When your 3-year-old asks for ice cream cones for breakfast, it’s hard to resist their excitement. But we all know that traditional ice cream isn’t the healthiest start to the day. That’s why I’ve come up with a delightful and nutritious alternative: Strawberry Yogurt in Mini Cup Cones topped with fresh berries. And if you’re dealing with a dairy-free kiddo, I’ve got another fun idea: Banana Soft Serve with Peanut Butter and Fresh Berries.
Ingredients
For Strawberry Yogurt Cones:
- Mini cup cones
- Strawberry yogurt
- Fresh berries (strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, etc.)
For Banana Soft Serve:
- 2 ripe bananas
- 1-2 tablespoons of peanut butter (optional)
- Fresh berries for topping
Instructions
Strawberry Yogurt Cones:
- Fill the mini cup cones with strawberry yogurt.
- Top with an assortment of fresh berries.
- Serve immediately, or freeze for a refreshing treat on a hot day.
Banana Soft Serve:
- Slice the bananas and freeze them for at least 2 hours or overnight.
- Place the frozen banana slices in a blender or food processor.
- Blitz until smooth and creamy, similar to the consistency of soft-serve ice cream.
- If desired, blend in peanut butter for added flavor and nutrition.
- Scoop the banana soft serve into bowls or mini cup cones.
- Top with fresh berries and serve immediately.
Why You’ll Love It
- Kid-Approved: Both of these recipes are fun and visually appealing, making them a hit with kids.
- Healthy: Packed with vitamins, fiber, and probiotics (from yogurt), these breakfasts are nutritious.
- Dairy-Free Option: The banana soft serve is perfect for kids with dairy sensitivities.
- No Added Sugar: Sweetened naturally with fruits, there’s no need for added sugars.
- Easy to Make: Both recipes require minimal ingredients and can be prepared quickly.
- Versatile: Customize with your child’s favorite fruits or mix-ins like granola or nuts.
- Refreshing: Especially great for summer mornings when you want something cool.
- Meltdown-Free Mornings: Start the day on a happy note with a “treat” for breakfast.
- Sneak in Nutrients: Kids enjoy a dessert-like breakfast while parents know it’s healthy.
- Freezer-Friendly: Both options can be made ahead and stored in the freezer for quick breakfast solutions.
Tips for Making
- Consistency Matters: For the banana soft serve, make sure the bananas are fully frozen to achieve the right creamy texture.
- Use Mini Cones: Mini cup cones are the perfect size for little hands and help with portion control.
- Customize: Feel free to experiment with different yogurt flavors or add-ins like chia seeds, flaxseeds, or honey.
- Presentation: Kids love colorful food, so be generous with a variety of berries and even a sprinkle of granola on top.
- Interactive: Let your child help with assembling their “ice cream” cones. This makes them more excited to eat it!
How to Store
- Strawberry Yogurt Cones: If you want to prepare these ahead, fill the cones with yogurt and top with berries, then place them on a tray in the freezer. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be stored for up to a week.
- Banana Soft Serve: After blending, banana soft serve can be portioned into containers and frozen. It will firm up, so let it sit at room temperature for a few minutes before serving to soften slightly.