Healthy Snacks & Desserts for Toddlers and Preschoolers (and parents too!)
{Updated April 2023}
Looking to get away from prepackaged snacks with hard to pronounce ingredients…and start making some healthy goodies for your child to snack on?
I’ve got some FANTASTIC recipes to share with you!
Most of these recipes have no refined sugar (except the ice cream) as most are sweetened with honey or maple syrup, they’re higher in protein and fiber, and are made with real ingredients!
Because snacks are really important, especially for kids.
If chosen wisely, they’ll boost nutrition, help keep energy and blood sugar levels more stable and will help to develop healthy eating habits going forward.
And let’s face it, a hungry kid is a cranky kid. Best to avoid that whenever possible!
So here you go…some of my go-to Healthy Snack (and healthier dessert) Recipes!
BREADS and MUFFINS
Apple Cinnamon Muffins – These have diced apples, but you can also use applesauce
Pumpkin Muffins | Photo: Empowered Sustenance
Blueberry Muffins – These are the BEST gluten free blueberry muffins I have ever made. Hands down.
Lemon Poppy Seed Muffins – LOVE.
Pumpkin Muffins – These smell and taste divine!
Banana Chocolate Chip Muffins – I’m a sucker for anything with chocolate chips! These are sweetened with honey.
Banana Bread – This is a GREAT recipe, but not nut free.
Banana Zucchini Bread – Zucchini is one of those veggies that hides well in baked goods…use coconut sugar as the substitute for white sugar (and avocado oil instead of olive oil - olive oil tastes very strong to me in sweet muffins!)
Chocolate Zucchini Bread – With cocoa powder
Crispy Cauliflower
Spiced Banana Bread – With a secret healthy ingredient!
Baked Pumpkin Spice Doughnuts – Pumpkin and cinnamon were made for each other!
Coconut Flour Donuts – So yummy.
VEGGIES
Baked Beet Chips – If your child likes chips, try these!
Crispy Kale Chips – Both of my kids devour these…they are crispy and a bit salty and so yummy!
Cauliflower Popcorn – These are addictive! The key is to cut the cauliflower into popcorn sized pieces. I’ve also used used different spices (garlic powder, onion powder, cumin, thyme and celery seed)
NUTS, SEEDS, DRIED FRUIT
Homemade No Bake Protein Bars – For those bar-lovers out there!
Gummies – What kid doesn’t like fruit leather?
Trail Mix - No candy in this recipe, just raisins and mini chocolate chips for some sweetness.
DIDN’T THINK THESE FOODS COULD BE MADE HEALTHIER?
Low Carb Cheetos – perhaps with a healthier spice (not popcorn seasoning)
Nutella – Without all the unhealthy ingredients…
Homemade Marshmellos – Because the store bought ones are really unhealthy!
Lemonade Fruit Snacks – Great gummy snacks for summertime
Fruit Snacks – Have you read the ingredients on store bought gummy bears?? These silicone molds make fun shapes like donuts, bears, dinosaurs and hearts.
SWEETER TREATS
Peppermint Patties – Made with real ingredients, including coconut oil and real peppermint oil
Chocolate Caramel Cups – These look like Reese peanut butter cups, but have a healthier filling.
Coconut Cake with Lemon Curd, Strawberries and Cream
Fudgesicles – My kids love these
Of course, snacks are the icing on the cake, so to speak. Obviously some of these recipes are healthier than others, but if you have a pop tart lover in your house, making the transition to this healthier version is a step in the right direction!
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This post is for informational purposes only and may not be the best fit for you, your child and/or your personal situation. It shall not be construed as medical advice. The information and education provided here is not intended or implied to supplement or replace professional medical treatment, advice, and/or diagnosis. Always check with your child’s physician or medical professional before trying or implementing any information read here.