Healthier Birthday Cakes and Party Treats

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!
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