Families For Life | 5 Quick and Healthy Snack Recipes

Before you or those tiny hands reach for another bag of chips laden with salt or dive into a cookie full of sugar, we have healthier alternatives to satisfy those snack cravings! These options are guilt-free and will allow you and your kids to indulge in a little refuelling.

They’re quick and easy to make, and preparing them can even serve as a lovely bonding time for you and the little ones. Here are our top six snack recipes that will leave you and your family craving for more!


1. Banana pancakes 

Check your pantry and see if you have banana, eggs and flour. You do? Great! Now you can make some warm, fluffy pancakes! 

Ingredients:

  • 2 ripe bananas

  • 4 eggs

  • ½ cup whole wheat flour 

  • Butter or oil for cooking

Instructions:

  1. Mash the bananas in a bowl with a fork until there are no large chunks. 

  2. Add the eggs and whisk until they’re evenly mixed.

  3. Add the flour and gently mix until combined.

  4. Heat a large pan over medium-low heat. Lightly brush the cooking surface with butter or oil. You won’t need to do this if you’re using a non-stick pan!

  5. Scoop the batter onto the hot pan and cook until small bubbles form on the surface of the pancakes.

  6. Flip the pancakes, then cook until lightly golden on both sides.

  7. Repeat the process with the remaining batter and you’re done!

The pancakes are ready for you to enjoy, but adding some sliced fruit or drizzling honey over them will enhance their sweetness and texture.


2. Potato chips



Potato chips—a classic snack. It’s hard to go wrong with this treat, and the best part about making your own is that you can control the amount of salt you add. Plus, it’s surprisingly easy to make them!

Ingredients:

  • 3 medium-sized russet potatoes

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil

  • Salt

Instructions:

  1. Preheat the oven to 230°C. Coat a large baking sheet with cooking spray.

  2. Slice the potatoes as thin as a coin. 

  3. Toss the potato slices into a bowl before adding olive oil and your desired amount of salt. Mix until the slices are evenly coated.

  4. Spread the potato slices in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet.

  5. Place in the oven and bake for 10 to 12 minutes, or until the chips are a very light golden colour.

  6. Allow chips to cool completely. Serve and enjoy!

3. Cheesy tomato toast 

Fancy something a bit more savoury? Imagine sinking your teeth into melted cheese perfectly balanced with juicy, tangy tomatoes atop toasted bread for the perfect bite. The best part? You probably already have all the ingredients to whip up this snack!

Ingredients: 

  • 2 slices of bread 

  • ½ cup white cheddar cheese (shredded)

  • 1 Roma tomato

  • Salt and pepper

Instructions:

  1. Preheat the oven to 200°C. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

  2. Slice the tomato evenly into 6 slices.

  3. Place the slices of bread on a baking sheet and top each with shredded cheese. Layer the tomatoes on top, then sprinkle with salt and pepper to taste.

  4. Bake for 10 minutes. The cheese should be melted and gooey. Let them cool slightly before diving in!

Two slices of toast might not be enough if you’re making this for the whole family, so adjust the ingredients to make sure there's plenty for everyone.


4. Fruit yoghurt popsicles

This next snack is best prepared in advance, as it requires a few hours of freezing time. Good things come to those who wait, but let’s not have your hungry kids wait six hours for a snack!

Ingredients: 

  • 6 cups sliced fruit of your choice (frozen)

  • 1 cup whole milk Greek yoghurt

  • 4 tablespoons honey

  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract

Instructions:

  1. Combine the frozen fruits, yoghurt, honey and vanilla extract in a food processor.

  2. Blend until it turns into a creamy smoothie-like mixture. 

  3. Transfer the mixture to a freezer-safe container.

  4. Press a piece of parchment against the top of the yoghurt to prevent ice crystals from forming. 

  5. Freeze for at least six hours or overnight.

  6. To serve, allow the frozen yoghurt to sit at room temperature to soften slightly before scooping the amount you want!

5. Peanut butter granola bars 

Looking for a snack that’s delicious, healthy, and perfect for a midday pick-me-up? We’ve got just the thing for you! What’s more, it’s a three-ingredient recipe that requires no cooking, so even your toddler can help out.

Ingredients:

  • 1½ cups dates 

  • ½ cup peanut butter

  • ½ cup rolled oats

Instructions:

  1. Remove the seeds from the dates and soak in warm water for 10 minutes before draining.

  2. Add dates to a food processor and blend until they become small pieces.

  3. Add peanut butter and oats and blend a few more times until evenly combined.

  4. Scoop out mixture with a spoon and roll into a ball. Place the balls on a baking sheet or plate. 

  5. Transfer them to the freezer to set. Enjoy when ready!

The recipes we've selected are not only healthier alternatives, they’re also simple enough for you to make with your kids! Give them a try and enjoy some quality time in the kitchen—it's sure to bring happiness to both you and your taste buds!