Sugar Free Sweet Treats for the Whole Family

March 18, 2024

It is no secret that excess sugar in our food can have a big effect on our bodies. From little ones to adults, the regular consumption of sugar in our diets over time contributes to unhealthy body weight, interrupted brain function, skin problems, chronic health implications and unfavorable blood sugar levels, to name a few. While it is ok to splurge every now and then, we have compiled some super yummy recipes to help you swap out those sugary sweets for simpler treats. Coupled with some tips to help make healthier choices overall, we hope you enjoy these sweet ideas when cooking for the whole entire family!

 

Tips & Tricks

Before we begin, here are some ways you can regularly curb the temptation to add artificial white and brown sugars to recipes when cooking. By using natural sugars found in fruits and vegetables instead, you will hardly notice the difference in taste...but your body will feel so much better!

• Incorporate date sugar: This is a great choice when cooking because dates are packed with vitamins and minerals, while offering sweetness without spiking blood sugar levels, when consumed in moderation. To do this, you can substitute 2/3 cup of date sugar for every cup of white or brown sugar that a recipe may call for. 
• Coconut sugar: While coconuts may not contain high amounts of vitamins and minerals, they do offer a source of healthy fat, and the texture they contribute to recipes makes for a sweet and smooth treat! You can swap coconut sugar at exactly the same measurements that are called for in recipes using white or brown sugar. You can also consider adding shredded coconut to the top of your favorite recipes!
• Sweet potatoes: These can be added to recipes all on their own, or they can be combined with ingredients such as honey, natural vanilla extract or maple syrup. To use sweet potatoes as a sugar substitute, you will want to peel and puree them first. You can substitute these at a 1:1 ratio for any other sugar a recipe may call for. If you feel the sweet potato alone is not sweet enough, try mixing in one of the suggested ingredients above! They provide a great source of antioxidants, along with plenty of vitamins, minerals and fiber.
• Bananas: To swap sugar out for bananas in recipes, you will want to be sure the banana is ripe! Look for one(s) that are fully yellow, with some brown spots. This will ensure they are ready to use while offering an extra pop of sweetness to your treats. To sub out sugar for bananas while baking, do so by halving the sugar measurement that is called for. As a great source of fiber, bananas are an excellent sugar substitute to reach for.
• If you are making a sweet treat specifically for babies and toddlers over the age of one, consider adding in Lebenswert Stage 3 Organic Toddler Formula or Holle Goat Milk Formula Stage 4 - Organicbabyfood.shop to your favorite smoothie recipes for them! These contain no added sugar or GMO’s, while providing exactly the nutrients your growing toddler needs.

 

Recipes

Now it is time to dive into those healthy treat recipes! Here are a few that are sure to please all of your family’s taste palettes.

 

Fudgy Sweet Potato Brownies

Ingredients:

•        1 large sweet potato
•        1/2 tea spoon sea salt
•        1 tsp baking powder
•        2/3 cup flour of choice
•        1/2 cup cocoa powder
•        1/2 cup sugar free chocolate chips 
•        optional: ½ tsp of honey or vanilla extract for extra sweetness

To Make:

1. Begin by preheating the oven to 375 degrees and while it is warming, puree the sweet potato. To puree the sweet potato, boil a small pot of water on the stove. While the water heating to a boil, wash the sweet potato under cold running water to remove any dirt and pat it dry. Next, peel the potato and chop it into approximately 1” cubes and then drop them into the pot once the water is bubbling. Cover the pot and boil for about 15 minutes, or until the texture is soft. Drain out the excess water and pulse in a food processor until smooth. 
2. Next, combine the puree, sea salt, cocoa powder, baking powder and optional ingredients to a mixing bowl and blend well.
3. Add in flour and any optional ingredients     
4. Pour batter into a greased or parchment lined pan and bake for 25-30 minutes or until desired consistency is reached.

 

Peanut Butter Banana Bars

Ingredients:

• 1 ½ cup cooking oats
• 1 tsp baking powder
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1 tsp cinnamon
• 1/2 milk of choice
• 1 banana, mashed
• 1 egg
• 1/4 cup peanut butter
• optional: sugar free chocolate chips

 To Make:

1. Mix together the oats, baking powder, salt and cinnamon.
2. Blend in the milk and egg.
3. Add in peanut butter and mashed banana and mix until well combined.
4. Pour mixture into a prepared pan and then bake at 350 degrees for 20 minutes.

 

No Bake Coconut Date Dessert Bites

Ingredients:

• 3/4 rolled oats
• 12 large dates
• 2 tbsp peanut butter
• 3 tbsp cocoa powder
• 1/2 cup shredded coconut

 To Make:

1. Remove the pits from the dates and soak the dates in hot water for five minutes.
2. Drain dates well and add to a food processor.
3. Add in oats, cocoa powder and peanut butter to food processor and pulse until combined.
4. Roll the mixture into bite sized balls and then sprinkle shredded coconut all over each bit sized roll.
5. Place on a plate and refrigerate. Enjoy!

 

Read More About It
Looking for more inspiration when it comes to whipping up healthy treats for your family!? Be sure to checkout these related posts below:

Healthy Recipes to Include at Your Baby’s First Birthday Celebration
Cooling Foods For Your Little Cutie
Homemade Teething Biscuits - Organicbabyfood.shop
Healthy & Sweet Summertime Treats For Your Baby

Wishing you a kitchen filled with healthy and sweet treats, for all to enjoy!

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