Healthy treats are a necessary part of a reasonable diet. There’s no good reason to permanently eschew all treats. Doing so does not lead to a happy life. Also, it is totally unnecessary. Just find ways to make calorically dense treats somewhat healthy by using nutritious ingredients. Go light on butter, oil and sugar, but still make it a healthy treat.

Why These Healthy Treats are Perfect

These healthy treats are perfect because they address two different common cravings: Mexican comfort food and sweets.

Quesadillas are a traditional savory Mexican dish usually loaded with cheese and a savory mixture of vegetables and/or meat. They’re a favorite meal of many of us and they’re easy to do at home because you can vary the ingredients and just package the ingredients into a tortilla and then toast it until it’s crispy and golden brown.

But this tortilla stuffing is sweet rather than savory. This sweet treat could be served for dessert or as a breakfast treat. It is pretty guilt-free, perfect for sharing, and your kids will love them too. Plus they are vegan, and you could certainly make them gluten-free by using GF tortillas.

There are endless possibilities.

Peanut Butter, Strawberry & Banana Quesadillas

Here is a delicious healthy treat of banana quesadillas with creamy peanut butter and fresh strawberries. It tastes like a cross between your favorite PB&J and a hearty breakfast quesadilla. It’s also easy to take on the go and enjoy later.

Ingredients (serves 4 with 1/2 tortilla)

  • Cooking spray or butter
  • 2 tablespoons natural creamy peanut butter
  • 2 whole grain tortillas
  • 1 large ripe banana, sliced
  • 4-5 strawberries, sliced
  • 1/8 teaspoon cinnamon (if desired)

Instructions

  1. Heat a medium skillet over medium high heat and spray pan with cooking spray.
  2. Spread 1 tablespoon of the peanut butter evenly over each tortilla. Arrange both the banana and strawberry slices over one tortilla, sprinkle with a pinch of cinnamon, and top with the remaining tortilla, peanut butter side down. Press gently to help them stick together.
  3. When the skillet is hot, add the quesadilla, flipping once, until golden brown, about 2 minutes per side. Cut each quesadilla into halves or quarters. Serves 2-4, 1/2 quesadilla per person.

Recipe Notes

  • For a dessert version try adding 1 teaspoon of mini chocolate chips
  • Serve with honey, maple syrup, vanilla greek yogurt, or chocolate sauce
  • Try with different nut butters, like almond or sunflower butter

The nutritional information below is based on using a flour tortilla. Using a low carb, whole grain tortilla would lower the calories and carb count. It would also increase the fiber. You can also use a gluten free tortilla to make these quesadillas gluten free.

Nutrition (per serving)

Calories: 263

Fat: 11g

Carbohydrates: 36g

Fiber: 4g

Sugar: 9g

Protein: 8g

Click here for full recipes for these healthy treats.