Whole Grain Granola Snacks

Hearty whole grains, less sugar than cookies, and an easy-to-hold shape make these a perfect preschooler snack for at home or at the park. Made with oatmeal, whole wheat flour, and nuts or seeds, these granola snacks far surpass the nutrient value of common preschooler snacks like crackers, pretzels and bagels. And your preschooler can get involved by deciding which ingredients to use and dropping tablespoonfuls of the granola batter into muffin tins.

 

1 cup brown sugar
1 cup canola oil or other vegetable oil
2 large eggs
1 1/2 cup whole wheat flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
2 cups regular oats
1 cup sunflower seeds
1/2 teaspoon salt

Preheat oven to 350^o. Spray non-stick cooking spray into each muffin cup.

Mix brown sugar, oil and eggs in a large bowl until smooth. Combine the flour and baking powder in a separate bowl. Stir flour/baking powder mix and remaining ingredients into the sugar/oil mixture. Drop a heaping tablespoon of batter into each muffin cup. Spread batter with spoon or fingers to evenly cover the bottom of the muffin cup. Bake until edges are brown, about 12 minutes. Let sit a few minutes in the muffin pan then remove for complete cooling. Makes approximately 48 granola circles.

Recipe Notes and Variations

- You can use raw sunflower seeds or, for a nuttier flavor, toast them before using. To toast, spread a single layer of sunflower seeds in a large, non-stick skillet. Over high heat, stir seeds continuously for 2-3 minutes, until seeds turn light brown. 

- Substitute all or part of the sunflower seeds with your preschooler's favorites. Nut pieces (almonds, walnuts, peanuts, etc) or coconut flakes will work great.

- Add dried fruit pieces such as raisins, dried cranberries, or dried cherries.

Preschoolers in the Kitchen

Your preschooler will have fun helping make these granola snacks -

- Let your preschooler choose favorite ingredients to use - nuts, seeds, dried fruits, etc.

- Your preschooler can pour in the cups of oatmeal, seeds, or dried fruit.

- Your preschooler can scoop and drop spoonfuls of batter into the muffin cups and press the batter down with his/her fingers.

Nutrition Information

1 granola snack

Calories, 100
Carbohydrate, 10 g
Fiber, 1 g
Sugars, 4.5 g
Total Fat, 6.5 g
Saturated Fat, 0.5 g
Monounsaturated Fat, 3 g
Polyunsaturated Fat, 2.5 g
Trans Fat, 0 g
Cholesterol, 9 g
Protein, 2 g
Sodium, 55 g

Also a good source of many vitamins and minerals for your preschooler like vitamin E and iron.

More on Healthy Whole Grains for Preschoolers

Whole Grains for Your Preschooler
When it comes to grains, whole grains are the right choice for your preschooler. Try replacing white bread and other refined grains with whole wheat bread, oatmeal and whole grain cereals. Find out your preschooler's whole grain goal and tips for choosing and serving whole grain foods.

Tips for Adding Whole Grains to Your Preschooler's Diet
You may not know where to start to find whole grains that your preschooler will enjoy. Here are ideas for whole grain foods, tips for choosing whole grain items, and ways you can add whole grains to everyday meals.

Preschooler Healthy Eating Challenge - Choose Whole Grains
Grains - the foods in this food group resemble a preschooler top ten foods list: cereal, bread, pancakes, waffles, crackers, bagels, muffins, rice, noodles, tortillas. Your preschooler may eat plenty of grains each day, but choosing the right type of grains is key. As often as possible, offer whole grain foods in place of the refined grains found in white bread and most bagels, crackers and pretzels.

by Kati Chevaux

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