Peanut Butter & Jelly Oat Cups – Fun, Mess-Free Toddler Snacks Recipe

Looking for a delightful and nutritious option to keep your little ones fueled and happy? These Peanut Butter & Jelly Oat Cups – Fun, Mess-Free Toddler Snacks are the perfect solution for busy parents and picky eaters alike. Combining the classic flavors of peanut butter and jelly with the wholesome goodness of oats, these bite-sized treats are not only tasty but also packed with energy to support your toddler’s active day. They’re ideal as healthy snacks for kids and can be whipped up in no time.

As a parent, finding easy toddler snacks that are both nutritious and appealing can be a challenge, especially when dealing with picky toddler meals. These oat cups solve that problem by offering a familiar flavor combo in a portable, mess-free format. Whether you’re packing them for a school lunch, a quick on-the-go bite, or a fun after-play snack, they’re sure to become a household favorite among fun snacks for kids.

Plus, these homemade snacks allow you to control the ingredients, ensuring your child gets the best in terms of nutrition without unnecessary additives. Let’s dive into how you can create these yummy healthy snacks that are as enjoyable to make as they are to eat!

Recipe Overview

Cuisine: American
Category: Snack, Breakfast
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Servings: 12 oat cups

What You’ll Need

To create these delightful easy snacks for kids, you’ll need a handful of simple ingredients that work together to deliver flavor and nutrition. The oats form the hearty base, providing fiber and sustained energy for active toddlers. Peanut butter adds a creamy texture and a dose of healthy fats and protein, while jelly brings a sweet, fruity contrast that kids love. A touch of honey enhances the sweetness naturally, and a pinch of salt balances the flavors. Finally, optional add-ins like chia seeds can boost the nutritional profile of these healthy toddler snacks, making them a powerhouse of goodness.

Discover the simple components behind these mess-free toddler snacks!

INGREDIENTS

• – 2 cups rolled oats
• – 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter (natural, unsweetened if preferred)
• – 1/3 cup jelly or jam (low-sugar or fruit-only options work best)
• – 1/4 cup honey (or maple syrup for a vegan option)
• – 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
• – Pinch of salt
• – 1 tablespoon chia seeds (optional, for added nutrition)

PREPARATION

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a 12-cup muffin tin or line it with silicone liners for easy removal.
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the 2 cups of rolled oats, 1/2 cup peanut butter, 1/4 cup honey, 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt. Stir until everything is well mixed and forms a sticky dough-like consistency.
3. If using, fold in the 1 tablespoon of chia seeds for an extra nutritional boost to these healthy snacks.
4. Scoop about 1-2 tablespoons of the oat mixture into each muffin cup, pressing it down with the back of a spoon to create a small indent in the center. Bake for 10-12 minutes until the edges are lightly golden.
5. Remove from the oven and let the cups cool in the tin for about 5 minutes. Then, transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
6. Once cooled, spoon about 1 teaspoon of jelly or jam into the center of each oat cup, spreading it gently to fill the indent.
7. Store the finished oat cups in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week, or freeze for longer storage.

NUTRITION INFORMATION

• – Calories: 150 per oat cup
• – Protein: 4g
• – Carbohydrates: 20g
• – Fat: 6g
• – Fiber: 2g
• – Sugar: 8g

Note: Nutritional values are approximate and may vary based on specific ingredients used.

Why These Are Perfect for Toddlers

These Peanut Butter & Jelly Oat Cups are designed with little hands and taste buds in mind. Their small size makes them easy for toddlers to hold and eat without creating a mess, unlike traditional sandwiches. As fun kids food, they offer familiar flavors that even the pickiest eaters will enjoy, while the nutrient-dense ingredients support growth and energy needs. They’re a fantastic option for healthy toddler snacks that don’t skimp on taste.

Customizing Flavors for Picky Eaters

One of the best aspects of these easy snacks is their versatility. If your child isn’t a fan of jelly, swap it out for mashed banana, apple butter, or even a sprinkle of chocolate chips for a treat-like vibe. You can also experiment with different nut butters like almond or sunflower seed butter for variety or to accommodate allergies. Tailoring these to your child’s preferences ensures they’ll love their school snacks for kids.

Storage Tips for Busy Parents

For parents on the go, these oat cups are a lifesaver. Make a batch ahead of time and store them in the fridge for up to a week, or freeze them for up to a month. Just pop a frozen cup into a lunchbox in the morning, and it’ll thaw by snack time. This makes them perfect for quick snacks or easy toddler meals when you’re short on time but still want something nutritious.

