Hey parents, does it feel like it’s always snack time?
Personally, between school runs, nap times and playtime, it seems like I’m always preparing snacks—or finishing the ones my kids leave behind!
Then there are breakfast, lunch and dinner. It makes me wonder: if my kids are always eating, why are they always hungry?
I can’t be the only one feeling this way, right?
Kids seem to have bottomless stomachs. Keeping up with their snack demands feels like a full time job.
That’s why I make it a point to bulk cook recipes my kids love!
Easy Snack Recipes for Busy Days
These recipes are courtesy of Chef Shahrul Anwar, Syahirah Azizi (Dietitian) and Ahmed Haniff (Kitchen Executive) from Café Columbia, Columbia Asia Hospital, Cheras.
They are not only nutritious and delicious but also perfect for making in advance. So you’re always ready when those snack attacks hit!
Sweet Potato Egg Muffin
Savoury sweet potato and cheese muffins that are perfect for breakfast, snacks, or dessert—packed with protein and fibre to keep kids happy and healthy!
Servings 10 muffins
Calories 184kcal
Ingredients
- 1 sweet potato medium sized, grated
- 6 eggs
- 70 ml fresh milk
- ½ cup cheddar cheese shredded
- ½ cup carrot grated
- ⅓ tsp salt and pepper
- 1 tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- cooking spray
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 180°C and lightly grease a muffin tin with cooking spray.
- Peel and grate a medium sweet potato using a cheese grater.
- Whisk the eggs until they become foamy. Then add the milk, salt and pepper.
- In a mixing bowl, combine the whisked eggs with the grated sweet potato, grated carrot, shredded cheddar cheese, baking powder and garlic powder.
- Stir until everything is well mixed.
- Pour the mixture into the muffin tin.
- Bake for 25 to 30 minutes or until the centers are set.
- Serve hot and enjoy!
Notes
"This snack is a fantastic source of protein from eggs, cheese, and milk, supporting immune health and children’s growth. Plus, the sweet potato and carrot add a boost of fibre to help prevent common digestive issues like constipation." - Columbia Asia Hospital – Cheras Dietitian, Syahirah Azizi
Nutrition
Calories: 184kcal | Carbohydrates: 10.4g | Protein: 16.4g | Fat: 18g
Potato Cheese Stick
Crispy, cheesy potato sticks that are quick to make and perfect for kids and families—ideal for a tasty, healthy snack or appetizer.
Servings 7 sticks
Calories 186kcal
Ingredients
- 3 potatoes medium sized
- 1 cup cheddar cheese shredded
- ½ cup cornstarch
- oil for frying
Instructions
- Peel and chop potatoes into small chunks.
- Boil the potato chunks in salted water for 15 to 20 minutes, until tender.
- Mash the potatoes in a large bowl.
- Add in shredded cheese and cornstarch.
- Mix and knead until a dough forms.
- Divide the dough in half and place each half into a sandwich bag.
- Roll the dough evenly to fill the bag, then freeze for 20 minutes.
- Remove the dough from the freezer and cut open the bags.
- Place the dough onto a cutting board and slice into 14 short strips.
- Freeze the strips for another 20 minutes.
- Heat vegetable oil in a frying pan over medium-high heat
- Carefully place the strips into the hot oil and cook for 3 to 4 minutes or until crispy and golden brown.
- Transfer the cooked potato cheese sticks onto a paper towel to drain excess oil.
- Serve with ketchup and enjoy!
Notes
"Cheese is an excellent source of calcium, vital for the growth and development of children's bones and teeth. Furthermore, potatoes offer numerous benefits, serving as an energy powerhouse packed with essential nutrients such as B vitamins, vitamin C, and choline, which are important for brain development." - Columbia Asia Hospital – Cheras Dietitian, Syahirah Azizi
Nutrition
Calories: 186kcal | Carbohydrates: 18g | Protein: 6g | Fat: 19g
ABC Muffin
These wholesome muffins, packed with finely shredded carrot, apple, and mashed banana, offer a tasty and nutritious snack that's high in fibre and perfect for breakfast or a quick treat.
Servings 12 muffins
Calories 286kcal
Ingredients
- 1 cup carrot finely shredded
- 1 cup apple shredded
- 1 cup ripe banana mashed
- 2 eggs large
- ¼ cup vegetable oil
- ¼ cup milk
- 1 tbsp honey
- 1 tsp baking powder
- ¼ tsp cinnamon powder optional
- 1¼ cup flour
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 180°C and lightly grease a muffin tin with cooking spray.
