After School Snacks: Five Wholesome Treats the Kids Will Love

A long day of learning makes little bodies hungry. Fuel them up for after school activities with these wholesome and easy to prepare snacks.

Baked Veggie Treats

Learners young and old will delight in this simple grab-and-go treat. This snack stores well for several days, and is a great source of quick nutrition and energy for after school.

Ingredients:

1 cup cooked, mashed sweet potato

¼ cup cooked pureed spinach

1 egg

2 tablespoons milk

1 cup crushed whole wheat bread crumbs

Preparation:

Mix sweet potato, spinach, egg and milk. Form mixture into balls and then roll the balls in the crushed bread crumbs and place on a cookie sheet. Bake at 325°until the egg is thoroughly cooked.

Recipe created by Laura Goeller

Sweet and Spicy Almond Mix

This sweet and spicy snack contains just the right mix of brain fuel for after school study groups. Plus, you’ll have nearly as much fun making it as the kids will eating it.

Ingredients:

2 tablespoons honey

2 tablespoons water

1 tablespoon fennel seeds

2 teaspoons salt

2 teaspoons crushed red pepper flakes

2 cups raw almonds

Preparation:

Preheat the oven to 325°F. Line a baking sheet with greased aluminum foil (greased side up). In a medium-sized bowl, mix together the salt, honey, fennel seeds, and red pepper flakes. Add the almonds and the water to the mix, and stir until the almonds are evenly coated. Spread the nut mix over the baking sheet. Bake for about 5 minutes, then stir, and bake for about 17 minutes more, or until the almonds are browned. Remove from the oven, and allow to cool before transferring to a container.

Raisin Bars

These delightful bars contain no eggs or sweeteners and are as healthy as they are delicious.

Ingredients:

1 cup whole wheat, brown rice, or barley flour

1 cup rolled oats

1/2 teaspoon sea salt

1/4 cup oil

1 cup walnuts, minced

1 cup raisins, minced

1 cup pitted prunes, minced

1 tablespoon grated orange or lemon peel (optional)

1/3 to 1/2 cup water

Preparation:

Preheat oven to 325°. Oil 8-inch square baking pan. Blend flour, oats, salt, and oil with fingers until evenly mixed. Mince the nuts in food processor and add to oat mixture. Mince raisins and prunes in food processor. Add them to batter along with the orange or lemon peel and 1/3 cup water. Mix the batter with your hands or in food processor. Add remaining water as necessary to make batter hold together. Press into prepared pan. Bake for 30 minutes. Let cool, and cut into 16 squares.

Recipe created by Cathe Olson

Banana Nut Oaties

Here is a truly tasty snack to tempt students of all ages. In addition to being a scrumptious and healthy after school option, it is also perfect as an after dinner treat.

Ingredients:

1 Banana

½ Avocado

2 teaspoon of honey

½ cup almonds - finely ground

½ cup rolled oats

Peel and mash banana and avocado together. Add honey, almonds, and oats and stir together. Form the mixture into balls and refrigerate before serving.

Recipe created by Laura Goeller

Easy Peanut Butter Snack

This super quick and easy snack is fast for time crunched moms and loved by kids of all ages. Let children mix the ingredients and form the balls themselves for hands-on fun before eating!

Ingredients:

6 tablespoons organic peanut butter (or almond butter)

6 tablespoons cereal

Preparation:

Mix the ingredients together in a bowl. You can form it around a popsicle handle, make little balls, or even just eat with a spoon. Adding other favorite ingredients, such as dried fruit or nuts, makes the snack all that more fun. Makes enough for three or four snacks.

Recipe by Kelly Kenoyer