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    Home » Snacks

    20 Back to School Snacks

    August 16, 2023 By Sam 4 Comments

    This post may contain affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Please read my disclosure policy.
    pin design for back to school snacks, collage contains rice krispie treats, cosmic brownies, applesauce, crackers, pop tarts

    Whether you are planning for lunchboxes or prepping grab-and-go snacks for after school, this list of kid (and adult!) friendly back to school snacks is sure to please.

    back to school recipe round up graphic main image collage

    The Best Back to School Snacks

    Among all the chaos that is back to school season, probably the last thing on your to-do list is brainstorming school snacks for the year. With supplies to search for, back to school nights to attend, and new clothes to buy, food can fall to the wayside. If you have kids though, you know how dangerous a hungry child can be–so let’s just avoid that altogether, shall we? 😉

    Today’s list of back to school snacks includes everything from rice krispie treats and pudding to pickles. Whether your little one likes their snacks chewy or crunchy, fruity or chocolatey, sweet or salty, I’ve got you covered! Let’s check this item off your to-do list right now!

    1. Granola Bars

    Granola bars are the perfect grab-and-go school snack! This homemade version is surprisingly easy to make.

    two granola bars stacked on top of each other
    Homemade Granola Bars
    Customize these homemade granola bars with your favorite add-ins like nuts, chocolate, and dried fruit.
    GET THE RECIPE

    2. Chocolate Pudding

    Who doesn’t like finding chocolate pudding in their lunchbox?! It’s so easy to make at home too!

    Homemade chocolate pudding in a white bowl
    Homemade Chocolate Pudding Recipe
    Homemade chocolate pudding takes just minutes to make and tastes incredible! So much better than those store-bought snack packs.
    GET THE RECIPE

    3. Rice Krispie Treats

    One of the most quintessential school snacks, rice krispie treats are infinitely better when made from scratch. This is just one of many rice krispie recipes included in this list!

    overhead of Rice Krispie Treat squares closeup.
    The Best Rice Krispie Treats Recipe
    These incredible homemade treats are made with extra marshmallows, premium butter, and a hefty splash of vanilla.
    GET THE RECIPE

    4. Cheese Crackers

    These cheese crackers are just like the kind in the red box, only better! They pack perfectly in lunchboxes and are great for little hands.

    Stacked white bowls overflowing with homemade cheese crackers
    Cheese Crackers
    These crispy, crunchy cheese crackers come together quickly in the food processor and can be cut into any shape.
    GET THE RECIPE

    5. Brown Sugar Pop Tarts

    Skip the foil packs and make pop tarts at home! This brown sugar cinnamon version is so nostalgic and makes a tasty after school snack.

    two brown sugar pop tarts with one resting on top of the other
    Homemade Brown Sugar Pop-Tart Recipe
    These brown sugar cinnamon pop tarts are crisp, buttery, and not too sweet. My recipe uses pantry staples to recreate this classic treat.
    GET THE RECIPE

    6. Cosmic Brownies

    A true lunchbox treasure! This homemade version is made without any questionable preservatives.

    Brownies made from a homemade cosmic brownie recipe.
    Cosmic Brownie Recipe (Tastes Like the Real Thing!)
    These homemade cosmic brownies taste JUST like the real thing! They take less than an hour to make and are so fudgy and chewy.
    GET THE RECIPE

    7. Applesauce

    Why buy pre-made applesauce packs when making your own is so easy? Feel free to add different fruits, spices, and sweeteners to customize yours.

    small glass jar of homemade applesauce
    Homemade Applesauce
    You're less than one hour away from homemade applesauce! Just 4 ingredients!
    GET THE RECIPE

    8. Roasted Pumpkin Seeds

    Great for back to school and fall! Make sure to save those pumpkin seeds after carving this year so you can make these.

    roasted pumpkin seeds on marble
    Roasted Pumpkin Seeds
    You can make these roasted pumpkin seeds in minutes! Feel free to play with the seasonings to your liking.
    GET THE RECIPE

    9. Strawberry Pop Tarts

    Another childhood classic! If strawberry pop tarts are a favorite in your household, this homemade version is sure to be a hit.

    layered pile of homemade strawberry pop tarts topped with rainbow sprinkles on metal cooling rack
    Homemade Strawberry Pop Tarts
    These strawberry pop tarts are made with real strawberry jam wrapped in a buttery pastry crust. So fun to make!

    10. Cookies & Cream Rice Krispie Treats

    A fun take on the classic, this cookies & cream version makes a unique school snack!

    three stacked cookies and cream rice krispie treats studded with crushed oreos and mini marshmallows
    Cookies and Cream Rice Krispie Treats
    These quick and easy treats are loaded with Oreo pieces and mini marshmallows. So chewy and fun!
    GET THE RECIPE

    11. Apple Muffins

    Make muffins with the star fruit of the season: apples! This version has a buttery crumb topping kids will love.

    close-up shot of an apple muffin topped with streusel
    Apple Muffins
    Cozy and sweet apple crumb muffins make the perfect breakfast! These can be wrapped and frozen for eating on the go.
    GET THE RECIPE

    12. Kettle Corn

    Salty sweet kettle corn makes a quick back to school snack! It will bring back memories of fun times at the carnival or fair.

    blue bowl full of kettle corn
    Kettle Corn
    You're just 4 ingredients and 10 minutes away from sweet and salty homemade kettle corn! It's so easy to make at home.
    GET THE RECIPE

    13. Energy Bites

    Probably one of the more wholesome school snacks on this list, these no-bake energy bites are relatively healthy and totally customizable.

    energy bites stacked on silver plate
    No-Bake Energy Bites
    Customize these energy bites with your favorite add-ins for a sweet and wholesome treat. Just 15 minutes to make!
    GET THE RECIPE

    14. Peanut Butter Rice Krispie Treats

    Need a last-minute school snack? This recipe uses just 8 pantry staples and comes together in minutes!

