Who says you need to use dairy or gluten to get the yummy snacks everyone else seems to enjoy? Freeze some bananas and pineapple today and you will have what you need tomorrow. Here are two ultra-easy and truly scrumptious snacks to have on hand for healthy dairy and gluten-free alternatives to suit everyone's taste. Make sure your kids jump in and help create their snacks for some after-school fun too!
Peanut Butter Protein Energy Bites
- 1/2 cup natural peanut butter (or substitute almond butter)
- 1/4 cup honey
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/3 cup protein powder of choice
- 1/3 cup flaxseed meal
- 1/2 cup rolled oats (gluten-free)
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1 tablespoon chia seeds
- 1 tablespoon mini, vegan chocolate chips
- 1/4 cup unsweetened shredded coconut (optional)
In the bowl of a food processor, add the peanut butter, honey, vanilla, protein powder, flaxseed meal, oats, cinnamon, and chia seeds. Pulse together until well combined. Add in chocolate chips and coconut (if using) and pulse a few more times. Use a medium cookie scoop or your hands to grab the dough and roll into 1.5" balls. Place in an airtight container.
To make without a food processor: add wet ingredients to a medium bowl and mix to combine. Add in dry ingredients and mix together until combined. You may need to use your hands to mix and work with the dough. At this point, you should be able to form balls that stick together. Because all peanut butter/nut butter consistencies are different and depending on what protein powder you use, you may need to add in more nut butter or honey to help the balls stay together.
Store in the fridge for up to 1 week, or the freezer for up to 2 months.
Healthy Banana "Ice Cream"
- 2 large frozen bananas
- Chunks of one pineapple, frozen
- 3 tbsp real maple syrup (if the ripe sweet bananas are enough sweet for you, you can leave out the syrup)
- Optional: 1 tsp turmeric (for the extra kick!)
Put all the ingredients in your blender until creamy and nice. Eat it right quick!