5 APPLE RECIPES FOR KIDS: HEALTHY SNACKS AND TREATS
When it comes to feeding little ones, we’re all just looking for recipes that are simple, nutritious, and kid-approved. And as challenging as that may feel some days, there are TONS of ways to incorporate fruits and veggies into everyday meals! More specifically, today, we’re focusing on healthy apple recipes that make the perfect snacks, breakfasts, and easy desserts.
Apples are one of the most abundant fruits in the country (yes, it’s true!). Because of that, they’re affordable, accessible, and perfect for kid-friendly cooking. And it gets even better! Apples are incredibly versatile, making them the perfect ingredient to incorporate into any meal at any time of the day, for children of all ages.
In this post, I’m sharing a handful of my favorite apple recipes. Think: easy ingredients, minimal prep time, and lots of opportunities for kids to hop in the kitchen and help out. From hearty apple oatmeal to delicious mini apple pies, there’s a recipe in here for everyone to enjoy!
5 Apple Recipes for Kids: Healthy Snacks and Treats
It’s no secret that kids become a little hesitant when fruits and veggies are involved. But that’s exactly why I’ve shared recipes like “Hidden Vegetable Mac and Cheese” and “Homemade Fruit Roll Ups!” It’s much easier to squeeze extra nutrition in when you use textures, meals, and flavors kids are familiar with.
Plus, each recipe can fit effortlessly into a portable snack box set—perfect for on-the-go lunches, mid-day sensory play snack breaks, or easy road trip meals. Yes, healthy and delicious food can be this easy! But before we dive straight into the recipes, let’s talk about why apples are a fantastic addition to your child’s plate.
Are Apples Healthy for Kids?
Apples are absolutely healthy for kids! They support digestion, promote brain and heart health, offer dental benefits, and can be served to kids as young as 6 months. Plus, they’re naturally sweet, meaning that most of the time? Children don’t even realize that they’re eating fruit!
And here’s the fun part… the kind of apple you cook with can influence the type (or amount) of nutritional benefits. We all know that red apples tend to be sweeter while green apples are tart and a bit sour. But their flavor profile isn’t the only difference between the two!
Red Delicious apples are high in anthocyanins, potent antioxidants that give the apple its bright, vibrant hue. At the same time, they’re fantastic for reducing inflammation, improving blood flow, and supporting memory and focus. Green apples, or Granny Smiths, on the other hand, improve digestion, help with blood sugar control, and offer an extra fiber boost.
There truly is no “right” or “wrong” answer to choosing which color apple you use for baking! Ultimately, the best apple is the one your child enjoys. When kids love what they’re eating, getting those nutrients becomes that much easier.
What Are the Benefits of Eating Apples for Kids?
Supports Healthy Digestion
Apples are naturally high in pectin, a type of fiber that acts as a prebiotic and supports healthy digestion. Fiber plays a super important role in keeping bowel movements regular and supporting overall gut health. This is particularly important for growing bodies and developing digestive systems!
Provides Essential Vitamins and Nutrients
Apples are loaded with vitamin C, vitamin K, potassium, and antioxidants. Not only does this boost immune system health, but it also promotes strong bones, tissue growth, and overall development. And that old “an apple a day keeps the doctor away” saying? It isn’t just a cliché! Apples really are like a “natural” toothbrush, stimulating saliva and reducing bacteria. How cool!
Encourages Healthy Eating Habits
As I mentioned earlier, apples are naturally pretty sweet, which helps children develop a positive relationship with fruit early on. Warm them up, add a dash of nut or seed butter, honey, or a sprinkle of cinnamon, and you have a nutritious fruit turned into a sweet, filling dish! It’s the perfect alternative to traditional snacks filled with artificial sweeteners and sugars.
Supports Energy and Brain Function
The natural sugars, fiber, and carbohydrates in apples are excellent for sustained energy. That means active little ones can fuel up naturally, minus mid-day sugar crashes or cranky post-dessert tantrums!
Aside from natural energy, apples are also fantastic for promoting brain health. The antioxidants reduce inflammation, improve blood flow, and support neurogenesis (brain cell growth)! With those benefits combined, apples help fuel playtime, learning, and everyday activities.
Easy to Prepare and Versatile
One of the biggest (and most parents’ favorite) benefits of apples is their versatility. They’re incredibly easy to prepare, and even easier to add to a variety of dishes! From slicing and cooking to dicing and baking, they’re perfect for busy parents and picky little ones alike.
