DIY Apple “Donuts” Bar: Healthy, Fun Snack Idea for Kids
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Time to Read: 6 min
If you’re looking for a healthy snack idea for kids that’s colorful, hands-on, and totally delicious, these DIY Apple “Donuts” are about to become your new go-to!
Made with crisp apple slices, creamy spreads, and fun toppings, this snack bar turns everyday fruit into a creative (and nutritious) activity. It’s perfect for after-school snacks, playdates, or even as a weekend breakfast bar.
And here’s the best part — clean-up and serving are a breeze when you use Ahimsa Stainless Steel plates and containers. They’re durable, non-toxic, and eco-friendly — ideal for little hands and big imaginations.
About Ahimsa
Founded by a pediatrician and mom of three
Stainless steel is the only kid-friendly material recommended by the American Academy of Pediatrics
We are guided by a Scientific Advisory Council comprised of environmental and medical experts, guiding us in creating the safest products, following the latest science and promoting policy to protect human health and our planet
Want to know more? Check out our story and our products.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Healthy and customizable: Packed with fiber, protein, and nutrients — but feels like dessert!
Kid-approved fun: Let kids design their own “donuts” for snack time independence.
Perfect for parties or meal prep: Easy to set up, clean up, and store (especially in reusable Ahimsa containers!).
- No baking required: A fresh, mess-free treat in under 10 minutes.
DIY Apple “Donuts”
10-15
3-5
Ingredients
Apples (3–5 large): Choose a mix of red and green apples for a colorful presentation.
Not sure how many you’ll need? Plan for about one apple per person.
Spreads (pick one or mix):
Peanut butter
Almond butter
Sunflower seed butter (nut-free option!)
Greek yogurt
Coconut yogurt
Dairy-free vanilla yogurt
Toppings (mix and match):
Sliced strawberries, blueberries, or raspberries
Mini chocolate chips
Granola or crushed graham crackers
Pretzel pieces
Sliced almonds, peanuts, or other nuts
Unsweetened shredded coconut
Cinnamon
Colorful sprinkles
Drizzle of honey
Instructions
Prep the apples: Core the apples and slice horizontally into ¼–½ inch thick rings.
Set up your snack bar: Arrange spreads and toppings in Ahimsa Stainless Steel containers — perfect for keeping everything tidy and easy to reach.
Spread: Top each apple slice with nut butter or yogurt.
Decorate: Let everyone add their favorite toppings — this is where creativity shines!
Serve: Place finished “donuts” on Ahimsa Stainless Steel plates and enjoy right away, or refrigerate for 10–15 minutes to let toppings set.
Mealtime Essentials
Pro Tip
To prevent apples from browning, soak slices in a bowl of lemon water (1 tablespoon lemon juice per cup of water) for a few minutes before spreading and decorating.
When you’re done, simply snap on the lids of your Ahimsa containers to save any leftover toppings for next time — no plastic waste, no mess!
Why It Works
This DIY snack bar encourages:
Autonomy: Kids take ownership of their food choices.
Creativity: Every “donut” is a unique masterpiece.
Nutrition: Balanced with fruit, healthy fats, and protein.
It’s a fun way to make healthy eating exciting — no bribing required!
Serving and Storage Tips
Party idea: Create a “Build Your Own Donut” station for birthdays or playdates.
Breakfast twist: Serve with a smoothie for a balanced start to the day.
On-the-go snack: Store pre-sliced apples and toppings in Ahimsa Stainless Steel containers for school lunches or picnics.
Sustainable & Stylish Snack Time
Using Ahimsa Stainless Steel containers isn’t just about aesthetics — it’s about sustainability. These non-toxic, dishwasher-safe containers are made to last, reducing your plastic use while making snack time look beautiful and organized.
Healthy snacking, creativity, and eco-conscious living — all in one bite. 🍏✨
Dr. Manasa Mantravadi is a board-certified pediatrician whose dedication to children’s health drove her to launch Ahimsa, the world's first colorful stainless steel dishes for kids. She was motivated by the American Academy of Pediatrics’ findings on harmful chemicals in plastic affecting children's well-being. Ahimsa has gained widespread recognition and been featured in media outlets such as Parents Magazine, the Today Show, The Oprah Magazine, and more.
