Healthy Treats for Kids – Chocolate Zucchini Muffins

Most children enjoy sweet treats but as parents it is our responsibility to ensure they are offered in moderation. Healthy snacks for kids are important, but there can also be a time and place for special treats. Homemade treats are preferred because we have control over the quality of ingredients but it is also a great opportunity to improve the nutrient content with additions such as fruits and vegetables as well as sources of fibre, protein, calcium and iron. Look for simple recipes for kids that include nutrient-dense ingredients, or if you feel confident in your cooking/baking skills, you can try to adapt some of your favourite recipes.

Homemade treats are preferred because we have control over the quality of ingredients but it is also a great opportunity to improve the nutrient content with additions such as fruits and vegetables as well as sources of fibre, protein, calcium and iron.

These Chocolate Zucchini Muffins are a big hit with my own kids and many of my clients have reported success with them at home. They are naturally sweetened with pure maple syrup and dates, include a whole grain flour and of course, zucchini. I don’t peel the zucchini, but if a few flecks of green would prevent your kids from trying this, you could peel them for your first attempt. Once they discover how delicious they are, please let them know what’s inside! Who knows? The next time you offer them zucchini they may actually consider it after having such a positive experience. Enjoy this and more healthy treats for kids!

The next time you offer them zucchini they may actually consider it after having such a positive experience.

Chocolate Zucchini Muffins

Healthy Treats for Kids – Chocolate Zucchini Muffins

Ingredients

Yield: 12 muffins
2 cups WHOLE SPELT FLOUR
1/2 cup RAW CACAO POWDER*
1 1/2 tsp BAKING POWDER
1/2 tsp BAKING SODA
1/2 tsp SEA SALT1/2 cup UNSWEETENED COCONUT MILK
1/4 cup COCONUT OIL (warmed just enough to turn into liquid)
1/2 cup PURE MAPLE SYRUP
1 tsp PURE VANILLA EXTRACT
2 EGGS
6 LARGE DATES,
FINELY CHOPPED
1 cup SHREDDED ZUCCHINI (approx. 1 small zucchini)
OPTIONAL: WALNUT HALVES

Instructions

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.
In a medium bowl, whisk together dry ingredients.
In a large bowl, whisk together the remaining wet ingredients (except for the zucchini).
Add the dry ingredients into the large bowl of wet ingredients and mix well. Add zucchini to the batter and stir.
Place 12 large paper muffin cups into a standard-sized muffin tin. Use a spoon to pour batter evenly into all the cups. Optional: Place 1 walnut halve on top of each muffin.
Bake in the oven for 16-20 minutes, or until muffins feel springy and toothpick inserted comes out clean.
Let muffins cool for at least 10-15 minutes and enjoy!

https://drdina.ca/healthy-treats-for-kids-chocolate-zucchini-muffins/

NOTES:

* Raw cacao powder is the same as cocoa powder but tends to be less processed and contains more nutrients, including iron, magnesium and antioxidants. If raw cacao powder is unavailable, unsweetened cocoa powder may also be used.

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