Simple and Sweet Valentines Inspired Toddler Treat

Valentine’s Day is just around the corner, and what better way to celebrate than with a toddler-friendly, healthy treat that your little ones can help create? This super easy food craft is a favorite among toddlers and provides a delicious sweet treat that everyone will love. Let’s dive into the recipe and make this Valentine’s Day extra special for your family!

Ingredients:

• 1 Cup Fresh or Frozen Raspberries (we chose fresh)
• 2/3 Cup of Plain Greek Yogurt
• 1-2 tsp of Maple Syrup or Honey
• Heart Sprinkles or Fruit to Top Your Yogurt Bite

Feel free to make substitutions according to your preferences or dietary needs.

Additional Items Needed:

• Silicone muffin cups (holiday-themed ones add to the fun!)
• Something to mash the raspberries (pastry blender, potato smasher, or fork)
• Mixing bowl
• Spoon or spatula
• Freezer safe tray or pan

Let’s get Started!

• Prepare the Raspberry and Yogurt Mixture:
  • In a bowl, have your little one measure out 1 cup of raspberries (approximately 1 package of fresh raspberries).
  • Show them how to mash the raspberries using a mashing tool such as a pastry blender, potato smasher, or fork.
    • Encourage them to get involved and have fun with the mashing process.
  • Once the raspberries are mashed, add the measured-out Greek yogurt to the bowl and mix it together.
  • Then, add the honey or maple syrup and stir until everything is well combined.
• Fill the Muffin Cups:
  • Lay out 12 muffin cups (we used half regular muffin cups and half decorative silicone trays for added fun).
  • Use a large spoon to fill the muffin cups about halfway with the raspberry-yogurt mixture.
  • Then give the silicone molds a gentle squeeze to ensure the yogurt is evenly distributed.
• Let the Decorating Begin:
  • Now comes the fun part! Give your little one creative freedom (within reason) and let them sprinkle their chosen heart-shaped sprinkles or sliced fruit on top of the yogurt bites.
  • This is a great opportunity for them to express their creativity and take pride in their creation.
  • Remind them of the next step and having to leave the yogurt bites to harden for a treat later that day or the following day.
    • “Next, we’ll be placing our yogurt bites in the freezer to harden. We’ll come back and check on them tomorrow for a yummy afternoon treat!”
• Freeze and Enjoy:
  • Place the filled muffin cups on a flat, freezer-safe surface and put them in the freezer for a few hours.
    • You can even leave them in the freezer overnight for a delightful surprise the next day.
  • Once frozen, these yogurt bites make for a yummy and refreshing treat that your kids will love!
  • For storage, remove your yogurt bites from the silicone and place in a freezer safe bag or container.

This Valentine’s Day, embrace the joy of creating and enjoying wholesome snacks with your little ones. They’ll not only relish the process of crafting these yogurt bites but also treasure the opportunity to showcase their culinary talents to the entire family. Let this occasion be a time for connection, joy, and love!