When it comes to celebrating your child's birthday, it might be tempting to serve the most delectable, decadent treat available. But for a growing child who needs lots of nutrients, it might be wise to rethink classic birthday treats. Find out how to create a festive, healthful, and delicious birthday menu with these tips.
Better-for-you Cake Ideas
Here are some swap-out ingredients and suggestions that are better for you and your little one. Keep these in mind if you’re creating your own cake for the party.
Ingredient Swaps
- 1/3 all-purpose flour can be replaced by whole wheat flour
- Apple butter can replace about 1/3 of regular butter
- Instead of 3 whole eggs, use 2 whole eggs and one egg white
- Reduced fat cream cheese can be used instead of full-fat cream cheese
- Light sour cream can be used in place of regular sour cream
Full Cake Replacements
- Oatmeal cake
- Banana bread
- Vegetable breads (carrot, pumpkin, and zucchini)
- Cakes including beets, potatoes, or sweet potatoes
Dips Abound
Dips and sauces are fun for toddlers. Be prepared for a little mess — it's worth it when your child is eating well.
Sweet Dips
- Applesauce
- Sour cream flavored with all-fruit spread or pureed fruits
- Mashed bananas with or without berries and ricotta
Savory Dips
- Cream cheese lightened with milk
- Guacamole
- Small curd cottage cheese
- Hummus
- Creamy salad dressings
- Cooked and pureed vegetables
Healthy Foods to Dip
- Cheese
- Fruit
- Cooked vegetables (carrots, broccoli, green beans, cauliflower)
- Cucumbers
- Graham crackers
- Whole-grain breads
- Small chunks or rolled-up slices of chicken or turkey
Shake It Up
Smoothies have moved beyond just fruit — many now include vegetables too. These nutrient-packed drinks are a great way to add veggies to a delicious treat. If your little one loves smoothies, add some of these ingredients for a nutrient boost:
- Avocado
- Cooked carrots
- Kale
- Parsley
- Cucumber
If your toddler is using a sippy cup, smoothies can be thinned out with milk or water. (If the smoothie is very thick it can be served in a bowl with a spoon.)
Food "Face Time"
Make a face with food, using food as "paint" and the plate as your canvas. Make the face as basic or elaborate as you want — but just eyes and a mouth can speak volumes. You can even dress it up with noodle hair, veggie earrings, or an oatmeal mustache!