5 Kid-Friendly Apple Recipes
Kid-Friendly Apple Pancakes
Easy to make and even easier to enjoy, these apple pancakes are always a hit in my home! And because we’re shredding the apple here, you still get that yummy, fruity flavor without any big pieces or questionable textures.
Ingredients:
1 cup shredded apple (peeled if desired!)
1 large egg
½ tsp vanilla extract
¼ cup butter
1 cup all-purpose flour
1 ½ tsp baking powder
¾ cup milk (dairy or non-dairy works here!)
1 tsp cinnamon
Pinch of salt for taste
Optional: 1 tbsp sugar
Instructions:
Step 1: Combine dry ingredients. In a medium bowl, gently whisk your all-purpose flour, baking powder, cinnamon, sugar, and salt. Before moving on, add your butter to a heat-safe bowl and microwave it in 10-second increments! It doesn’t have to be entirely melted, just enough to stir easily for your next step.
Step 2: Add in wet ingredients. In the same bowl, combine your egg, milk, vanilla extract, shredded apple, and melted butter. Mix everything together until it looks smooth and creamy.
Step 3: Prepare the griddle or pan. Heat a nonstick pan or griddle over medium-high heat. Add a tiny bit of butter and spread it around so your pancakes don’t stick and fall apart!
Step 4: Cook the pancakes. Now add your pancake mix! You can make each pancake as big or small as you’d like—totally your preference here. Once they begin to bubble on the top, you know it’s time to flip. Each side should only take about 2-3 minutes to cook in total.
Step 5: Top the pancakes and serve. Once you pull your pancakes off the pan, have fun with your toppings! I love adding a dash of cinnamon sugar, a couple of baked apple chunks, and a tiny bit of whipped cream. Delicious, filling, and nutritious.
Kid-Friendly Apple Oatmeal
Oatmeal is one of my favorite recipes to make because kids of all ages enjoy it. And when you make it at home, you get to control the ingredients, added sugars, and amount of nutrients in each serving! It’s perfect for quick, easy breakfasts or simple mid-day snacks.
Ingredients:
1 cup rolled oats
½ cup milk (dairy or non-dairy)
1 ½ cup water
2 tsp cinnamon sugar
1 tsp vanilla extract
1 large diced apple
Optional toppings: Nut or seed butter, maple syrup, honey, raisins, a dash of cinnamon
Instructions:
Step 1: Prepare the apples. Take your apple, cut it into fourths, and, if you want, peel it! Then just chop it up into bite-sized pieces. I definitely recommend tiny chunks for littles or picky eaters!
Step 2: Boil water and add ingredients. Bring 1½ cups of water to a boil in a saucepan, then reduce the heat to a gentle simmer. Now add all of your ingredients except the milk—you’lll add this last!
Step 3: Cook the oats. Cook the oats for about 10 minutes, stirring frequently to prevent them from sticking to the sides of the pan. Once the oats are soft and the apples are tender, you know it’s ready!
Step 4: Add milk. Remove the oatmeal from the heat and set it aside for about 5 minutes. Now you can add the milk, gently stirring to make sure it’s evenly distributed.
Step 5: Add toppings and serve. Once your oatmeal is ready, it’s time to dig in! After plating, feel free to add whichever toppings your little ones like. Enjoy!
Looking for more nutritious breakfast ideas? Check out my posts, “Quinoa Breakfast Bowl with All Five Food Groups” and “Kid-Friendly Yogurt Parfait Recipe.”
Kid-Friendly Apple Pie Bites
I’m a big believer in homemade sweet treats, and this apple pie recipe always hits the spot! It’s easy to put together, cooks in just under 30 minutes, and is full of kid-friendly ingredients. From holiday snacks for kids to indulgent (but healthier) after-dinner treats, you won’t be disappointed.
Ingredients:
2 apples cored, sliced, and finely chopped
1 ½ tsp apple pie spice
2 tbsp butter
1 can refrigerated crescent roll dough
1 tbsp honey
½ tsp cornstarch
Instructions:
Step 1: Prepare your pan. Preheat the oven to 375°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Step 2: Core, slice, and chop your apples. I recommend chopping your apples into tiny pieces. Not only will kids enjoy it more, but it also reduces the risk of choking!
Step 3: Cook the apples. In a saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter, then toss in the apples, spices, and honey. Cook for about 10 minutes or until the apples begin to soften.
Step 4: Add in cornstarch and water. Add in just a dash of cornstarch and a teaspoon of water. The cornstarch absorbs all the liquid the apples release, giving you that sweet, syrupy consistency.
