Fall is the perfect time to bond in the kitchen with your little ones. Here are three delicious and easy recipes that are sure to become favorites. These snacks are not only fun to make but also capture the cozy essence of fall. Plus, they’re perfect to pack in your diaper backpack for seasonal outings.
1. Homemade Cinnamon Apple Chips
Apple chips are a tasty, healthy snack that your kids will love. Here's how to make them:
Ingredients:
- 4-5 large apples (any variety, but Fuji or Honeycrisp work best)
- 1-2 tsp ground cinnamon
- Optional: sugar or sweetener for added sweetness
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 225°F (110°C).
- Thinly slice the apples using a mandolin or a sharp knife. Aim for about 1/8 inch thickness for even cooking.
- Lay the apple slices in a single layer on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Sprinkle the slices with cinnamon (and a touch of sugar if you'd like).
- Bake for about 1.5 to 2 hours, flipping the slices halfway through. Keep an eye on them to avoid burning.
- Remove from the oven once they are crispy and let them cool.
These chips are perfect for packing in your diaper backpack for a fall hike or a day at the park. Plus, they store well in an airtight container for a few days, making them a go-to snack.
2. Pumpkin Patch Dirt Cups
This fun Halloween-themed snack is a great way to bring the pumpkin patch vibe indoors.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups chocolate pudding (store-bought or homemade)
- 12 crushed Oreos (for the "dirt")
- Gummy worms
- Candy pumpkins
Instructions:
- Start by layering the bottom of small cups with chocolate pudding.
- Sprinkle a layer of crushed Oreos on top to create the “dirt.”
- Stick a few gummy worms halfway into the pudding, making it look like they are crawling out of the dirt.
- Add a candy pumpkin on top for a cute fall touch.
- Let your kids help decorate their own cups with extra worms or pumpkins for a fun treat.
These are a fantastic option for an at-home Halloween party or a cozy weekend afternoon. And, of course, they’re an adorable snack to pack up in your Sleepy Panda diaper bag for playdates or family outings.
3. Cheesy Pumpkin Pretzels
What’s better than soft pretzels? Soft pretzels shaped like pumpkins! This savory snack will be a hit with your kids and is perfect for fall fun.
Ingredients:
- 1 package refrigerated pizza dough
- 4 tbsp melted butter
- Parmesan cheese or sea salt for sprinkling
- Food-safe twine or string for shaping
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Roll out your pizza dough and cut it into long strips (about 10-12 inches each).
- Twist each strip into a loose pretzel shape, leaving the middle slightly open. Use the twine to tie sections to make the shape of a pumpkin (like a rounder pretzel with defined edges). Be sure to remove the twine after baking.
- Place on the baking sheet and brush with melted butter.
- Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese or sea salt.
- Bake for 12-15 minutes or until golden brown.
- Once baked, you can add a pretzel stick or small piece of celery in the middle to look like the pumpkin stem.
This snack is not only delicious but also fun to make with the kids. Serve them warm for a perfect fall afternoon treat, or pack them up in your diaper backpack for a seasonal picnic or day out.
Wrapping Up
These fall snacks are sure to make the season even more enjoyable, whether you’re spending a cozy day indoors or heading out on a family adventure. Making these treats with your kids will create memories that last long after the leaves have fallen. Don’t forget, if you’re planning a fall outing, packing your diaper backpack with these snacks and essentials will keep your day running smoothly.
BONUS: Enjoy 15% off your next Sleepy Panda purchase with code BLOG15. Happy snacking, mamas!