- Place the grated carrot and apple between layers of paper towels and press to remove excess moisture.
- In a large bowl, combine the squeezed carrot and apple with mashed banana, eggs, oil, milk and honey.
- Whisk until the mixture is smooth and well-blended.
- Stir in the baking powder, cinnamon powder (optional), and flour, mixing until just combined.
- Spoon the batter into the muffin cups, filling each about ¾ full.
- Bake for 15 to 17 minutes, or until the muffins are golden brown on top and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Enjoy the muffins warm or let them cool completely.
Notes
"Fibre is the essential component of this snack since the star ingredients come from fruits and vegetables. While muffins are already a favourite amongst children, making them healthier sets this snack apart." - Columbia Asia Hospital – Cheras Dietitian, Syahirah AziziThese muffins can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days or frozen for up to 1 month.
Nutrition
Calories: 286kcal | Carbohydrates: 36g | Protein: 5.6g | Fat: 3g
Blueberry Yoghurt Popsicle
This easy-to-make blueberry and yoghurt popsicle recipe is a delicious and healthy treat for kids, packed with antioxidants and probiotics.
Servings 6 popsicles
Calories 80kcal
Ingredients
- 2 cups blueberries
- 2 tbsp honey
- 2 cups vanilla Greek yoghurt
Instructions
- Blend or mash the blueberries until they reach a smoothie-like consistency.
- Transfer the thick blueberry mixture to a large bowl and stir in the honey.
- Then, add the yoghurt and gently mix until combined.
- Evenly pour the mixture into popsicle moulds and freeze overnight.
- To easily remove the popsicles, run the moulds under warm water.
Notes
"Popsicles are so easy to make and never fails to excite little ones. The good sources of antioxidants from blueberries give extra points to this snack. In addition, the probiotics in yoghurt can aid digestion and are beneficial for kids with bowel issues and low fibre intake." - Columbia Asia Hospital – Cheras Dietitian, Syahirah AziziParents, do confirm if your child has any allergies towards blueberries before they consume this dessert.
Nutrition
Calories: 80kcal | Carbohydrates: 13g | Protein: 6.8g | Sodium: 23mg
No-Bake Peanut Butter Ball
These delicious peanut butter and chocolate mini balls are perfect for satisfying cravings!
Servings 16 balls
Calories 190kcal
Ingredients
- ½ cup peanut butter sugar-free
- ¼ cup pure honey
- 1 tsp pure vanilla extract
- 1½ cup rolled oats
- ¼ cup dark chocolate chips
- salt to taste
Instructions
- In a large bowl, mix the peanut butter, honey and vanilla until well combined.
- Add the remaining ingredients and stir thoroughly.
- Using a tablespoon, scoop out portions of the mixture and roll them into balls.
- Place the balls in a container with a lid.
- After forming all the balls, cover the container and refrigerate for 30 minutes to let them set.
- Store the balls in the refrigerator for the best result. While they can be kept at room temperature, they may become a bit soft.
- For the best taste, enjoy the balls at room temperature.
Notes
"This combination of peanut butter and chocolate is a favorite amongst children. Peanut butter provides heart-healthy fats, while chocolate is rich in antioxidants, both of which can help reduce the risk of heart disease in children. Additionally, the high soluble fibre in rolled oats may help lower cholesterol levels." - Columbia Asia Hospital – Cheras Dietitian, Syahirah AziziParents, please cut the balls into smaller pieces before serving to avoid choking.
Nutrition
Calories: 190kcal | Carbohydrates: 22.6g | Protein: 6.8g | Fat: 8.4g
Simple Snacks, Happy Kids!
There you have it, parents!
Whether you’re a cooking pro or just starting out, these simple recipes are perfect for adding variety to snack time.
They’re a great chance to experiment, have fun, and maybe even involve the kids in the kitchen!
Here’s to all the amazing parents out there doing their best every day.
Your efforts shine, and every healthy snack you serve helps your kids grow up happy and healthy.
Keep going, and let’s make snack time a little more joyful together!
Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is for informational purposes only and should not be considered as medical advice from Motherhood. For any health-related concerns, it is advisable to consult with a qualified healthcare professional or medical practitioner.
For more insightful stories and fun recipes, stay tuned to Motherhood Story!