As a parent, you want to ensure that your little ones are getting the nutrients they need to grow strong and healthy. One way to do this is by providing them with nutritious snacks throughout the day. Homemade bars are a great option because they allow you to control the ingredients and avoid any unwanted additives or preservatives found in store-bought options. In this article, we will explore 20 delicious and nutritious recipes for healthy bars that your toddler will love.
From classic combinations like banana and oatmeal to more unique pairings like sweet potato and almond butter, these recipes offer a variety of flavors and textures that are sure to please even the pickiest eaters. Whether you’re looking for a quick snack or a fun activity to do with your child, making healthy bars at home is a great way to get started.
Banana Oatmeal Toddler Bars
These chewy bars are a perfect snack for toddlers, made with wholesome ingredients and a hint of banana flavor.
Ingredients:
– 2 ripe bananas, mashed
– 1 cup rolled oats
– 1/2 cup whole wheat flour
– 1/4 cup brown sugar
– 1/4 cup honey
– 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 cup chopped walnuts (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line an 8-inch square baking dish with parchment paper.
2. In a large bowl, combine mashed bananas, oats, flour, brown sugar, and honey. Mix until well combined.
3. Add baking powder and salt; mix until smooth.
4. If using walnuts, fold them into the mixture.
5. Press the mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish.
6. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until lightly golden brown.
7. Let cool completely before cutting into bars.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Apple Cinnamon Quinoa Bars
These chewy quinoa bars are infused with the warmth of cinnamon and the sweetness of apples, making them a perfect snack for any time of day.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup cooked quinoa
– 1/2 cup rolled oats
– 1/4 cup brown sugar
– 1/4 cup chopped dried apple
– 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1 tablespoon honey
– 1 large egg
– 1 tablespoon melted coconut oil
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C). Line an 8×8 inch baking dish with parchment paper.
2. In a medium bowl, mix together quinoa, oats, brown sugar, apple, cinnamon, and salt.
3. In a separate bowl, whisk together honey, egg, and melted coconut oil.
4. Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and stir until just combined.
5. Press mixture into prepared baking dish.
6. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until lightly golden brown.
7. Let cool completely before cutting into bars.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Peanut Butter and Honey Energy Bars
A sweet and satisfying snack that combines the richness of peanut butter with the warmth of honey, perfect for a quick energy boost.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups rolled oats
– 1 cup creamy peanut butter
– 1/2 cup honey
– 1/4 cup chopped dark chocolate chips (at least 70% cocoa)
– 1/4 cup chopped nuts (walnuts or almonds work well)
Instructions:
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C). Line an 8-inch square baking dish with parchment paper.
2. In a large bowl, combine the oats, peanut butter, and honey. Mix until smooth and creamy.
3. Stir in the chocolate chips and nuts until well combined.
4. Press the mixture into the prepared baking dish.
5. Bake for 20-22 minutes or until lightly golden around the edges.
6. Remove from the oven and let cool completely before cutting into bars.
Cooking Time: 20-22 minutes
Sweet Potato and Almond Butter Bars
Sweet Potato and Almond Butter Bars Recipe
These chewy bars combine the natural sweetness of sweet potatoes with the nutty flavor of almond butter, creating a deliciously unique treat.
Ingredients:
– 2 large sweet potatoes, cooked and mashed
– 1/2 cup creamy almond butter
– 1/4 cup granulated sugar
– 1/4 cup rolled oats
– 1/4 cup chopped dark chocolate or chocolate chips (optional)
– 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
– Pinch of salt
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C). Line an 8-inch square baking dish with parchment paper.
2. In a medium bowl, combine mashed sweet potatoes, almond butter, sugar, and oats. Mix until smooth.
3. If using chocolate chips or chopped dark chocolate, fold them into the mixture.
4. Press the mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish.
5. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden brown.
6. Remove from oven and let cool completely before cutting into bars.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Yield: 9-12 bars
Blueberry Coconut Chia Bars
These chewy bars combine the sweetness of blueberries with the creaminess of coconut, all wrapped up in a nutritious package thanks to the power of chia seeds. Perfect for a quick breakfast or snack on-the-go.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup rolled oats
– 1/2 cup unsweetened shredded coconut
– 1/4 cup chia seeds
– 1/4 cup honey
– 1/4 cup plain Greek yogurt
– 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
– 1/2 cup fresh or frozen blueberries
– Pinch of salt
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8 inch baking dish with parchment paper.
