17 Healthy Fall Snacks that will make you Appreciate Summer’s Over!
Something’s always so cozy about the taste of fall. Hot and spicy drinks in hand-warming mugs, decadent pumpkin pies, and crisp apple streusels all offer a level of comfort unmatched by foods from any other season.
Some of this dishes that scream “fall” are enjoyed around a table with family after hours of meticulous work peeling apples, roasting pumpkin, or rolling out pie crust. But let’s get real life’s not always conducive to long, elaborate meals or sweating over the stove. Fear not: I have 17 healthy recipes to help you enjoy the best flavors of fall anytime of day, no matter how busy your schedule gets.
Pumpkin
Vegan Pumpkin Pie Energy Bars
These fall-flavored bars just require four simple steps chuck the ingredients in a food processor, blend, press into a pan, and freeze. They’re a perfect grab and-go solution for the afternoon munchies.
Pumpkin Pie Greek Yogurt Parfaits
Ever thought to add pumpkin purée to yogurt? Neither did we until now! Throw some pumpkin granola or toasted pepitas on top, and you have a whole pumpkin-themed snack (or breakfast). Drizzle with some honey or maple syrup for added sweetness. Store for up to two hours outside the fridge or keep cold until ready to enjoy.
Healthy Pumpkin Cheesecake Muffin
We’ve all been tempted by the oozing pumpkin cream cheese muffins in the case at Starbucks don’t even try to doubt it. Go ahead and challenge the coffee shop versions by making this recipe that cuts down on the unhealthy stuff but still offers the flavor and creamy, delicious texture of the pastry sitting in the case.
Pumpkin Pie Chocolate Chip Oatmeal Cookies
Feel free to enjoy one or two (or three) of these cookies: The flour is whole-wheat, the butter is replaced with applesauce, and the chocolate chips are dark. Hello, healthy cookies for breakfast.
Roasted Pumpkin Seeds
It’s time to put the pumpkin seed front and center (and not in the trash after you’re done carving your pumpkin). Not only are they packed with magnesium and zinc making them a healthy choice but the flavoring options are endless. Fancy a sweet treat? Throw on some brown sugar and cinnamon. Need something spicy? Add a little cayenne pepper and lime juice. Looking for a mix of spicy and sweet? Opt for a mix of sugar, cayenne, and a pinch of salt.
Cranberry
Spiced Cranberry-Pear Sauce
This real-deal cranberry sauce is far from the jellied version that comes in a can (and easier than you think). Simmer cranberries, agave, and plenty of spices until they break down into a sweet, flavorful sauce that’s perfect on toast, yogurt, oatmeal, or meat. And with the added flavor of pear? What could be better.
Pumpkin, Pepito, and Cranberry Cookies
What can we say pumpkin purée makes great cookies! Instead of the more classic chocolate chip addition, dried cranberries add a nice chewiness to these treats.
Easy Maple Cranberry Granola
Granola is always a great option for long days away from home or the office. It’s easy to pack and keeps fresh no matter what. Try this version with dried cranberries for a slightly sweet and tart addition
Pear
Purposeful Pear Green Smoothie
Yes, smoothies can make a great midday snack, provided you have access to a fridge or freezer. Try this protein-packed pear smoothie with cottage cheese, Greek yogurt, egg white, and protein powder for a filling afternoon sip.
Cinnamon Pear Cake
Cakes make great portable snacks if you’re up for prepping ahead—especially when they’re packed with fruit or veggies. This low-sugar, whole-wheat pear cake is studded with ground cinnamon and pear chunks. Bake in a bundt pan or any other type of pan; the taste is the same.
Maples
Maple Bacon Waffles
Waffles are the perfect food to pair with sweet maple syrup, and this recipe takes it to the next level by adding bacon into the equation. And as far as maple and bacon go, this is a pretty healthy option, with Greek yogurt, eggs, almond milk, and oats.
Protein-Packed Hemp and Maple Pecan Oatmeal
Warm, gooey, and comforting, this tasty oatmeal is basically fall in a cup. Maple syrup and pumpkin pie spice give it plenty of flavor. Not to mention, pecans are a great source of healthy fats and vitamin E, so there’s no need to worry about the healthiness of this delicious breakfast.
Banana Maple Yogurt Parfait
Greek yogurt is always a great snack choice. It’s packed with protein, and when you add sliced banana, some high-quality maple syrup, and a few chopped nuts, you have a just-sweet-enough, super-filling snack. Go ahead and dig in.
Vegetables
Broccoli Cheese Bites
A recent revelation: Muffin tins are our snack-making best friend. Whip up a mix of eggs, milk, broccoli, and cheese, bake in muffin tins, and refrigerate until ready to eat. These bites offer protein from the egg, plus a little bit of broccoli, which never hurts.
Vegan Carrot Cake Smoothie
Carrot cake, in liquid form? Don’t mind if we do! This simple, healthy blend of carrot, almond milk, banana, protein powder, and spices makes for a beta carotene-packed snack that tastes like dessert.
Apple, Beet, and Fennel Salad With Balsamic Maple-Dijon Vinaigrette
We know this sounds strange, but just trust us. Fennel bulb’s lightly licorice flavor pairs perfectly with slightly sweet beets and tart apples for a refreshing and healthy snack. The flavorful, citrusy dressing is just enough to add some moisture and tang without making the salad soggy after sitting for a while.