While birthday cakes are yummy, the prime ingredient is sugar. Refined sugar isn’t the healthiest thing for kids. Processed sugar has been linked to obesity, type 2 diabetes, and heart disease. Of course, birthdays can be a time to indulge in a piece of cake, but some kiddos don’t react well to sugary desserts. Parents know sugar in treats like birthday cakes can impact kids in a negative way, which is why many moms and dads want healthy birthday party snacks. Forget birthday cake? Sounds scandalous, but it’s not. There are healthy birthday treats for kids and the truth is they’re so delicious, kids don’t necessarily even miss it. Next birthday, try one of these healthy birthday party snacks to a cake with all the trimmings. Don’t be surprised if it’s the hit of the party.
Fruit cake
No, not that type of fruit cake. Holiday fruit cakes are an acquired taste, but a delectable cake made entirely out of fruits kids love is both tasty and healthy. To make a birthday fruit cake start with a base like a watermelon or cantaloupe. For a larger cake, make two layers using the watermelon halves. Then, decorate using sliced fruits kids enjoy eating like strawberries, blueberries, apples, pineapples, clementines, grapes, and cherries. Kids and adults will find this appetizing fruit cake just as appealing as a typical birthday cake. It’s also a great choice for kids with dairy and gluten allergies, but the biggest plus is that no baking is required.
Frozen banana pops
Bananas are another kid favorite. Add in chocolate with a crunchy topping, and you’ll have a tasty treat that will be the hit of the party. Banana pops are also straightforward to put together. Use a popsicle maker or slip a popsicle stick inside a whole banana. Then, dip it in melted chocolate. Dark chocolate is a healthier option. Then roll it in chopped nuts or diced fruit before freezing. Serve right after everyone sings happy birthday.
Pancake cake
Pancakes are a kid staple and a fun alternative to birthday cake. While some might argue pancakes aren’t the healthiest, the opposite is actually true. Pancakes don’t have to be made with processed flour and sugar. This tasty treat can be mixed with whole wheat flour and Greek yogurt or applesauce. For a pancake cake, make layers of appetizing pancakes that are dripping with delicious fruits like strawberries, blueberries, or bananas.
Yogurt popsicles
Kids really love popsicles, and the treat isn’t just a summertime favorite. Popsicles on the frozen food aisle don’t exactly fall under the heading of healthy snacks, but when they’re made at home with ingredients like Greek yogurt and berries it is. Cut up a berry mixture of blueberries, strawberries, and raspberries add it to a bowl of vanilla Greek yogurt with a touch of honey. Stir the mixture and pour it into the popsicle maker. Freeze it and don’t it take out until the singing stops.
Watermelon yogurt tarts
This frozen treat is delicious, nutritious, and a sweet birthday treat. Puree watermelon in a blender and spoon into a waiting cupcake tin. Fill each cupcake holder about halfway. Use birthday cupcake wrappers matching the theme of the party. Allow them to sit in the freezer for about one hour. While it’s setting, mix plain Greek yogurt in a bowl, adding a teaspoon of honey. A squirt of lemon juice to taste is optional. Once the watermelon puree has frozen, finish off each watermelon tart with the Greek yogurt mixture. If there aren’t any known allergies, sprinkle sliced almonds on top. Diced strawberries work, too, if almonds aren’t an option. Pop them back into the freezer for an additional hour.
Fruit yogurt tarts
If the kids aren’t watermelon fans, use the above recipe with a strawberry puree or whatever fruit is the birthday boy or girl’s favorite.
Strawberry banana smoothie cups
Mix up a big batch of strawberry banana smoothies in the blender using almond or coconut mix. Place in personalized cups that also serve as a party favor with a colorful reusable straw for a refreshing healthy birthday treat. Have spare cups of cut-up strawberries and bananas for kids who may not like smoothies.
Birthday fruit kabobs
Cut up a mixture of fruits kids like including bananas, strawberries, apples, grapes, pineapples, and cantaloupe. Using kabob skewers, make fruit kabobs. Cap off each end with a marshmallow or a piece of dark chocolate.
Fruit and yogurt parfaits
Using personalized cups or birthday glasses, spoon out fruit and yogurt parfaits by alternating layers of Greek yogurt and cut-up fruit. Strawberries and blueberries are kid faves that taste yummy in a yogurt parfait. When they’re finished, rinse out the cup and each guest has a favor to take home.
Watermelon pizza
Skip the pizza and serve sliced watermelon pizza. Arrange watermelon slices like a pizza pie and top with cut-up fruit.
Enjoy your party without the sugar rush
A birthday without cake? It’s not as crazy as it sounds. One of the reasons parents dread those party invitations that come home from school is the sugar rush often accompanying birthday celebrations. Serving healthy birthday treats for kids doesn’t have to be tasteless. With this selection of delicious healthy birthday party snacks, guests can have a sweet delicious treat without all the added sugar. You just might find tossing out convention and serving one or these healthier options at your child’s next birthday party winds up being a huge hit.
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