For our #31daysofactivities post today, we have Nadia from Scandimummy sharing an idea for a cheeky, and easy treat for the kids to make. This BEST thing about this idea is that it’s there are a couple of ways to make these no bake treats for kids. Both of which – are so simple that I can do it!
Oats are lovely and whether you enjoy yours overnight or as porridge, they have a multitude of uses. They work well in muffins and bread, too, as well as great no bake snacks ideas. Although with a busy lifestyle you might not always have time to cook for hours. Also, not all recipes are child friendly and we know how much they like to join in. Some are so complicated even adults have a hard time following them. Hopefully, the following recipe for easy no-bake oat treats will have your whole family joining in. Both in the making and the eating.
If your children are anything like mine they constantly ask for snacks when at home. When any holiday rolls around their appetite seem to increase threefold. Feeding them is one thing but thinking of new and fun ways to entertain them is another. If you can combine the two you might be onto a winner. Oats help keep them feel fuller for longer, too! Try this easy no-bake recipe.
How to make these no bake treats for kids: Two ways to do it!
This recipe has been passed down in generations in Denmark where Sandimummy was born, and is a one of a few perfect no bake snacks that we and created for the kids.
Traditionally these oat balls are made around Christmas time and with butter! It makes them tasty melt-in-the-mouth and they last in the fridge.
You could compare them to chocolate truffles. Yet it might mean you can’t scoff down as many as you’d like. Trust me once you taste these, it’s hard to stop.
For anyone with a dairy intolerance, there’s a great (and healthier) alternative. Dates are a wonderful substitute. Simply pitted and chopped finely in a food processor; you can create a very similar result.
Ingredients for these no bake snacks
Most of the ingredients you might already have in the cupboard and fridge.
Below makes approximately 20.
It takes around 30 mins to prepare (plus cooling time in the fridge) although you can stretch it out as you can bet your little ones will love getting involved.
If you have more than one child, we suggest giving them each their own bowl and spoon. That way there’ll be no fighting over who gets to do what. Plus easy way to make a double portion.
These little balls make great gifts, too. Presented in a cleaned jam jar you can give them to grandparents or teachers as a nice home-made treat. Just make a label that says they need to be kept in the fridge.
- 125g unsalted butter (or 150g pitted chopped dates),
- 200g rolled oats,
- 35g icing sugar,
- 2 heaped tbsp cocoa powder,
- 1 tbsp cooled coffee (if for adults only) or 1 tbsp milk/oat milk,
- 1/2 tsp vanilla essence,
- 1/2 tsp rum (if for adults only) or 1 tsp orange juice, and
- Desiccated coconut (for rolling the balls in).
How to make these oatmeal balls
- Soften the butter. Either on low heat in the microwave or by leaving it out.
2. Mix all the dry ingredients (oats, cocoa powder and icing sugar) in a large bowl not including the coconut which is for covering the finished balls.
3. Mix in the butter then add the vanilla essence, coffee or milk and rum or orange juice. If you are using dates, we suggest mixing the wet ingredients in with the dates in the food processor.
4. Now add in the oats with cocoa powder and sugar bit by bit.
5. Once mixed well (you might need to get stuck in using your hands to ensure the butter isn’t left lumpy) you simply roll balls the size of a teaspoon head.
6. Add the desiccated coconut onto a plate or in a shallow ball and roll them until covered. If you are not a fan of coconut you can roll them in cocoa powder.
7. Place on a clean plate then cover with cling film or in a large Tupperware box. Put in the fridge to cool and harden again (normally one hour).
Yes, it can get a little messy but that’s all part of the fun. It’s a great way for young kids to explore different textures. They get a sense of achievement rolling these spheres plus you’ll all enjoy eating them together.
If you would like to print out the card for this – just click below:
No bake treats for kids: Easy Oatmeal Recipe
This is a delicious, but simple recipe that the kids can make with you - so much fun, and easy for little hands to do. All you need is to cool them in the fridge and then you can tuck in!
Ingredients
- 125g unsalted butter (or 150g pitted chopped dates),
- 200g rolled oats,
- 75g icing sugar,
- 2 heaped tbsp cocoa powder,
- 1 tsbp cooled coffee (if for adults only) or 1 tsbp milk/oat milk,
- 1/2 tsp vanilla essence,
- 1/2 tsp rum (if for adults only) or 1 tsp orange juice, and
- Desiccated coconut (for rolling the balls in).
Instructions
- Soften the butter. Either on low heat in the microwave or by leaving it out,
- Mix all the dry ingredients (oats, cocoa powder and icing sugar) in a large bowl not including the coconut which is for covering the finished balls,
- Mix in the butter then add the vanilla essence, coffee or milk and rum or orange juice. If you are using dates, we suggest mixing the wet ingredients in with the dates in the food processor,
- Now add in the oats with cocoa powder and sugar bit by bit,
- Once mixed well (you might need to get stuck in using your hands to ensure the butter isn't left lumpy) you simply roll balls the size of a teaspoon head,
- Add the desiccated coconut onto a plate or in a shallow ball and roll them until covered. If you are not a fan of coconut you can roll them in cocoa powder.
- Place on a clean plate then cover with cling film or in a large Tupperware box. Put in the fridge to cool and harden again (normally one hour).
Notes
This does get a little messy, but the kids absolutely love making it, and it is so much fun for all the family. Great tasting too!
We really hope that you like this recipe from Scandimummy. We think it’s yummy. If you are looking for other great snacks for the kids. Do try these out as well:
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Thanks as always for popping by, and see you soon,
Helen
Nadia Martine Eian Koch
Nadia is a UK-based content creator and photographer. Born in Copenhagen, Denmark she brings Scandinavian traditions to life in London where she has lived for the past 13 years with her family. Her boys, Caspian age 7 and Orsino age 2 inspire her and keep her on her toes in equal measure. Currently in the middle of a huge house renovation, she shares her lifestyle, family life and travels on her blog and social media.