diff --git a/prism-highlighter.js b/prism-highlighter.js
index adf265b..b7d6510 100644
--- a/prism-highlighter.js
+++ b/prism-highlighter.js
@@ -34,6 +34,7 @@ This flow is supported by
 */
 Polymer({
   is: 'prism-highlighter',
+  _template: null,
 
   properties: {
     /**