    Overhead view of peanut butter rice krispie treats just after being cut.
    Peanut Butter Rice Krispie Treats
    These peanut butter rice krispies are a perfectly chewy and satisfying salty-sweet snack. Just 15 minutes to make!
    GET THE RECIPE

    15. Refrigerator Pickles

    If you have a pickle fan in your house, try making this quick homemade version!

    refrigerator pickles in mason jar
    Refrigerator Pickles
    These refrigerator pickles take just 15 minutes to make and have a sweet, tangy flavor. Great for using up garden cucumbers!
    GET THE RECIPE

    16. Fluffernutter Cookies

    Turn their favorite sandwich into a cookie! These fluffernutter cookies are SO fun and very appropriate for back to school.

    three stacked fluffernutter cookies, with the top cookie missing a bite
    Fluffernutter Cookies
    These fluffernutter cookies sandwich gooey marshmallow filling between soft peanut butter cookies.
    GET THE RECIPE

    17. Chocolate Pop Tarts

    If your kids are chocolate fiends, they will LOVE these homemade chocolate pop tarts! This recipe is perfect for kiddos who prefer their school snacks to be sweet.

    Two halves of a homemade chocolate pop tart stacked on top of each other to show the chocolate filled center
    Homemade Chocolate Pop Tarts
    Chocolate pop tarts are surprisingly easy to make! Recipe includes a chocolate crust, fudge center, and easy glaze.
    GET THE RECIPE

    18. Banana Bread

    Pack slices of banana bread in lunchboxes for a surprise sweet treat! This recipe is a fan favorite.

    BANANA BREAD ON BAKING SHEET SLICED
    The BEST Banana Bread
    With no mixer needed and only 20 minutes of prep, this banana bread recipe is as easy as it is tasty.
    GET THE RECIPE

    19. Puppy Chow

    A lunchbox classic, puppy chow makes a perfect school snack for little hands. Also known as muddy buddies!

    puppy chow in blue bowl
    Puppy Chow
    Made with chocolate and plenty of peanut butter, puppy chow packs flavor and simplicity into one perfect-for-snacking treat.
    GET THE RECIPE

    20. Salted Caramel Rice Krispie Treats

    Another take on the classic, these salted caramel treats might just be one of my favorite back to school snacks!

    Close-up shot of salted caramel rice krispie treats lightly drizzled with dark chocolate.
    Salted Caramel Rice Krispies
    These are a gourmet salted caramel twist on the classic treat. Don't forget the chocolate drizzle!
    GET THE RECIPE

    Here’s to a fantastic school year!

    Enjoy!

    Did you know? You can find VIDEOS for most of these recipes for free on my YouTube channel!

    School Lunch Ideas

    • Chicken salad sandwich with lettuce and toasted wheat bread.
      Chicken Salad
    • BBQ chicken
      Pulled Chicken (Crock Pot BBQ Chicken)
    • close up of peanut buter and jelly sandwiches cut in half
      Secret Family Recipe: REVEALED! (Peanut Butter & Jelly)
    • sloppy joe sandwich resting on a wood cutting board
      The Best Sloppy Joe Recipe
    « Coffee Frosting
    Chocolate Chip Banana Muffins »

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Amber

      August 17, 2023 at 9:01 pm

      Sam,
      I’m so grateful for your site! My husband and I are missionaries in SE Asia, and your recipes help our family stay connected to favorite snacks from back in the US, and I love being able to make them snacks and treats and know what’s in them! I tell all my expat friends about your recipes. Thank you for the work you’re doing!!

      Reply
      • Sam

        August 18, 2023 at 1:17 pm

        Thank you so much, Amber! I’m so glad you’ve enjoyed everything so much! 🙂

        Reply
    2. Kelly Jean

      August 16, 2023 at 11:30 am

      Hi Sam,
      I really enjoy your website!

      Recently I baked the buckeye cookies twice, and it was a big hit at work. also baked the sugar cookies with the butter cream frosting and my granddaughters loved them! Thank you for sharing your recipes.
      Kelly Jean
      Phoenix, AZ

      Reply
      • Sam

        August 16, 2023 at 9:45 pm

        I’m so glad everyone has enjoyed everything so much! Baking is a great bonding activity! 🙂

        Reply

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    The author (Sam) in blue shirt holding donut Hi, I'm Sam! I'm dedicated to bringing you sweet, simple, and from-scratch dessert recipes. My life may or may not be controlled by my sweet tooth. Send help (or chocolate). Read more about me.

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