From brownies to cake, scrumptious sweets are a huge hit at every baby shower. Still, with all of those decadent desserts swirling around, you might find yourself face down in a sugar coma long before it’s time for the mama-to-be to open up her gifts. That’s where healthier snacks, like yogurt-pretzel parfaits and fancy fruit skewers, come in. Along with helping balance out your menu, treats like these will show guests that better-for-you eats don’t have to be basic, bland or boring. Still not convinced? Pin the 17 tasty appetizers and desserts below, serve some at your next shower and let the compliments come rolling in.
1. Cold Veggie Pizza: Topped with a ranch-flavored Greek yogurt spread, plus shredded cheese, broccoli, red pepper and green onion, this crescent-roll pizza delivers a delicious helping of veggies while still letting you indulge within reason. We’d say it’s the best of both worlds. (via Mom Loves Baking)
2. Melon Skewers: Aren’t these melon skewer place cards the cutest? Use cookie cutters to create your own colorful letters. (via Creative Live)
3. Raspberry Yogurt Tarts: Raspberry yogurt tarts are just right for welcoming a baby girl. Whip up a batch ahead of time, or create a make-your-own station where guests can choose from a variety of yogurt flavors and fruit toppings. (via The Cookie Rookie)
4. Peanut Butter Fruit Dip: Ready to go in two minutes flat, this delightful dip is destined to become your new baby shower staple. Just mix together vanilla Greek yogurt, creamy peanut butter and honey, then serve the finished product with apple slices, berries and bananas. It’s easy peasy and totally delish. (via Cooking Classy)
5. Salted Chocolate-Dipped Mandarin Orange Slices: Snacking on chocolate-dipped mandarin orange slices is an excellent way to fire up your sweet tooth while getting some vitamin C. Finish each batch off with a little sprinkling of sea salt for added flavor. (via Deliciously Yum)
6. Sweet Potato Rounds With Herbed Ricotta + Walnuts: This unique combination of cinnamon-roasted sweet potato rounds, herbed ricotta, cranberries and walnuts makes for a sweet and savory snack that’s also fairly filling. We think it’s the perfect choice for a cocktail-style baby shower during the fall. (via The Roasted Root)
7. Watermelon Grilled Cheese Bites: No summer shower would be complete without watermelon. Our unconventional spin on the classic grilled cheese sandwich features this fabulous fruit with halloumi cheese, arugula and balsamic vinegar. (via Brit + Co)
8. Fruit-Filled Cones: Ice cream might be the ultimate summer treat, but too much of it can leave you with a brain freeze and an expanding waistline. Sugar or waffle cones filled with fresh fruit provide a healthier alternative that’s still sure to crush guests’ sugar cravings. (via Lyndsey Fagerlund Photography)
9. Three-Ingredient Chicken Pineapple Skewers: Channel a tropical vibe at your shower by dishing up our three-ingredient chicken pineapple skewers. Served alongside lettuce wraps and coconut-peanut dipping sauce, they’re a mouthwatering way to get the party started. (via Brit + Co)
10. Caprese Bruschetta: Who needs cake when you can feast on balsamic-drizzled bruschetta? Fresh mozzarella, tomatoes and basil make for a simple yet always-satisfying combination. (via House of Yumm)
11. Healthy Chocolate Chip Cookies: Made using garbanzo beans, light coconut milk and almond butter, these cookies are healthier than the traditional version, but still terrifically tasty. They’re also gluten-free, allowing more guests to get their fix. (via Brit + Co)
12. Yogurt + Fruit Popsicles: Keep friends cool during a backyard shower by passing around yogurt-and-fruit popsicles with little bowls of granola “dip” on the side. After the party’s over, you can reuse the recipe when you feel like changing up your go-to breakfast or brunch routine. (via Caramel Potatoes)
13. Strawberry Pretzel Parfaits: Take your strawberry parfaits to the next level by mixing in pretzel pieces and brown sugar. With a dessert this pretty, guests are sure to come running back for seconds. (via Dessert for Two)
14. Watermelon Pops: Both whimsical and refreshing, watermelon pops are a cinch to customize using fun-shaped cookie cutters. Make them a key centerpiece at your next baby shower, kid’s birthday party or 4th of July BBQ. (via B-Inspired Mama)
15. Mini Fruit Pizzas: Give your sugar cookies a healthier twist by topping them with fruit instead of sprinkles. These ones also feature white-chocolate-cream-cheese frosting for a dreamy, bite-sized dose of decadence. (via Sweet and Savory by Shinee)
16. Canapes With Garlic Herb Cream Cheese + Avocado: What’s even better than avocado toast? These canapes, which pack in plenty of flavor thanks to a palate-pleasing infusion of garlic, dill and green onion. (via Natasha’s Kitchen)
17. Strawberry Avocado Salad: Perfectly light and scrumptious, this sweet salad is packed full of strawberries, avocado and kiwi and then topped with honey-lime dressing. It looks and tastes so amazing, you might even decide to make it a part of your regular lunch rotation. (via Running to the Kitchen)
What are some of your favorite healthy (or at least healthier) baby shower snacks? Start dishing below.