Recipe

Peanut Butter & Jelly Oat Cups – Fun, Mess-Free Toddler Snacks Recipe

Make Peanut Butter & Jelly Oat Cups – Fun, Mess-Free Toddler Snacks with simple ingredients and clear steps. Prep, cook, and enjoy—perfect for cozy evenings.

Author: Ashley Vaughn

Prep: 10 min | Cook: 15 min | Total: 25 min

Serves: - 4 + bites

★ Rate 🖨 Print

INGREDIENTS

• – 2 cups rolled oats
• – 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter (natural, unsweetened if preferred)
• – 1/3 cup jelly or jam (low-sugar or fruit-only options work best)
• – 1/4 cup honey (or maple syrup for a vegan option)
• – 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
• – Pinch of salt
• – 1 tablespoon chia seeds (optional, for added nutrition)

PREPARATION

1

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a 12-cup muffin tin or line it with silicone liners for easy removal.

2

In a large mixing bowl, combine the 2 cups of rolled oats, 1/2 cup peanut butter, 1/4 cup honey, 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt. Stir until everything is well mixed and forms a sticky dough-like consistency.

3

If using, fold in the 1 tablespoon of chia seeds for an extra nutritional boost to these healthy snacks.

4

Scoop about 1-2 tablespoons of the oat mixture into each muffin cup, pressing it down with the back of a spoon to create a small indent in the center. Bake for 10-12 minutes until the edges are lightly golden.

5

Remove from the oven and let the cups cool in the tin for about 5 minutes. Then, transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.

6

Once cooled, spoon about 1 teaspoon of jelly or jam into the center of each oat cup, spreading it gently to fill the indent.

7

Store the finished oat cups in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week, or freeze for longer storage.

Notes

Enjoy your homemade Peanut Butter & Jelly Oat Cups – Fun, Mess-Free Toddler Snacks Recipe!

Nutrition Information

– Calories: 150 per oat cup

– Protein: 4g

– Carbohydrates: 20g

– Fat: 6g

– Fiber: 2g

– Sugar: 8g

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Nutritional Benefits of Key Ingredients

Every component of these healthy sweet snacks brings something to the table. Oats provide complex carbs and fiber for lasting energy, while peanut butter offers protein and healthy fats crucial for brain development. Jelly, when chosen wisely (think low-sugar or fruit-only), adds a touch of sweetness with minimal downsides. Optional chia seeds sneak in omega-3s and extra fiber, making these a standout among homemade snacks.

Making Snack Time Fun

Turn snack time into a playful experience with these fun snacks for kids. Let your toddler help with simple tasks like mixing the ingredients or spooning the jelly into the cups (with supervision, of course). You can also present the oat cups in colorful muffin liners or arrange them on a plate with fruit slices for added visual appeal. Engaging your child in the process makes them more excited to try their kids snacks.

Allergy-Friendly Adaptations

If allergies are a concern, these oat cups can easily be adapted. Use seed butter instead of peanut butter for a nut-free version, and ensure your oats are certified gluten-free if needed. Always double-check jelly ingredients for hidden allergens, and consult with a pediatrician if introducing new foods to very young children. This flexibility makes them a safe bet for food for toddlers with dietary restrictions.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Can I make these oat cups nut-free?

Absolutely! If you’re looking for a nut-free version of these easy toddler snacks, simply substitute peanut butter with sunflower seed butter or another seed-based spread. The texture and flavor will remain similar, and it ensures the snack is safe for those with nut allergies or for school environments with nut-free policies.

How long do these oat cups stay fresh?

Stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator, these healthy snacks for kids will stay fresh for up to a week. If you freeze them, they can last up to a month. Just thaw them at room temperature or overnight in the fridge before serving for the best texture.

Can I use quick oats instead of rolled oats?

Yes, quick oats can work in a pinch, but the texture of your yummy healthy snacks might be a bit softer. Rolled oats provide a chewier, heartier base that holds up better in the muffin tin. If using quick oats, reduce the amount slightly to avoid a mushy consistency.

Are these suitable for babies under one year?

These oat cups contain honey, which is not recommended for babies under one year due to the risk of botulism. For younger children, swap honey with maple syrup or mashed banana as a sweetener. Always consult your pediatrician before introducing new food for toddlers to ensure safety.

Try these Peanut Butter & Jelly Oat Cups for a quick, mess-free toddler snack!