Cookies, candies, pies, and cakes are all part of the holidays, but for those adopting a healthier lifestyle, the holidays can be a letdown in this regard. However, there are plenty of natural treats that you can make that taste great. Some of them are goodies you might not think of making for this time of year, while other treat recipes have been modified to be healthy and natural.

Homemade Granola

Granola is typically a treat you take along for a hike through the woods or to pack in your kids’ lunches each day. However, it can be a tasty and festive natural snack to have around for the holidays. With colorful ingredients like dried cherries, raisins, coconut, and apricots, granola makes a wonderful gift to pack in a pretty antique jar. Add red and green ribbons to the top and around the mouth of the jar and give it as a gift to a friend who loves natural treats.

Banana Bread

Banana bread is a goody that most people love and very often don’t think to make for themselves. With fresh eggs, wholesome flour, and ripe bananas this natural treat is yummy anytime of the year. Add a dash of cinnamon gives the bread a Christmasy vibe, and it tastes great as a snack or as a part of your holiday brunch. Make it with whole wheat and extra nuts for a completely natural sweet treat.



Apple Pie

As wholesome as mom and apple pie, so the saying goes, and there’s a reason for it. Apple pie is one of the tastiest natural treats you can make for the holidays as well as being a traditional dessert. Start with a homemade pie crust and fill it with some green granny Smith apples. Make this a completely natural treat by making your own brown sugar from molasses and raw sugar. Top it with homemade ice cream and a dash of cinnamon for the perfect holiday dessert!

Oatmeal Cookies

Not only are oatmeal cookies a yummy natural treat for the holiday, with their natural fiber, they’re actually good for you! Start with your normal oatmeal cookie recipe and add ingredients like nuts, raisins, and dried cranberries for a treat that’s both natural and colorful. These make a wonderful addition to a gift plate.

Vegan Cheesecake

Cheesecake is a popular holiday treat, but it may not be the first recipe that comes to mind when you think “natural.” But a good vegan cheesecake recipe will give you a pie crust made from ingredients like dates, a variety of nuts, and coconut. It’s filled with a "cheese" filling that includes tofu and vanilla extract. The results can be to-die-for and may be a surprisingly good natural treat to make for your favorite vegan or vegetarian this holiday season!

Conclusion

Natural treats don’t need to be dull treats. With a little ingenuity and a little time, you can create some really yummy goodies for your holiday parties, for meals, or as gifts. These treats not only taste good, but many are good for you and the act of making them may just bring out a bit of nostalgia in you as you venture into the pantry to make some delicious homemade gifts and treats for friends and family.

Author Bio
Ron Thompson writes for Del-Immune V®, a unique probiotic supplement made from the lactobacillus rhamnosus which is a natural immune system booster and offers vitamins to boost immunity.