20+ Back to School Snacks

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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. Be sure to try my homemade granola as well!

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.
GRANOLA BARS RECIPE

2. Chocolate Pudding

Who doesn’t like finding chocolate pudding in their lunchbox?! It’s so easy to make at home too! I also have a vanilla pudding recipe.

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.
CHOCOLATE PUDDING 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!

Hands pulling a rice krispie treat apart to show a gooey marshmallow center.
The Best Rice Krispie Treats Recipe
These incredible homemade treats are made with extra marshmallows, premium butter, and a hefty splash of vanilla.
RICE KRISPIE TREATS 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. Also be sure to try my sourdough crackers!

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.
CHEESE CRACKERS 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. I also have brown sugar cinnamon pop tart cookies, if you’d like to try those!

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.
BROWN SUGAR POP TARTS RECIPE

6. Cosmic Brownies

A true lunchbox treasure! This homemade version is made without any questionable preservatives. I have cosmic cookies too, if you prefer the cookie version.

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.
COSMIC BROWNIES 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!
APPLESAUCE 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. I also have cinnamon sugar pumpkin seeds!

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.
ROASTED PUMPKIN SEEDS 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. Also be sure to try my strawberry pop tart cookies!

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!
STRAWBERRY POP TARTS RECIPE

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!
COOKIES & CREAM RICE KRISPIE TREATS RECIPE

11. Apple Muffins

Make muffins with the star fruit of the season: apples! This version has a buttery crumb topping kids will love. I also have carrot muffins and zucchini muffins.

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.
APPLE MUFFINS 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. I also have a caramel popcorn recipe!

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.
KETTLE CORN 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!
ENERGY BITES 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!
PEANUT BUTTER RICE KRISPIE TREATS RECIPE

15. Refrigerator Pickles

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

Jar of refrigerator pickles on a striped towel.
Refrigerator Pickles
These refrigerator pickles take just 15 minutes to make and have a sweet, tangy flavor. Great for using up garden cucumbers!
REFRIGERATOR PICKLES 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.
FLUFFERNUTTER COOKIES 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.
CHOCOLATE POP TART RECIPE

18. Banana Bread

Pack slices of banana bread in lunchboxes for a surprise sweet treat! This recipe is a fan favorite inspired by my banana muffins. I also have chocolate chip banana bread and chocolate banana bread!

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.
BANANA BREAD 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.
PUPPY CHOW 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!
SALTED CARAMEL RICE KRISPIE TREATS RECIPE

21. Lucky Charms Treats

If your family loves cereal treats, check out my s’mores cereal bars, fruity pebbles cookies, and scotcharoos too!

Two lucky charms treats stacked on top of each other.
Lucky Charms Treats
Colorful and tasty, these cereal bars are always a hit with kid and adults.
LUCKY CHARMS TREATS 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

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8 Comments

  1. Desirae says:

    so far I have used 7 of your recipes and my kids have loved every single one!!! thank you!!

    1. Sam Merritt says:

      Thank you so much for trying my recipes, Desirae! I’m so glad they’ve been such a hit! 🙂

  2. Barbara says:

    Here’s a recipe I’d love for you to develop: Italian Dunkers. It was a cafeteria favorite when my children were growing up and I’d like to make it for my grandchildren. Are you familiar with this? Thanks! Barbara

    1. Sam Merritt says:

      I have not actually heard of them. It looks like it’s kind of a pizza bread stick? Looks delicious!

  3. Amber says:

    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!!

    1. Sam says:

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

  4. Kelly Jean says:

    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

    1. Sam says:

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