I have nothing against pre-packaged snacks for toddlers, but I like to go homemade whenever possible. I’ve written a blog about how I’ve taught my toddler to independently choose her snacks from the pantry (read more about this here!), but I always try offering a breakfast or snack from the fridge. This can be things like fruit, yogurt, or these super easy-to-make oat balls.
My sister-in-law made a version of these oat balls for me when I was pregnant with my first baby. I was so nauseous and hungry at the same time that these were the perfect solution. They were yummy, kept me full, and didn’t make me feel sick.
Since we now have a toddler who can be picky about what she eats, we have adapted the recipe for her. Oats are a toddler-friendly food because of how simple they are and they can be mixed into just about anything! We make these with either almond or peanut butter, but you can use any nut butter you’d like. I especially like them with vanilla almond butter because it makes them taste sweet.
You start by putting 2 cups of rolled oats into the food processor. I also add about 30 grams (about 1 big scoop) of protein powder (I have the French vanilla creme flavor). My toddler doesn’t get much protein in her diet so this is a great way for me to sneak some in. I don’t like these oat balls super chunky, but it’s entirely up to you how much you want to process them, if at all. I pulse them until they are almost oat flour.
Once they are processed, I put the mixture into a bowl. I add in the rest of the ingredients (3/4 cup of almond or peanut butter, 3/4 cup honey, 1 tablespoon of flax seeds, and 1/2 cup of chocolate chips). Remember not to give honey to kids under the age of 1.
I mix the ingredients until they are evenly combined. This is when you can add more nut butter or honey if you find that the mixture is not sticking well together. Once you’ve found the right consistency, you roll it into balls.
You can make them any size! My toddler also likes them bite-sized. 🙂 Once they are all rolled, place them in the fridge. I always store them in the fridge, but you don’t have to. I just think they taste better a little chilled and they stay together nicely.
You can use wax paper or parchment paper to separate different layers so they don’t stick together.
That’s it! They’re super easy and quick to make and you can customize them in so many ways. You can try different kinds of nut butter, protein powder, white chocolate chips, and different of syrups if you like them sweeter… the possibilities are endless!
Simple and Healthy Oat Balls for Breakfast or Snack
Simple and Healthy Oat Balls for Breakfast or Snack
Description
This no-bake recipe is quick and simple. These oats balls can be eaten right away, stored in the fridge, or frozen for a later day.
Ingredients
Instructions
Instructions
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Put the 2 cups of rolled oats and 30 grams (about 1 scoop) of protein powder into food processor (alternatively, you could use a blender or leave them whole)
Pulse until the oats are broken up -
Add processed oats and protein powder to a bowl
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Combine remaining ingredients (3/4 cup honey, 3/4 cup nut butter, 1 tbs flaxseeds, and 1/2 cup chocolate chips)
Mix together until the ingredients start to hold together -
Roll mixture into balls
You can make these any size you think your toddler would like! -
Put into fridge once rolled to chill
You can use wax paper or parchment paper to lay them down on separate layers so they don’t stick together.
