Spring is a time of renewal and rejuvenation and what better way to celebrate than with some delicious and healthy snacks? While it's tempting to reach for unhealthy treats, there are plenty of options for those who want to indulge without derailing their health goals. In this blog, we'll be sharing some of our favourite guilt-free spring snack recipes, perfect for satisfying your cravings while keeping you on track.
Chocolate-chip dough balls
These bite-sized balls are packed with all the irresistible flavours of cookie dough that you know and love, so why wait? Treat yourself and satisfy those cookie dough cravings!
You will need:
- Almond flour
- Almond butter
- Brown rice syrup
- Vanilla extract
- Almond milk
- Dark chocolate chips
How to make:
Step 1: First up, we have almond flour, which forms the base of the dough. This protein-rich flour is made by finely grinding almonds and it lends a satisfying nutty flavour to the finished product. A pinch of salt is added to enhance the overall taste and balance out the sweetness.
Step 2: Moving on to the wet ingredients, almond butter is the star of the show. The runny consistency of this nut butter works best to create a smooth and creamy texture. However, feel free to experiment with other kinds of nut butter like peanut butter or tahini if you prefer.
Step 3: To sweeten things up, brown rice syrup is added to bind everything together and add some natural sweetness. You can also use other sticky sweeteners like maple syrup or honey if you prefer. The addition of vanilla extract gives that classic cookie dough flavour that we all know and love.
Step 4: Almond milk is added in small quantities to bring everything together and create a cohesive dough. And finally, the cherry on top - dark chocolate chips! Roll the mixture into small bite-sized balls and store them in the fridge.
Creamy rhubarb pops
These cool and creamy pops are the perfect low-cal and easy-to-make cold treat this spring season.
You will need:
- 3 cups chopped fresh or frozen rhubarb (1/2 inch)
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 3 tablespoons water
- 1 cup strawberry yoghurt
- 1/2 cup unsweetened applesauce
- 1/4 cup finely chopped fresh strawberries
- 8 freezer pop moulds or 8 paper cups (3 ounces each) and wooden pop sticks
How to make:
To make this frozen treat, combine rhubarb, sugar and water in a large saucepan and heat until it comes to a boil. Then, let it simmer for 10-15 minutes until it becomes thick and well combined. Take 3/4 cup of the mixture and let it cool in a separate bowl, saving the remaining rhubarb for later use.
Once cooled, add yoghurt, applesauce and strawberries to the 3/4 cup of rhubarb mixture and stir until everything is thoroughly mixed. For some added fun, you can even add food colouring if you'd like. Then, fill each mould or cup with about 1/4 cup of the rhubarb mixture and cover them with holders or foil. Finally, insert sticks through the foil or holder and place the moulds in the freezer until they're fully frozen.
Mixed berry sundae
This simple and delicious yoghurt sundae recipe is a great way to incorporate healthy fruit fibre into your diet. The dish features juicy berries and can be enjoyed as either a quick breakfast or a healthy dessert for two.
You will need:
- 1/4 cup halved fresh strawberries
- 1/4 cup each of fresh raspberries, blueberries and blackberries
- 3 teaspoons honey, divided
- 1/2 cup fat-free plain Greek yoghurt
- 2 tablespoons pomegranate juice
- 2 tablespoons chopped walnuts, toasted
How to make:
Mix together a handful of succulent berries with a teaspoon of sweet honey in a small bowl. Then, delicately spoon the berry blend into two cute dessert dishes. In a separate bowl, blend together tangy yoghurt, tart pomegranate juice and the remaining honey. Gently pour this luscious mix over the berries. Finally, sprinkle a few crunchy walnuts on top for added texture and flavour.