Back to School Snacks

These Back to School Snacks are simple to make, filling, and the perfect fuss-free option to share with kids of any age during the school day for a quick pick me up or as an after-school snack option. 

If you’re craving more simple and delicious snack options, then try making some Cookies and Cream Popcorn, Soft Pretzels, or a batch of No Bake Energy Bites. 

Summer is quickly coming to an end and it’s time for the kiddos to return back to school. 

If you’re already thinking about meal and snack options, then let me save you some time with these four quick and tasty options. 

Let’s get started!

Why You’ll Love These Snack Options

• Quick and Easy - These snacks can come together quickly and easily by pulling together just a few simple ingredients. They can be made in minutes making them perfect for those times when you need something in a hurry. 
• Filling - Hearty and filling enough to curb hunger throughout the day between meals or after school to hold children and adults over until dinner. 
• Convenient - Easy to enjoy on the go and pack away in a backpack, lunch box, or work bag. 

Ants On a Log

Ants on a log is a classic snack that provides a good source of fat and protein with the perfect amount of crunch from fresh celery. Plus a little sweetness with a sprinkle of raisins or chocolate chips. 

Ingredients You’ll Need: 

• Celery 
• Peanut Butter 
• Raisins or Chocolate Chips 

How to Make Ants on a Log 

1. Clean and cut fresh celery into smaller sticks.
2. Spread peanut butter (almond butter or your favorite nut butter) into the top of each stick of celery. 
3. Top each piece of peanut butter celery with raisins or chocolate chips. 

Brown Bag Popcorn 

Brown Bag Popcorn is your homemade version of microwave popcorn using a brown paper bag and popcorn kernels. It’s an affordable snack option that is ready in minutes. 

Ingredients You’ll Need: 

• Popcorn Kernels 
• Small Brown Paper Bag (Disposable Lunch Bag)
• Oil (Olive, Avocado, or Coconut Oil) or Melted Butter
• Seasonings

How to Make Brown Bag Popcorn

1. Add ¼ cup of popcorn kernels into a brown lunch bag.
2. Fold the top of the paper bag over two times and press the fold together tightly. 
3. Place the bag into the microwave upright and microwave on high for about 120 to 150 seconds, until you hear brief pauses between pops. 
4. Carefully remove the bag from the microwave and open it. 
5. Add melted butter or oil and seasonings. Close the bag, give it a shake to combine, and serve. 

Freestyle Snack Mix 

This snack mix recipe changes each time depending on what you have in your kitchen. Think about it as putting together a kitchen sink trail mix with the ingredients that you have on hand.

You can get as creative as you want and add things you and your kid prefer and enjoy. Great option for a toddler and can be paired with juice for a healthy snack. 

Ingredients You’ll Need: 

• Pretzels 
• Crackers
• Nuts 
• Candy
• Chocolate Chips 
• Cereal 
• Marshmallows 
• Dried Fruit

How to Make Homemade Snack Mix

1. Grab an airtight container or plastic storage bag. 
2. Add all of the ingredients and gently stir to combine. Enjoy!

Funfetti Mug Cake

Funfetti Mug Cake is a fluffy, colorful, and fun small batch dessert that is perfectly sized to be a single serving of a sweet and delicious dessert. It’s the best quick fix for those times when you need a snack that’s a little bit sweet. 

Grab your favorite mug, if using a small mug then cut the recipe in half or use two mugs.

Ingredients You’ll Need: 

• 4 Tablespoons All-Purpose Flour 
• 3 Tablespoons Granulated Sugar 
• ½ teaspoon Baking Powder
• 3 Tablespoons Whole Milk 
• 1 Tablespoon Vegetable Oil 
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract 
• 1 Tablespoon Sprinkles (any you prefer)

How to Make a Mug Cake

1. Grab your favorite large mug or 2 small coffee cups. 
2. Add all of the ingredients into the mug and stir to combine. 
3. Place into the microwave for about 90 seconds, until the cake has set. 
4. Carefully remove the mug cake from the microwave and serve warm as is or with a small scoop of vanilla ice cream or whipped topping. 

More Back to School Snack Ideas 

• Apple Slices 
• Granola Bars 
• Muffins, especially my recipe for Easy Blueberry Muffins with Frozen Blueberries 
• Applesauce 
• Yogurt with Fruit and Granola 
• Cottage Cheese and Jam 
• Grapes 
• Sliced Sweet Peppers and Dip 
• Rice Krispie Treats 
• Banana Bread 

Want More Easy Snack Recipes? Try These: 

• Pepperoni Bread Recipe 
• Pepperoni Pizza Dip 
• Curry Hummus 
• Toffee Snickerdoodle Dip 
• Pineapple Mango Salsa 
• Pimento Cheese 
• Deviled Eggs 

Have any comments, questions, or other delicious ways to enjoy these Back to School Snack Ideas? Please share them in the comments below!

Original post date 08/25/2017. Updated 08/02/2024.