2. In a large bowl, mix together oats, coconut, and chia seeds.
3. In a separate bowl, whisk together honey, yogurt, vanilla extract, and salt.
4. Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and stir until combined.
5. Gently fold in blueberries.
6. Press mixture into prepared baking dish.
7. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until lightly golden brown.
8. Let cool completely before cutting into bars.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Carrot Cake Toddler Bars
These adorable bars are perfect for little hands to hold and enjoy, with a moist carrot cake flavor and crunchy walnut topping.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup all-purpose flour
– 1/2 cup rolled oats
– 1/4 cup brown sugar
– 1/4 cup granulated sugar
– 1/2 cup grated carrots
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
– 1 large egg
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 1/2 cup chopped walnuts
– Confectioners’ sugar (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line an 8×8-inch baking dish with parchment paper.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, oats, brown sugar, granulated sugar, and carrots.
3. Add melted butter, egg, and vanilla extract; mix until well combined.
4. Press mixture into prepared baking dish.
5. Sprinkle chopped walnuts on top of the cake mixture.
6. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
7. Let cool completely before cutting into bars.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Pumpkin Spice Protein Bars
These no-bake protein bars are the perfect combination of fall flavors and functional nutrition, making them a great snack or post-workout treat. With a boost of protein from whey powder and a hint of pumpkin spice, you’ll be hooked from the first bite.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups rolled oats
– 1 cup protein powder (whey or plant-based)
– 1/2 cup almond butter
– 1/4 cup honey
– 1/4 cup chopped dates
– 1/4 cup pumpkin puree
– 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
– Pinch of salt
Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, combine oats, protein powder, and chopped dates.
2. In a separate bowl, mix together almond butter, honey, pumpkin puree, vanilla extract, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.
3. Combine the wet and dry ingredients, stirring until well combined.
4. Press mixture into a lined or greased 8×8 inch baking dish.
5. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to set.
6. Cut into bars and store in an airtight container.
Cooking Time: None! These no-bake bars are ready in just a few minutes of prep time.
Spinach and Banana Green Bars
These Spinach and Banana Green Bars are a refreshing twist on traditional bars, packed with nutrients from spinach and bananas. Perfect for a healthy snack or dessert.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup fresh spinach leaves
– 2 ripe bananas
– 1/2 cup rolled oats
– 1/4 cup honey
– 1/4 cup almond butter
– Pinch of salt
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C). Line an 8×8 inch baking dish with parchment paper.
2. In a blender or food processor, combine spinach, bananas, oats, honey, and almond butter. Blend until smooth and creamy.
3. Press the mixture into the prepared baking dish.
4. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden brown.
5. Let cool completely before cutting into bars.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Strawberry Yogurt Granola Bars
Sweeten up your snack time with these crunchy and delicious bars, infused with the freshness of strawberries and the creaminess of yogurt.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups rolled oats
– 1 cup granola
– 1/2 cup creamy strawberry yogurt
– 1/4 cup honey
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh strawberries
– 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
– Pinch of salt
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8-inch baking dish with parchment paper.
2. In a large bowl, mix together oats, granola, and honey until well combined.
3. Stir in strawberry yogurt, chopped strawberries, vanilla extract, and salt.
4. Press mixture into prepared baking dish.
5. Bake for 20-22 minutes or until lightly golden.
6. Remove from oven and let cool completely before cutting into bars.
Cooking Time: 20-22 minutes
Yield: 12-16 bars
Chocolate Avocado Toddler Bars
These Chocolate Avocado Toddler Bars are a game-changer for parents seeking healthier snack options that still satisfy sweet cravings. Made with mashed avocado and rich chocolate, these bars are not only delicious but also packed with nutrients.
Ingredients:
– 2 ripe avocados, mashed
– 1 cup rolled oats
– 1/2 cup brown sugar
– 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
– 1/4 cup melted coconut oil
– 2 tablespoons honey
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– Pinch of salt
– Optional: chocolate chips or chopped nuts for topping
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C). Line an 8×8-inch baking dish with parchment paper.
