7 Healthy Dessert Alternatives For Toddlers To Satisfy Their Sweet Tooth

Desserts are undeniably delightful, but they often come with a load of sugar and unhealthy ingredients. When it comes to toddlers, it’s crucial to provide them with healthy alternatives that are both nutritious and tasty. 

Take a look at these seven healthy dessert alternatives that are not only delicious but these recipes are also easy to prepare. These scrumptious treats will make your little ones smile while keeping them healthy!

7 Healthy Dessert Alternatives For Toddlers

Fruit Salad with Yogurt

Ingredients:

• Assorted fruits (banana, apple, papaya, grapes, etc.)
• Plain yoghurt
• Honey (optional)

Method:

• Chop the fruits into bite-sized pieces and place them in a bowl.
• Add a generous dollop of plain yoghurt and mix gently.
• Drizzle some honey for extra sweetness, if desired.

Serve this colourful and refreshing fruit salad as a wholesome dessert.

Mango Chia Pudding

 Ingredients:

• 1 ripe mango
• 2 tablespoons chia seeds
• 1 cup milk (regular or plant-based)
• 1 teaspoon honey (optional)

Method:

• Peel and dice the mango, then blend it into a smooth puree.
• In a separate bowl, combine the chia seeds and milk. Let it sit for 10 minutes until it thickens.
• Add the mango puree to the chia mixture and stir well.
• If desired, add a teaspoon of honey for added sweetness.
• Refrigerate for a few hours until the pudding sets.

Serve chilled as a healthy and filling dessert.

Banana-Oat Cookies

Ingredients:

• 2 ripe bananas
• 1 cup oats
• 1/4 cup raisins or chopped nuts (optional)
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon powder (optional)

Method:

• Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
• In a bowl, mash the bananas until smooth.
• Add the oats, raisins or nuts, and cinnamon powder (if using). Mix well.
• Scoop spoonfuls of the mixture onto the baking sheet, shaping them into cookies.
• Bake for 12-15 minutes until golden brown.

Allow them to cool before serving these healthy and chewy banana-oat cookies.

Dates and Nuts Ladoo

Ingredients:

• 1 cup pitted dates
• 1/2 cup mixed nuts (almonds, cashews, pistachios), finely chopped
• 1 tablespoon ghee (clarified butter)

Method:

• In a food processor, blend the pitted dates until they form a sticky paste.
• Heat ghee in a pan, add the date paste and cook on low heat for a few minutes until it thickens slightly.
• Remove from heat and let it cool for a few minutes.
• Mix in the chopped nuts and shape the mixture into small, bite-sized ladoos.

Allow them to set in the refrigerator for 30 minutes before serving.

Coconut Rice Pudding

Ingredients:

• 1 cup cooked rice
• 1 cup coconut milk
• 2 tablespoons jaggery or coconut sugar
• 1/4 teaspoon cardamom powder
• Chopped nuts for garnishing (optional)

Method:

• In a saucepan, combine the cooked rice and coconut milk.
• Add jaggery or coconut sugar and cardamom powder.
• Cook on low heat, stirring occasionally, until the mixture thickens and becomes creamy.
• Remove from heat and let it cool.
• Garnish with chopped nuts, if desired.

Serve this creamy and aromatic coconut rice pudding to your little ones.

Banana Ice Cream

Ingredients:

• 2 ripe bananas
• 1 tablespoon cocoa powder or 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional)

Method:

• Peel the bananas and cut them into small chunks.
• Place the banana chunks in a ziplock bag and freeze them for a few hours until firm.
• Once frozen, transfer the banana chunks to a blender or food processor.
• Blend until the bananas turn into a creamy consistency, resembling ice cream.
• Add cocoa powder or vanilla extract for added flavour, if desired.

Serve immediately as a guilt-free and creamy banana ice cream.

Carrot Halwa Bites

Ingredients:

• 2 cups grated carrots
• 2 cups milk
• 4 tablespoons jaggery 
• 2 tablespoons ghee (clarified butter)
• A pinch of cardamom powder
• Chopped nuts for garnishing (optional)

Method:

• Heat ghee in a pan and add the grated carrots.
• Cook the carrots on low heat until they become soft and tender.
• Add milk and simmer until the mixture thickens and most of the liquid evaporates.
• Stir in the jaggery or sugar and cardamom powder. Continue cooking until the mixture comes together like a halwa consistency.
• Remove from heat and let it cool slightly.
• Shape the mixture into small bite-sized balls or squares.
• Garnish with chopped nuts, if desired.

These delicious carrot halwa bites are a healthier twist on the traditional dessert.

From fruit salads to homemade ice cream, these 7 healthy dessert alternatives for toddlers are easy to prepare and use simple ingredients. So, go ahead and indulge your little one with these wholesome treats.

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Also Read:

5 Allergy-Friendly Recipes For Toddlers: If your toddler has food allergies, then this is a must-read.

3 Easy Probiotic Recipes: Try these recipes to optimise your child’s gut health