Can you smell that?
It’s pumpkin spice wafting through the air.
It’s crisp apple cider churning out gallon after gallon.
It’s pumpkin patches dusting donuts with a thick layer of cinnamon and sugar.
If the Christmas season is the king of sweet treats, autumn is the queen. There’s something special about getting into the season and warming up with a deliciously spicy and sweet snack—but oftentimes those traditional dishes are filled with sugar, carbs, and empty calories.
So how do you enjoy the flavors of fall without compounding extra calories into your diet?
I’ve got you covered—these 7 snacks pack all the fall tastes you love, without the added pounds. Check them out…
1. Gluten Free Pumpkin Pie Cupcakes
If you’re a sucker for that creamy, soft, and satiating pumpkin pie filling, then this recipe will be your new go-to. While classic pumpkin pie is packed with sugar, butter, and white flour, this alternative recipe will give you all the flavor without all the extra calories and carbs.
It’s crustless and dairy-free, and with under 1 cup of sugar in the whole batch. You’ll end up with 12 cute crustless mini pumpkin pie cups that are flavored with warming fall spices, and creamed with coconut milk.
2. Caramel “Apple” Bites
Traditional caramel apples have so much sugary coating, they can lock your teeth together. If that nostalgic flavor is your favorite though, you can still enjoy a smaller but similar snack without dealing with a deep sugar crash later.
Try out these caramel-dipped grapes—not only are they adorable, they’ll also let you satisfy the craving without committing to a huge portion. You could even take things a step further, and make your own caramel sauce. While still sweet and smooth, you’ll skip all the added fake flavors and preservatives that come along with some premade caramel.
3. Crunchy Fall Granola Mix
The prep time for this delicious snack is at most 5 minutes. After about 4 hours in the slow cooker, you’ll be left with deliciously spiced fall granola that’s packed with healthy ingredients.
Gluten-free and sweetened with just a half-cup of maple syrup, you can munch on this mixture guilt-free in the morning, on the go, or while watching your favorite fall flick at night.
This granola recipe uses a base of old-fashioned oats, a mixture of almonds and dried cherries, and a sprinkling of fall spices. If you don’t love their combination, get creative. Try out pumpkin seeds and walnuts, cranberries, or dried apples, all-spice, and nutmeg. Whatever fall flavors you’re craving can be incorporated into this fool-proof fall granola.
4. Cinnamon Apple Chips
Skip the potato chips that are packed with sodium, vegetable oil, and preservatives, and swap them for a healthier snack next football Sunday. These cinnamon apple chips are not only better for you, but they’ll also get you into the season.
With just two ingredients (thinly sliced crisp apples and ground cinnamon), you can use this simple recipe and dress it up for a special occasion or get-together. Serve it with a small batch of your homemade caramel sauce, whip together this easy peanut butter dip, or just snack on them by themselves when you’re craving a crunch.
5. Pumpkin Bread
Fall baked goods quickly get out of hand with added caramel sauces, chocolate chips, heath chunks, and butterscotch. This pumpkin bread, though, tastes delicious, sweet, and soft without all the added sugar. Naturally sweetened with honey or maple syrup, this pumpkin bread won’t leave you feeling gunky afterward.
While the recipe calls for whole wheat flour, you can easily substitute this ingredient for a gluten-free alternative. Try out the toppings you like best, like crushed walnuts, sliced almonds, or pepita seeds for added texture. Dust the top with cinnamon, or serve it with a drizzle of honey.
6. Spiced Cider Donuts
There’s nothing better than a sugar-crusted apple or pumpkin donut on a crisp fall day, but we also know that these treats come with a massive calorie and sugar load. Thankfully, you can have your figure and eat your donuts too.
This recipe will quickly become a fall staple. It’s soft, sweet, and so satiating. Full of warming spices like cloves, cinnamon, and nutmeg, you won’t miss the store-bought version. Plus, this recipe can match your gluten preferences by easily swapping the flour for your flour of choice.
7. Pumpkin Spiced Latte
It’s almost like Fall doesn’t begin until that first sip of a Pumpkin Spiced Latte has been taken. The cafe version (looking at your Starbucks) though, is flavored with a sugary syrup, packed with added preservatives, and loaded with fake flavoring.
This year, whip together this delicious, warm, and much healthier pumpkin spiced latte. You’ll love the fresh and real flavor of pumpkin puree, the warm sweetness of maple syrup, and the freshly grated nutmeg on top.
Don’t Skimp the Fall Snacks!
There you have it! Try out these 7 different fall snacks that you can feast on this season without sabotaging your health goals. This is one of the best times of the year and you deserve to enjoy it! Give one of these sweet treats a try and let me know what you think by tagging me on Instagram!
If you’re ready to make your health a priority during this fall season, sign up for our next LEAN Session. We’ll help you navigate the holidays and stick to your health goals without skipping the family fun this year.