Step 5: Prepare dough. Add flour to your countertop and lay out the crescent roll dough. Now, cut out small circles—make them however large or small you want! Keep the extra unused dough to the side.
Step 6: Add filling and extra dough. Place a small amount of “apple pie” into the center of each circle. Take that extra dough, cut it into thin strips, and place two strips over the top. Pinch the edges to seal.
Step 7: Cook and enjoy. Place your pies into the oven for 15–20 minutes, or until golden brown. Top with cinnamon or honey and enjoy!
Kid-Friendly Apple Muffins
You can never go wrong with muffins—especially when they’re homemade! They’re wholesome, high in fiber, loaded with vitamins and minerals, and, most importantly, oh-so yummy. Plus, apple muffins store for up to a week in the fridge, making them fantastic for afterschool treats or quick morning breakfasts!
Ingredients:
1 ½ cup all-purpose flour
⅓ cup sugar
1 ½ tsp baking powder
½ tsp baking soda
1 tsp cinnamon
1 cup finely chopped apple
¼ cup melted butter
1 tsp vanilla extract
1 large egg
½ cup milk (dairy or non-dairy)
⅓ cup applesauce
Instructions:
Step 1: Prepare the muffin tin. Preheat your oven to 350°F. While you’re waiting, line the muffin tin with paper liners.
Step 2: Mix dry ingredients. In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, and sugar. Whisk everything together.
Step 3: Mix wet ingredients. In a separate bowl, whisk your melted butter, applesauce, milk, egg, vanilla extract, and finely chopped apple. You’ll know it’s ready when it looks smooth and creamy!
Step 4: Combine ingredients. Pour your wet ingredients into your dry ingredients bowl. Using a whisk or spoon, mix everything until it looks evenly combined. Don’t worry about lumps too much—this is normal when you’re baking with chopped apples!
Step 5: Add mixture to muffin cups. Now divide your batter evenly into each muffin cup. Top with cinnamon, sugar, or small apple chunks.
Step 6: Bake muffins. Bake for 15-18 minutes. Once they’re done, insert a toothpick into the center and make sure it comes out clean!
Step 7: Cool and serve. Fortunately, muffins don’t take too long to cool down. Place them on a rack for 5 minutes and enjoy!
Don’t stop here, though! Check out “Kid-Friendly Mini Blueberry Muffin Recipe” and “Hidden Vegetable Muffins Recipe.”
Kid-Friendly Crock-Pot Applesauce
There’s nothing better than a kid-friendly Crock-Pot recipe. Tossing in ingredients and forgetting about it until it’s ready? Sign me up! This applesauce is hearty, nutritious, and fills the house with a warm and cozy cinnamon-apple aroma. It’s sure to be a hit for your entire family!
Ingredients:
6 medium apples
½ cup sugar
1 tsp ground cinnamon
1 cup water
Optional: honey
Instructions:
Step 1: Peel and dice the apples. Don’t worry, this is the most time-consuming step in this recipe! Peel and slice your apples before placing them in the crockpot. The younger your kids are, the smaller I recommend you chop the apples.
Step 2: Add to crockpot. Once you’re happy with the size, add all of the apples to your crockpot. Now add the sugar, cinnamon, and water, and stir well.
Step 3: Cook applesauce. Place the lid on your crockpot and cook on low for 4–5 hours or high for 2–3 hours.
Step 4: Stir and serve. Once finished, the applesauce should look smooth and ready to eat. If you notice any larger pieces, simply mash them with a fork or whisk—they’ll break down quickly due to the heat. Now place it in a bowl, top with a bit of honey, and enjoy!
These easy apple recipes are a delicious way to sneak in some additional nutrients on your child’s plate!
Whether you’ve just gotten home from apple picking or you picked up a bundle from the store, these kid-friendly apple recipes make it easy to turn them into something nutritious and fun. And the best part? You can keep these recipes in your lineup all year long! From cozy holiday treats to fresh summer snacks, apples are one of the best fruits to use in kid-friendly cooking.
Healthy eating is also an excellent way to encourage confident, independent kids—just like I talk about in my book, Playful by Design! As someone who had a little one with food-related sensory aversion, the power of sensory play truly changed her relationship with food. Available in physical, e-reader, and audiobook formats, this resource is designed to make playtime, independence, and creativity easier than ever!
Also, don’t forget to check out the Mothercould blog! Here you can find more kid-friendly recipes, holiday gift guides, and helpful cleaning hacks. And, of course, join the Mothercould In Your Pocket for 60+ printable recipes, guided tutorials, and my all-time favorite parenting hacks.
