try!
Noshing with the Nolands says
Thanks so much Shelby, enjoy!!
Tammi @Momma's Meals says
Wow these look so yummy! Great homemade snack here. I can’t wait to try!
Noshing with the Nolands says
Thanks Tammi and thanks so much for hosting!!
Sarah | Curious Cuisiniere says
These are jam packed with so much goodness!
Noshing with the Nolands says
The kids love them so I am so happy, thanks Sarah!!
Laura Dembowski says
I am granola bar obsessed! This is a new recipe for me to try out.
Noshing with the Nolands says
Thanks so much Laura!!
Cindys Recipes and Writings says
Very colorful Tara! Love the textures!
Noshing with the Nolands says
Thanks so much Cindy!!
Christy @ Confessions of a Culinary Diva says
This looks like the perfect mid-day pick me up (grown-ups need those too!). The colors are gorgeous and put me in the mood for fall.
Emily Smith @ The Best of this Life says
I know that my son would love these! (Not to mention myself)…such wholesome, delicious ingredients. Thanks for the recipe Tara!
Noshing with the Nolands says
Hi Emily, I have two boys staying with me right now and they loved them. Devoured the tray!
Theresa @DearCreatives says
These look amazing. Can’t wait to try your recipe. Found you from a feature at Munching Mondays!
Noshing with the Nolands says
Thanks so much Theresa, the kids sure gobbled them down!!