Easy Evening Snacks for Kids After School. With three school-age and preschool-age kids of my own, I know the demand for daily snacks is high. From mid-morning snacks to after-school snacks to snacks for the lunch box … It can feel like my kids go to bed and wake up asking for snacks. So as a dietitian and a mom, I needed to take the reins when it comes to snack time, which I view as an important way to keep my kids fueled and getting the nutrients they need to grow. I pack healthy snacks (both homemade and store-bought) for my kids’ backpacks every day.
And on the days they’re at home, I also offer whole-food-based snacks in the morning and afternoon to ward off hunger and get them some veggies, fruits, beans, whole grains, and other nutritious food groups between meals. That adds up to more than 700 snacks per kid, per year!
10 Snack Recipes
These kid-friendly recipes make great snacks to pack for school or serve as at-home snacks. I’ve probably made each one at least 20 times, if not more, so I can confidently say that they are loved by kids, made with less sugar, and include whole grain oats and other nutritious ingredients.
Homemade Chocolate Chip Clif Bars
Total Time: 30 mins
Gluten Free | Dairy Free | Nut Free
Made with sunflower seed butter and crispy rice cereal, these bars are a nut-free and allergy-friendly snack to pack for school. Personally, I think they taste even better than store-bought Clif bars, and making them at home saves me some money, too. When packing them in a lunchbox, use one with an ice pack cooler to keep the bar cool.
Simple No-Bake Protein Balls
Total Time: 25 mins
Gluten Free | Egg Free
These protein balls are a hit with my kids, who even help me make them. Easy Evening Snacks for Kids After School I love that they come together so quickly and provide 5 grams of protein per ball for lasting energy in a delicious and nutritious form. They’re great for lunch boxes, after-school snacks, and an afternoon energy boost.
Also Read: Quick 5-Minute Snacks for Picky Toddlers: Easy Bites They’ll Love
Peanut Butter Oatmeal Balls with Chocolate Chips
Total Time: 20 mins
Gluten Free | Dairy Free
My kids love this popular duo of peanut butter and chocolate, which comes together with whole grain oats, flax, and chia seeds for a no-bake, gluten-free snack for lunch packing and after school. I often add this recipe during one of my weekly meal prep sessions, since it comes together so quickly.
Homemade Peanut Butter Granola Bars
Total Time: 20 mins
Gluten Free | Dairy Free
Five ingredients are all it takes to make a batch of these easy homemade granola bars. Whenever I make them, my kids love to help decide if I should cut them into squares or long bars. These bars are naturally gluten-free, soft-baked, studded with chocolate chips, and freeze well, too. They also make a nice canvas for additional mix-ins.
Chocolate Chip Zucchini Muffins
Total Time: 35 mins
Gluten Free Option | Dairy Free
When I have zucchini on hand, the first thing I’m making is these muffins because my family goes nuts for them. Shredded zucchini, mashed ripe banana, dark chocolate morsels, and chopped walnuts are all packed into these delicious lower-sugar muffins that can be baked as regular-size or mini muffins. Make them all in one bowl, and make them gluten-free, if needed, by using a gluten-free flour blend.
No-Bake PB & J Bites(Just 4 Ingredients)
Total Time: 15 mins
Gluten Free | Dairy Free | Nut Free Option
Who doesn’t love a pb&j? Everyone in my home goes crazy for these easy no-bake energy balls that come together so quickly. I often like to add mix-ins for extra flavor and texture, and I can change up the flavors by using different jams and fruit spreads. They freeze well and are a great option for fast grab-and-go snacks to pack.
Mini Banana Muffins (No Refined Sugar)
Total Time: 30 mins
Gluten Free Option | Dairy Free | Nut Free
When life blesses me with overripe bananas, I make these simple and scrumptious mini banana muffins that are sweetened with bananas and a little maple sugar. If desired, add favorite mix-ins, such as chopped nuts, mini chocolate chips, or chopped dates. These little muffins are freezer-friendly, perfect for meal prep, and make a great addition to lunchboxes and healthy snacks for adults, too.
Copycat Heavenly Hunks
Total Time: 2 hours, 15 mins
Gluten Free | Dairy Free | Nut Free
When my kids kept asking me to buy Heavenly Hunks, I knew it was time to come up with my own clone recipe, which allowed me to cut back on sugar in these treats and save some money, too. Easy Evening Snacks for Kids After School Almost everyone who tastes them says they prefer my version to the store-bought ones, which always makes me smile.
Easy Pizza Muffin Recipe
Total Time: 30 minutes
Gluten Free Option | Nut Free
My kids and I can’t get enough of this pizza muffin recipe. They love that they taste so much like pizza, but in a convenient, packable format. And I love that they meet the craving for something savory, not sweet. These handheld pizza-inspired muffins are great for packing in lunches and fun after-school treats.
Blueberry Oatmeal Breakfast Cookies
Total Time: 25 mins
Gluten Free Option | Dairy Free | Nut Free Option
I bake these blueberry oatmeal cookies whenever I need a quick and reliable breakfast or snack option to get ahead of a busy week. They’re soft, chewy, and filled with simple ingredients like oats, bananas, and fresh blueberries. Easy Evening Snacks for Kids After School The texture is like a cross between a blueberry muffin and an oatmeal cookie, and the flavor is just sweet enough without being too sweet.
Also Read: Quick & Easy Breakfast for Kids Before School: 15 Fast Morning Meals
Conclusion:
Making after-school snacks can be very simple. Easy Evening Snacks for Kids After School These quick recipes, like fruit treats and oat bars, taste great and give kids energy. They are healthy and have much less sugar than snacks from the shop. Because they are so fast to make, they save parents a lot of time. These easy snacks are perfect for home or travel, making healthy eating fun for the whole family.
FAQS
What are the best Easy Evening Snacks for Kids After School?
The best Easy Evening Snacks for Kids After School include fruit muffins, yogurt bites, peanut butter oatmeal balls, mini sandwiches, and homemade granola bars. These snacks are quick to prepare and provide energy after a long school day.
Why are Easy Evening Snacks for Kids After School important?
Easy Evening Snacks for Kids After School help refill energy, improve focus for homework, and provide essential nutrients. Healthy snacks also prevent overeating at dinner and support growing bodies.
Can Easy Evening Snacks for Kids After School be made ahead of time?
Yes, many Easy Evening Snacks for Kids After School can be meal-prepped in advance, such as protein balls, banana muffins, and snack bars. Preparing ahead saves time on busy weekdays.
How do I make Easy Evening Snacks for Kids After School healthier?
To make Easy Evening Snacks for Kids After School healthier, use whole grains, fresh fruits, natural sweeteners, and protein-rich ingredients like yogurt or nut butter while avoiding refined sugar and packaged foods.
