Cozy Up with 5 Delicious, Kidney-Friendly Snacks for Autumn

Everyone has different nutritional needs. Do not change or adjust your diet before speaking with a kidney dietitian or a healthcare provider first. 

As the crisp autumn air settles in, it's the perfect time to indulge in comforting fall flavors that are delicious and mindful of your dietary needs. Whether you're looking for a cozy dessert or a flavorful dip, these recipes offer a delightful way to embrace fall's bounty while keeping health in mind.

This pumpkin custard is a delightful fall dessert that captures the season's essence. Blending creamy soy milk, rich canned pumpkin, and egg yolks with a touch of pumpkin pie spice offers a warm and comforting treat perfect for crisp autumn days.

Ingredients

• 1½ cups soy milk
• 1 cup (7.5 oz) canned pumpkin
• 3 egg yolks
• ⅓ cup of sugar
• ¾ tsp pumpkin pie spice
• 1 tsp of maple syrup

Directions

1. Heat soy milk in the microwave to a simmer, mix egg yolks and sugar, and then mix all ingredients except the maple syrup.
2. Pour mixture into lightly oiled soufflé cups, filling them ½ to ⅔ full.
3. Place soufflé cups in a baking dish.
4. Pour hot water into the baking pan until the water depth is ½ way up the sides of the soufflé cups.
5. Bake at 325° for 1 hour to 1 hour 10 minutes.
6. The custard should be firm when you jiggle.
7. Cool completely.
8. Warm maple syrup and drizzle over the top before serving.

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This fall recipe features roasted butternut squash and apples, spiced with thyme and cinnamon, and finished with a touch of maple syrup. The sweet and savory flavors and tender, caramelized vegetables make it a perfect autumn snack.

Ingredients

• 1 medium butternut squash (2 ½ pounds), peeled & chopped into ½” cubes
• 4 large apples, cored & chopped into ½” pieces
• 1 onion, ½" pieces
• 4 tbsp olive oil, divided
• 2 tsp dried thyme
• 2 tsp ground cinnamon
• ½ tsp black pepper
• Two pinches salt
• 2 tbsp maple syrup
• 1 tsp apple cider vinegar (may substitute for pomegranate, blueberry, or other fruit-flavored vinegar)

Directions

1. On a large baking sheet, toss squash, apples, and onion with two tablespoons of olive oil, thyme, cinnamon, black pepper, and salt.
2. Bake at 375° for 40-45 minutes, until vegetables are tender.
3. Whisk the remaining two tablespoons of olive oil, syrup, and vinegar. Pour over cooked vegetables and toss to coat.

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Our apple-spice cake is a perfect fall treat for people with kidney disease. It uses tart Granny Smith apples mixed into a sugar-free cake batter spiced with nutmeg, ginger, cinnamon, and cloves.  It's a warm, comforting dessert that celebrates autumn flavors in a simple treat.

Ingredients

• 3 Granny Smith Apples, peeled, cored & sliced
• 1 yellow sugar-free cake mix
• 3 egg whites
• ½ cup water
• ⅓ cup oil
• 1 tsp ground nutmeg
• 1 tsp ground ginger
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon
• ½ tsp ground cloves
• 3 tbsp maple sugar

Directions

1. Microwave apple slices until soft, about 5 minutes on high.
2. Preheat the oven to 350°.
3. Let the apple cool while you mix the cake batter.
4. In a mixing bowl, add the cake mix, spices, egg whites, water, and oil; follow the mixing directions on the box.
5. Mix in the apples.
6. Pour the batter into a non-stick 9 X 13 cake pan.
7. Bake until the cake is done (a toothpick comes out clean), 35 to 45 minutes. (Remember, this batter has very little sugar, so the cake doesn't brown.)
8. Let cool to room temperature.
9. Sprinkle the top of the cake with maple sugar.

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This delicious and health-conscious dessert is perfect for those following a kidney- or diabetes-friendly diet. It is easy to prepare and a satisfying, nutritious treat that fits seamlessly into various meal plans.

Ingredients

• 5 Granny Smith Apples, peeled, cored and sliced
• ¼ cup lemon juice
• ¼ cup Caramel Flavoring, sugar-free
• ⅓ cup All Purpose (AP) flour
• ¼ cup butter
• 1 cup Oatmeal
• 2 tbsp cinnamon
• Butter spray

Directions

1. Toss sliced apples in lemon juice; pour off any extra lemon juice.
2. Soak apple slices in caramel flavoring for 10 minutes.
3. Preheat the oven to 375°.
4. Lightly oil an 8X8 pan, and place apples in the bottom.
5. Mix flour, oatmeal, and cinnamon; then cut in the butter until you have small pieces, and sprinkle the mixture over the top of the apples.
6. Bake for 40 minutes; spray the top with a butter spray and bake for another 5 minutes.

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This dip is a fantastic autumn treat, offering a warm, comforting flavor profile that complements the season. The fresh ginger and curry powder blend adds a cozy, spicy kick, making it perfect for cooler weather. Serve it with salt-free rice crackers or toasted low-sodium corn tortillas for a wholesome, autumnal dip.

Ingredients

• 1 cup frozen peas, boiled or steamed
• ½ cup frozen corn, thawed
• ½ – inch piece of raw ginger, peeled and chopped
• ¼ tsp salt-free curry powder
• Pinch freshly ground black pepper
• Pinch cayenne, optional

Directions

1. Place all the ingredients together in a blender with two tablespoons of water.
2. Puree until it is smooth, and add more water as necessary to get the desired "dip" consistency.
3. Taste and adjust spices as necessary.
4. Serve with salt-free rice crackers or toasted low-sodium corn tortillas.

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Now that you know what to shop for, turn your ingredients into masterpieces. Check out NKF's Nutrition Coach for new recipes, kidney superfoods, and more.

*This content is provided for informational use only and is not intended as medical advice or as a substitute for the medical advice of a healthcare professional.