It was always a great day when you had a pack of Dunkaroos in your lunchbox! This snack was a big deal for us 90's kids. As a dietitian and mom, I wanted to bring a little fun back with this snack and make our own homemade version. So these Homemade Dunkaroos for Kids (healthier version) are made with gluten-free animal crackers (oat and flax base), and a whipped dairy-free coconut dip.
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Table of Contents
Rated 10 out of 5 stars by mine and my neighbours' kids - I know your kids are going to love this snack!
Why You'll Love These Homemade Dunkaroos
- Allergen-friendly: Free from some major allergens including egg, and easily modified to be completely dairy and nut-free
- Fun factor: Kids love to dip! They'll have a great time dipping their animal shaped crackers in this fluffy coconut dip!
- Fibre-rich: Animal crackers made from oat flour and flax, providing a fibre boost
- Lower sugar alternative to the store-bought classic
These Homemade Dunkaroos are part of my Homemade Snacks: Copycat Favourites Made At Home Series. If you love these, you'll also love my homemade Chia Fruit Roll Ups, and Greek Yogurt Pop Tarts!
Ingredients for Kid-Friendly Dunkaroo Dip
Here is what you'll need to make the whipped coconut dip for the Dunkaroos, and here is the recipe for the Homemade Animal Crackers.
For the Dunkaroo frosting:
- Full fat coconut milk (separated, only using the solid part)
- Maple syrup
- Vanilla
- Almond extract
- Sprinkles (optional) we love these dye-free ones, they are also available at Whole Foods.
For the animal crackers, use this recipe here.
Here are the sprinkles we love and use:
See recipe card for quantities.
Instructions For How To Make The Dip For Healthier Homemade Dunkaroos
Here is an overview, or you can skip down to the recipe card. There is also a video on how to make this Dunkaroo Dip!
Pop a can of full-fat coconut milk in the fridge the night before you plan to make this dip (or if you forget, pop in freezer for 30-45 minutes). Letting it get cold helps the creamy part separate from the liquid. Scoop out the thick, solid coconut cream into a mixing bowl. Use a hand mixer or immersion blender and whip until fluffy (3-4 minutes).
Add the maple syrup, vanilla, and almond extract to the bowl with the coconut cream.
Whip again for another 2-3 minutes until everything is light and fluffy. If it's still a little runny, not to worry, it will thicken up in the fridge.
Place in the fridge for 20-30 minutes to thicken up. Remove from fridge and serve. Option to add a few sprinkles on top!
Hint: For a thicker, fluffier dip, it helps to chill your mixing bowl and beaters for a few minutes before whipping. Cold tools help keep the coconut cream firm while you mix.
Substitutions
I know a lot of dips are usually yogurt-based, often using Greek yogurt for that thicker texture, but I wanted to offer a dairy-free option here. Coconut milk whips up into a really soft, spreadable dip that is still kid-friendly. Fats are also important for toddlers’ growth and brain development, so this dip paired with animal crackers (or fruit) helps make snacks satisfying and nourishing!
- If you prefer a yogurt-based dip, swap out the coconut milk for plain full fat Greek yogurt. It will not be as thick as whipping coconut milk but it still works.
For other dips, check out this peanut butter yogurt dip, or this peanut butter chocolate chickpea dip!
And if you're looking for more snacks, check out the rest of the Copycat Snack Series or my Ultimate Toddler Snack Guide with over 30 easy and healthy toddler snacks!
Equipment
- Mixing bowl – A medium-sized bowl works well. If you can chill it in the fridge for a few minutes beforehand, even better, it helps the coconut cream whip up thicker.
- Handheld immersion blender – This is my go-to for this recipe! It whips the coconut cream quickly and is easy to clean
No immersion blender? No problem, you can also use:
- Whisk (and a little elbow grease!) – You can whisk by hand in a pinch, especially if your coconut cream is extra thick and cold, but it’ll take a bit longer to get that airy texture.
- Hand mixer – Also a great option for whipping the dip until fluffy.
- If you're really stuck, a small blender with tamper (the thing that scrapes down the sides) can work
Storage
Store the whipped coconut dip in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2-3 days. It firms up a bit as it chills, which gives it a great dipping consistency, but you can also give it a quick stir before serving to fluff it back up.
If you’re packing it in a lunchbox or snack container, keep it cold with an ice pack to maintain the texture.
Note: Freezing this dip can change the consistency, and it isn't quite as light and fluffy when you thaw it. It still works, and tastes great, but isn't quite as fluffy.
Toddler Tip
"DipDip! DipDip!" my little one exclaims whenever there is a chance to dip her food. Toddlers love to dip, and this easy coconut dip is a great pairing for these homemade animal crackers or fruit. And don't forget to model dipping too, as little ones learn from us!
FAQ
Yes! You can whip it up and store it in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just give it a quick stir before serving, as it may firm up a bit when chilled.
Honestly no, not at all. It's a mild flavour with a hint of sweetness an subtle almondy-ness from the almond extract. Perfect pairing for Dunkaroos!
So many things! Try apple slices, banana, strawberries, rice cakes, crackers, or even pancakes. Basically, anything your toddler loves to dip!
Recipe
Homemade Dunkaroos for Kids (Healthier Version, Allergen-Friendly)
Equipment
- 2 Mixing bowls One for the dip, one for animal crackers
- 1 Handheld mixer or immersion blender
Ingredients
- 1 cup coconut milk Put a 400mL can in the fridge overnight and then remove the solid part. Or pop in freezer for 30-40 minutes.
- 1 tablespoon maple syrup
- ¾ teaspoon vanilla
- ¼ teaspoon almond extract
- 2 teaspoon sprinkles optional
Animal Crackers
- Serve with animal crackers Animal Cracker Recipe
Instructions
Dunkaroo Whipped Coconut Dip
- Place a can of full-fat coconut milk in the fridge overnight. This helps the cream separate from the liquid. Open the can and scoop the thick, solid part into a mixing bowl. Leave the liquid behind. you won’t need it for this recipe.
- For a thicker, fluffier dip, chill your mixing bowl and whisk (or beaters) for a few minutes before whipping. (but if you forget or just don't want to, that's fine)
- Use a hand mixer or immersion blender, whip the coconut cream for 3 to 4 minutes, until light and fluffy.
- Add the maple syrup, vanilla, and almond extract. Whip again, for another 2-3 minutes, until smooth and fluffy.
- Place in the fridge for 15-20 minutes to thicken up a bit. Remove and serve, adding optional sprinkles on top if you like!
Animal Crackers
- Use this animal cracker recipe here.
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Ali Ellis, MSc., RD says
THE BEST! Kids rated 10 out of 5 stars!