Nut-free caramel crunch bliss balls

If you’re looking for a delicious and healthy alternative to sugary processed lunchbox snacks, look no further!

These kid-approved, nut-free bliss balls are high in fibre and contain protein to keep kids full and focused.

Ingredients

1 cup rolled oats

10 - 11 medjool dates (pitted)

1 tablespoon chia seeds

1 tablespoon pure maple syrup

¼ cup coconut oil

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

½ cup puffed rice (I either use Freedom Classic Rice Puffs, available from Coles and Woolworths, or brown rice puffs from the health food store or Mr Vitamins)

Method

1. Place the oats, dates, chia seeds, maple syrup, coconut oil and vanilla extract in a food processor and pulse until combined.

2. Add the puffed rice and process for a short time at a lower speed (don’t worry if you accidentally do the rice bubbles at the same time as the other ingredients, they will still taste good, they just won’t be as crunchy!).

3. Roll the mixture into balls and store in the fridge (I recommend putting them in the fridge for at least an hour before eating).

Enjoy!

Note: to make this recipe gluten-free, use wheat-free/gluten-free oats or substitute the oats for quinoa flakes

If school lunchboxes feel harder than they should,

my 4-step lunchbox guide walks you through a simple, repeatable system you can use straight away. You can get it here.