2. In a medium bowl, combine oats, brown sugar, and cocoa powder.
3. In a separate bowl, mix together melted coconut oil, honey, vanilla extract, and mashed avocado.
4. Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and stir until combined.
5. Press mixture into prepared baking dish.
6. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until lightly golden brown.
7. Allow bars to cool completely before cutting into squares.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Zucchini and Oatmeal Bars
These delicious bars combine the natural sweetness of zucchini with the wholesome goodness of oatmeal, perfect for a healthy snack or breakfast on-the-go.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups grated zucchini
– 1 cup rolled oats
– 1/2 cup brown sugar
– 1/4 cup honey
– 1/2 cup chopped walnuts
– 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C). Line an 8-inch square baking dish with parchment paper.
2. In a large bowl, combine zucchini, oats, brown sugar, honey, walnuts, baking powder, and salt. Mix until well combined.
3. Pour in the melted butter and mix until the batter is smooth.
4. Press the mixture into the prepared baking dish.
5. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
6. Let cool completely before cutting into bars.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Peach and Almond Flour Bars
Sweet and Crumbly Peach Almond Flour Bars
These bars combine the natural sweetness of peaches with the nutty flavor of almond flour, creating a delightful dessert perfect for any occasion. With just 7 ingredients, this recipe is easy to make and packed with flavor.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup peaches, diced
– 1/2 cup granulated sugar
– 1/4 cup almond flour
– 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
– 1 large egg
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– Pinch of salt
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line an 8-inch square baking dish with parchment paper.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together sugar, almond flour, and salt.
3. Add melted butter, egg, and vanilla extract to the bowl. Whisk until smooth.
4. Fold in diced peaches.
5. Pour batter into prepared baking dish and smooth top.
6. Bake for 35-40 minutes or until lightly golden brown.
7. Let cool completely before cutting into bars.
Cooking Time: 35-40 minutes
Raspberry Coconut No-Bake Bars
These sweet and tangy bars are perfect for hot summer days when you don’t want to spend time in the kitchen baking. With just a few simple ingredients, you can create a delicious treat that’s easy to make and always a hit.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup rolled oats
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 1 cup sweetened condensed milk
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 1 cup shredded coconut
– 1/2 cup granulated sugar
– 1 cup fresh or frozen raspberries
– Pinch of salt
Instructions:
1. In a medium bowl, combine oats, butter, and sweetened condensed milk. Mix until well combined.
2. Stir in vanilla extract and shredded coconut.
3. Press mixture into a lined or greased 8-inch square baking dish.
4. Sprinkle granulated sugar over the top of the bars.
5. Arrange raspberries on top of the sugar.
6. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
Cooking Time: None! These no-bake bars are ready in just a few minutes.
Pear and Walnut Snack Bars
These sweet and crunchy snack bars are perfect for a quick pick-me-up or as a healthy addition to your lunchbox. Made with fresh pears, walnuts, and wholesome ingredients, they’re sure to satisfy your cravings.
Ingredients:
– 2 ripe pears, diced
– 1/2 cup chopped walnuts
– 1/4 cup rolled oats
– 1/4 cup brown sugar
– 1 tablespoon honey
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions:
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C). Line an 8×8-inch baking dish with parchment paper.
2. In a large bowl, combine the diced pears, chopped walnuts, rolled oats, brown sugar, and salt. Mix until well combined.
3. Add the honey and vanilla extract, stirring until a sticky dough forms.
4. Press the dough into the prepared baking dish.
5. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until lightly golden.
6. Remove from the oven and let cool completely before cutting into bars.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Enjoy your delicious Pear and Walnut Snack Bars!
Cherry and Cashew Butter Bars
Sweet and nutty, these bars combine the flavors of cherry and cashew butter with a shortbread crust.
Ingredients:
– 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1/4 cup granulated sugar
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 1/2 cup cashew butter
– 1/2 cup cherry preserves
– 1 cup chopped dried cherries
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C). Line an 8-inch square baking dish with parchment paper.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour and sugar. Add softened butter and mix until a crumbly mixture forms. Press into the prepared baking dish.
