Chocolate Breakfast Bars for Toddlers

As the needs and tastes of my independent 16 month old change day to day, I'm constantly creating new recipes that are packed with nutrition and combine all the essential nutrients her growing body needs through the use of whole foods.

In all of the recipes I create, my focuses are:

• Variety
• Whole Foods
• Few Ingredients
• Easy to Make
• Packed with essential Vitamins and Nutrients (Iron, Calcium, Potassium, Phosphorus, Magnesium, Manganese, Zinc, Vitamins A, C and E, and Essential Fatty Acids)

This recipe is no different, and is a favorite of my daughters, especially frozen. I keep an array of prepared meals in the freezer for her that I can take out the night before. Nya will find these chocolate breakfast bars in the freezer and want to eat them as is, without thawing first. Frozen, they have a soft and chewy, cold texture that I believe feel good on her teething gums. They can be enjoyed however your child likes; straight from the oven, room temperature, or frozen.

What you need:

1 cup Medjool Dates, soaked in water at least 30 minutes

1/4 cup cooked amaranth (you don't need to cook this as much as you do for the whole foodie brownies, unless you want more of a brownie texture!)

2 Tbsp Ground Flax

2 Tbsp White Chia Seeds

1 cup Almond Meal/Flour (Make your own to save money - blend raw almonds until powder forms!)

1 Tbsp Raw Cacao (2 Tbsp for extra chocolatey!)

Optionl Add Ins (If adding all of these, up the dates to 1.5 cups OR add 1/2 cup plant milk)

2 Tbsp Hemp Seeds - For additional healthy fats, protein, and nutrients
1/4 cup Chopped Fruit - For Antioxidants, Vitamins, and Minerals
1/4 cup Unsweetened Coconut - For additional healthy fats, protein, Iron, and Zinc
1/4 cup Oats - For additional protein, fiber, and Vitamins and Minerals (Manganese, Phosphorus, Biotin, Magnesium, Zinc, Vit B1)

What you do:

1. Use 1/4 cup of the water they soaked in, and puree dates in high speed blender or food processor until a thick paste forms.

2. Prepare amaranth according to instructions (typically a 3:1 water to grain ratio).

3. Combine all ingredients in medium bowl and stir until incorporated.  Batter will be very thick.

4. Scoop into 8 x 8 silicon pan, or lightly oiled baking dish.

5. Bake at 350 for 17 minutes. Makes 16 bars. These need to be refrigerated or frozen to remain fresh because they don't contain preservatives.

Why These Ingredients:

Amaranth - Excellent source of Amino Acids, well absorbed in intestinal tract, and high protein, Calcium, Magnesium (promotes bone strength and health), iron, and fiber content. Gluten Free.

Almond Meal - High in Biotin, Vitamin E, Manganese, Copper, B2, Potassium (promotes a healthy and responsive nervous system), Magnesium, and healthy fats. Almonds are known to lower cholesterol, reduce heart disease risk, and improve the flow of blood, oxygen, and nutrients throughout the body.

Chia Seed - Packed with Omega-3 Fatty Acids, High in Calcium, Manganese, Phosphorus, Fiber, and Protein. Known to combat diabetes, stabilize blood sugar, and improves blood pressure in diabetics.

Ground Flax - High in Omega-3 Fatty Acids and Fiber. Also known to improve blood sugar, lower cholesterol, and protect against cancer and radiation.

Raw Cacao - High in Antioxidants (promotes general health and may lower risk of several diseases). The Linus Pauling Institute indicates that flavonoid antioxidants such as those found in cacao might interfere with the development of cancer. In a review of evidence from human subjects, published in 2009 in "Nutrition and Cancer," researchers concluded that compounds in cacao might prevent cancer or improve the outcome when the disease is already present. (Source)

Dates - High levels of Soluble Fiber, Iron, and Potassium. Contain excellent levels of Selenium, Manganese, Copper, and Magnesium. Helps formulate friendly bacteria in intestines (helps with constipation and digestive issues). Dates have also shown in research studies to reduce the risk and impact of abdominal cancer. 

Pack these in your child's lunch bag and they will feel like they are getting a special treat! Not only are these chocolate bars a treat, they're packed with essential nutrients to help your children grow and develop healthy eating habits.

For the adult and older children version, check out my whole foodie brownie recipe. They are the best! And originated from this chocolate breakfast bar. They're still packed with nutrition, just not as much as your growing toddler needs!

Enjoy!

Nutrition Info per Bar:

Calories: 77

Fat: 4.6 g

Saturated Fat: 0.4 g

Sodium: 2 mg

Cholesterol: 0 mg

Carbohydrates: 7.5 g

Fiber: 2.5 g

Sugars: 3 g

Protein: 2.5 g

To connect with others in this crazy journey of life, discover new parenting ideas & fun DIY projects, learn about holistic remedies, & find whole food plant based recipes, please visit our Facebook page Loving Green at Loving Green FB.