Peanut butter packs 7 grams of protein into a serving of 2 tablespoons, making it a healthy addition to your child's snack menu. Creative snack recipes that use peanut butter keep your child from getting bored. Avoid peanut butter with young toddlers, as the thick, sticky consistency can be difficult for them to eat. Experiment with different peanut butter uses to provide your child with a nutritious and tasty snack.
Dip
Combine equal parts of peanut butter and vanilla yogurt to create a simple and healthy snack dip. If the peanut butter doesn't stir well, heat it on low in the microwave for a few seconds to soften it. Stir in other flavoring options like chocolate chips, cinnamon or chopped nuts. The dip adds flavor and protein to a variety of snacks, including apple slices, pretzels, celery and bananas.
Frozen Banana Pops
Bananas and peanut butter work well together. For a frozen treat, cut a banana in half crosswise. Slide an ice pop stick into the cut end to create an ice pop shape. Spread a layer of peanut butter over the bananas. Add a few chocolate chips, dried fruit or chopped nuts on the peanut butter. Freeze the bananas until they are solid, about 2 hours.
Smoothies
Peanut butter adds a protein boost to your child's favorite smoothie for a nutritious snack. Use the combination of peanut butter and bananas as the base for a simple smoothie. Blend together frozen bananas chunks, plain or vanilla yogurt, skim milk and peanut butter to taste. One tablespoon of peanut butter for each banana creates a flavor balance between the two. Another option is to blend together chocolate frozen yogurt, skim chocolate milk and peanut butter for a chocolate-peanut butter smoothie.
Sandwiches
The traditional slice of bread covered in peanut butter is only one possible type of sandwich ideal for snack time. For variety, swap out the bread for items like crackers, rice cakes, pitas, English muffins or bagels. Choose a whole-grain version of the sandwich material for the healthiest snack option. Spread on a layer of peanut butter between the two outside pieces to create a different type of peanut butter sandwich. For more flavor, add in other fillings like jelly, dried fruit, fresh fruit or honey.
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