3. In a small bowl, mix cashew butter and cherry preserves until smooth. Fold in chopped dried cherries.
4. Pour cashew butter-cherry mixture over the shortbread crust.
5. Bake for 35-40 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden.
6. Remove from oven and let cool completely before cutting into bars.
Cooking Time: 35-40 minutes
Beetroot and Date Energy Bars
These chewy bars are packed with nutritious beetroot, sweet dates, and crunchy nuts – a perfect snack for a quick energy boost.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups rolled oats
– 1 cup pitted dates, chopped
– 1/2 cup cooked beetroot, pureed
– 1/4 cup almond butter
– 1 tablespoon honey
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 cup chopped almonds
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C). Line an 8×8 inch baking dish with parchment paper.
2. In a large bowl, combine oats, dates, beetroot puree, almond butter, and honey. Mix until well combined.
3. Stir in salt and chopped almonds.
4. Press mixture into prepared baking dish.
5. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until lightly golden brown.
6. Let cool completely before cutting into bars.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Mango and Chia Seed Bars
These no-bake bars are a perfect blend of sweet and tangy, packed with nutritious chia seeds and creamy mango puree.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups rolled oats
– 1 cup dates, pitted
– 1/4 cup chia seeds
– 1/2 cup mango puree
– 1/4 cup honey
– 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
– Pinch of salt
Instructions:
1. In a blender or food processor, combine oats, dates, and chia seeds. Process until mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
2. Add mango puree, honey, vanilla extract, and salt. Blend until well combined.
3. Press the mixture into a lined 8×8 inch baking dish.
4. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes or until set.
5. Cut into bars of desired size.
Cooking Time: None! These no-bake bars are ready in just 15 minutes of preparation time and require no cooking.
Apricot and Sunflower Seed Bars
These chewy bars are packed with sweet apricots, crunchy sunflower seeds, and a hint of spice. Perfect for a quick snack or on-the-go treat.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup rolled oats
– 1/2 cup brown sugar
– 1/4 cup honey
– 1/4 cup chopped dried apricots
– 1/4 cup sunflower seeds
– 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C). Line an 8×8-inch baking dish with parchment paper.
2. In a large bowl, mix together oats, brown sugar, and honey until well combined.
3. Stir in chopped apricots, sunflower seeds, cinnamon, and salt.
4. Press the mixture into the prepared baking dish.
5. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until lightly golden.
6. Let cool completely before cutting into bars.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Pineapple and Coconut Bites
A sweet and tangy treat that combines the flavors of pineapple and coconut, perfect for a quick snack or dessert.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup rolled oats
– 1/2 cup shredded coconut
– 1/4 cup brown sugar
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh pineapple
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1 tablespoon honey
– 1 tablespoon unsalted butter, melted
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a medium bowl, mix together oats, coconut, brown sugar, and pineapple until well combined.
3. Add salt, honey, and melted butter to the mixture. Stir until a dough forms.
4. Roll into small balls, about 1 inch (2.5 cm) in diameter. Place on prepared baking sheet.
5. Bake for 12-15 minutes or until lightly golden brown.
6. Remove from oven and let cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Cooking Time: 12-15 minutes
Black Bean and Cocoa Toddler Bars
These Black Bean and Cocoa Toddler Bars are a unique and healthy treat that combines the nutritional benefits of black beans with the deliciousness of chocolate. Perfect for little ones on-the-go, these bars are easy to make and packed with fiber, protein, and vitamins.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup cooked black beans
– 1/2 cup rolled oats
– 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
– 1/4 cup honey
– 1/4 cup mashed banana
– 1 tablespoon coconut oil
– Pinch of salt
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C). Line an 8×8-inch baking dish with parchment paper.
2. In a medium bowl, mash the black beans using a fork or potato masher until mostly smooth.
3. In a large bowl, combine oats, cocoa powder, honey, mashed banana, coconut oil, and salt. Stir until well combined.
4. Add the mashed black beans to the dry ingredients and stir until a dough forms.
5. Press the dough into the prepared baking dish.
6. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden.
7. Let cool completely before cutting into bars.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Summary
Discover 20 delicious and nutritious recipes for healthy bars that your toddlers will love! From classic combinations like banana oatmeal to innovative pairings like spinach and banana, these bite-sized treats are perfect for little hands and mouths. Made with wholesome ingredients like quinoa, peanut butter, and coconut, these bars are not only tasty but also packed with vitamins and minerals. Whether you’re looking for a snack or a special treat, this collection has something for everyone. Try one (or two, or three…) today!
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