Dr. Mantravadi received the esteemed “Physician Mentor of the Year” award at Indiana University School of Medicine in 2019. She was also named a Forbes Next 1000 Entrepreneur in 2021, with her inspiring story showcased on Good Morning America. She serves on the Council for Environmental Health and Climate Change and the Council for School Health at The American Academy of Pediatrics. She represents Ahimsa as a U.S. industry stakeholder on the Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee (INC) for the Global Plastics Treaty, led by the United Nations Environment Program. Dr. Mantravadi leads Ahimsa's social impact program, The Conscious Cafeteria Project, to reduce carbon emissions and safeguard student health as part of a national pilot of the Clinton Global Initiative.
She is dedicated to educating and empowering people to make healthier, more environmentally friendly choices at mealtime. Her mission remains to advocate for the health of all children and the one planet we will leave behind for them through real policy change within our food system.
Dr. Manasa Mantravadi
Dr. Manasa Mantravadi is a board-certified pediatrician whose dedication to children’s health drove her to launch Ahimsa, the world's first colorful stainless steel dishes for kids. She was motivated by the American Academy of Pediatrics’ findings on harmful chemicals in plastic affecting children's well-being. Ahimsa has gained widespread recognition and been featured in media outlets such as Parents Magazine, the Today Show, The Oprah Magazine, and more.
Dr. Mantravadi received the esteemed “Physician Mentor of the Year” award at Indiana University School of Medicine in 2019. She was also named a Forbes Next 1000 Entrepreneur in 2021, with her inspiring story showcased on Good Morning America. She serves on the Council for Environmental Health and Climate Change and the Council for School Health at The American Academy of Pediatrics. She represents Ahimsa as a U.S. industry stakeholder on the Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee (INC) for the Global Plastics Treaty, led by the United Nations Environment Program. Dr. Mantravadi leads Ahimsa's social impact program, The Conscious Cafeteria Project, to reduce carbon emissions and safeguard student health as part of a national pilot of the Clinton Global Initiative.
She is dedicated to educating and empowering people to make healthier, more environmentally friendly choices at mealtime. Her mission remains to advocate for the health of all children and the one planet we will leave behind for them through real policy change within our food system.
More Mealtime Essentials
Frequently Asked Questions
Why should I use stainless steel instead of plastic? Is stainless steel better for health?
The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) released a report in July 2018 suggesting ways that families can limit exposure to certain chemicals at mealtime, including “the use of alternatives to plastic, such as glass or stainless steel, when possible.” The report explained that “…some additives are put directly in foods, while “indirect” additives may include chemicals from plastic, glues, dyes, paper, cardboard”. Further, “Children are more sensitive to chemical exposures because they eat and drink more, relative to body weight, than adults do, and are still growing and developing.” While stainless steel items meet the recommendation to avoid plastic products in children, Ahimsa® products have the obvious advantage of not breaking like glass.
Is stainless steel better for the environment than plastic?
According to the Steel Recycling Institute, steel can be recycled over and over and over again without losing its integrity and requires less energy to recycle than to make anew. Most plastic unfortunately ends up in landfills and it is estimated to take 700 years to decompose. Our special coloring process that allows Ahimsa® products to be fully metal is environmentally friendly, so it does not produce toxic run-off into the ecosystem.
Will Ahimsa products break or peel?
No. Our steel is durable, so it won’t break or shatter with everyday use, like glass. And it won’t peel, like other colored stainless steel products you’ve seen. We use a special process that allows the colors to naturally occur in the metal.
Which Ahimsa products are best for my little one(s)?
Our products are meant to last, you can use Ahimsa at ages 1, 8 and 18! We thoughtfully design our products to be safe for little ones and our planet while reducing consumption. Once your child outgrows the Starting Solids Set and can use regular cups and utensils, the training cup is the perfect size rinse cup in the bathroom, the infant spoon doubles as a tea stirrer and the bowl is great for snacks or as an additional compartment to our modular divided plate. Our plates are great for any age as they encourage choosing a variety of healthy foods at each meal and help visualize portion sizes easily. It’s the lasting beauty of stainless steel - grows with your child and reduces waste.
