no-bake chocolate chia pumpkin bites

Chocolate Chia Pumpkin Bites, perfect for pumpkin season!  

No-Bake Chocolate Chia Pumpkin Bites ~vegan, gluten free~

Minimal added sugar, fiber filled oats, protein packed nuts and added spice make no-bake bites our “go to” snack!  I’ve made a variety of different kinds over the years, but after seeing these on Instagram made me run to the kitchen!

Having little ones over for Halloween parties and don’t want to overload them with sugar?  Make these instead sugary iced cookies!  Only wholesome ingredients are used and the combo of protein and fiber will keep sugar levels from spiking and cranky crashes from happening!

No-Bake Chocolate Chia Pumpkin Bites ~vegan, gluten free~

This recipe is adapted from the beautiful blog Domesticate Me, go check it out!

no-bake chocolate chia pumpkin bites
 
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Author:
Recipe type: Dessert
Cuisine: Vegan
Serves: 12-16
Ingredients
  • 1 cup dates, pitted
  • ¼ cup canned pumpkin
  • 1 tablespoon maple syrup
  • 2 tablespoons chia seeds
  • ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1½ teaspoons pumpkin pie spice
  • pinch sea salt
  • 1 cup old fashioned oats
  • ½ cup pecans, chopped
  • ⅓ cup dark chocolate chunks, chopped
  • ⅓ cup raisins
Instructions
  1. Add dates, pumpkin, maple syrup, chia seeds, vanilla, pumpkin pie spice and sea salt to a food processor and blend until a paste is formed. Transfer to a large bowl and add oats, pecans, chocolate chunks, raisins and mix until well combined. Using a tablespoon, scoop out dough and roll into a ball. Store in an air-tight container in the refrigerator.

 No-Bake Chocolate Chia Pumpkin Bites ~vegan, gluten free~

popcorn sampler ~vegan, gluten free~

The Popcorn Sampler…

The Popcorn Sampler ~vegan, gluten free~ A healthy after-school snack the whole family will enjoy~

Ever since my mother-in-law gave us an air-popper with a 5 pound bag of organic popcorn for Christmas, we’ve been hooked!  Popcorn has become one of Noah’s favorite snacks!  Depending on what you top it with, popcorn can be a very healthy snack!

Popcorn is a whole grain and has many nutritional benefits including a healthy dose of antioxidants and fiber!   I’m not talking about movie theater popcorn, which is usually dripping in fake butter and unhealthy additives.    Also, please steer clear of the microwave varieties that have a chemical laden coating in the bag.

The Popcorn Sampler ~vegan, gluten free~ A healthy after-school snack the whole family will enjoy~

Here are a few add-ins that turn popcorn into a perfect after-school snack!

Cinnamon Raisin Popcorn

2 cups air-popped organic popcorn

1 cup trail mix including raisins, dried cranberries, nuts and seeds

Dash of cinnamon and powdered sugar

Sprinkle of sea salt

Wasabi Pea Popcorn

2 cups air-popped organic popcorn

1 cup spicy trail mix including nuts, wasabi peas and rice crackers

Dash of cayenne pepper

Sprinkle of sea salt

Cheesy Garlic Popcorn

2 cups air-popped organic popcorn

1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil or organic butter

1 teaspoon garlic, minced

1/4 cup shredded Parmesan cheese

1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped

Pinch sea salt

~ Gently warm olive oil over low heat, add garlic and sauté until fragrant.  Drizzle over popcorn and toss to coat.  Sprinkle with cheese, parsley and add sea salt ~  For a vegan version, omit cheese and add a dusting of nutritional yeast ~

The Popcorn Sampler ~vegan, gluten free~ A healthy after-school snack the whole family will enjoy~

Healthy Hint:  Sneak these into the movie theater next time you go to see a show!

fruit kabobs with vanilla dip ~vegan~

School’s out for the summer, yay!!!

Here is the perfect summertime snack or pool-side party treat!

Fruit salad on a stick with a vegan vanilla dipping sauce….

Fruit Kabobs with Vanilla Dipping Sauce ~vegan, gluten free~ No sugar added, kid-approved and fun!

Kid approved, no-sugar added and fun!

Serve assembled or let the little ones build their own!

Fruit Kabobs with Vanilla Dipping Sauce ~vegan, gluten free~ No sugar added, kid-approved and fun!

The sauce is made with cashews, bananas and a hint of vanilla.  No added sugar or cream was used, making this a clean and healthy sweet!

Next time you need to bring a dessert to the party, bring these…both the kids and parents will thank you :)

Fruit Kabobs with Vanilla Dipping Sauce ~vegan, gluten free~ No sugar added, kid-approved and fun!

Use any fruit you choose!  I used honeydew melon, grapes, cantaloupe and berries.

More colorful options include:

Kiwi

Orange slices

Apples

Mango

Watermelon

fruit kabobs and vanilla dip ~vegan~
 
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Author:
Recipe type: Dessert
Cuisine: Vegan
Ingredients
  • honey dew melon
  • cantaloupe
  • strawberries
  • blueberries
  • green grapes
  • red grapes
  • For the Vanilla Dipping Sauce:
  • 1 cup raw cashews, soaked and drained
  • 2 ripe bananas
  • 3 tablespoons almond milk (or milk of your choosing)
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
  • pinch sea salt
  • dash of cinnamon (optional)
Instructions
  1. Cut fruit into bite-sized pieces.
  2. Assemble fruit onto wooden skewers and set aside.
  3. To Make Vanilla Dipping Sauce:
  4. Place raw cashews in a bowl and cover with water, let sit for at least an hour and drain.
  5. Add cashews, bananas, almond milk, lemon juice, vanilla and sea salt in a high-speed blender. Puree until smooth and creamy. Serve immediately with fruit skewers.

Note:  The dipping sauce is best served soon after it is made.  The lemon juice acts as a natural preservative to prevent the bananas from turning brown however, the dipping sauce will take on a darker color the longer it is exposed to the air.  If made ahead of time, store in an air-tight container.

Fruit Kabobs with Vanilla Dipping Sauce ~vegan, gluten free~ No sugar added, kid-approved and fun!

Have a wonderful weekend :)