Healthy After-School Snacks

Whichever grade level your child is currently in, they most likely look forward to getting home after a long school day and diving into their favourite snack before beginning homework or heading off to sports or band practice. While a handful of pretzels or a quick granola bar can re-energize them in a pinch, incorporating some easy homemade snacks into their weekly routine can be healthier. The beauty of these recipes is that they can all be put together fast, and you can simply prep some of them ahead of time for quick grab-and-go snacks. You might even be able to involve the kids in the meal prep. Let’s look over these after-school snack food ideas to see what to serve the kids after a big test or during their next sleepover party with all of their friends.

Apple and Pear Nachos

Fresh apple and pear nachos mixed with nuts, drizzled with gooey nut butter and sprinkled with cinnamon. They’re our new favourite quick and healthy snack!

Ingredients:

2 apples 

2 tbsp. almond butter 

1 tbsp. coconut oil 

1 tbsp. maple syrup 

2 tbsp. pumpkin seeds

1 tbsp. butterscotch chip

1 tbsp. mix dried fruits (cashews, currants, raisins, walnuts, almonds, etc.)

A pinch of cinnamon powder

Instructions:

Cut apples into thin wedges and arrange them on a plate. In a bowl, whisk together almond butter, coconut oil, maple syrup and cinnamon powder. Drizzle over apples, then sprinkle with coconut, pumpkin seeds, butterscotch chip and dried fruits.

Fruit and Nut Bars

These homemade fruit and nut bars are a wonderful alternative to store-bought granola bars. They have a crisp and chewy texture and are packed with dried fruits and nuts. These are ideal for a healthy on-the-go breakfast, a snack to pack in lunchboxes, or to take on your next picnic or hike. The added benefit is that they will keep in the refrigerator for several weeks.

Ingredients:

1 cup pitted dates (about 12)

1⁄4 cup peanut or almond butter 

1⁄4 cup honey

1 tsp pure vanilla extract

1 cup roasted unsalted almonds, roughly chopped

1⁄4 cup sesame seeds

1⁄2 cup dry coconut

1⁄2 cup rolled oats

1⁄2 tsp cardamom powder

1⁄4 tsp salt

3⁄4 cup dried fruit (cranberries, golden raisins, sliced apricots) 

1⁄4 cup pumpkin seeds

2 tsp sesame seeds

2 tsp chia seeds

2 tsp shredded coconut 

Edible silver foil (optional)

Instructions:

Line an 8” square pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on all sides. In a food processor, chop the dates (they will form a ball); transfer them to a bowl. In a small saucepan over medium heat, melt the peanut butter, honey and vanilla, stirring occasionally, until combined, about 1 minute.

Add to the bowl and mix to combine. Fold in the almonds, oats, dried fruit, pumpkin seeds, sesame seeds, coconut, cardamom powder, sesame seeds, chia seeds, shredded coconut and salt. Press the mixture into the prepared pan and freeze until sliceable, about 30 minutes. Decorate with silver foils if desired. Cut into 12 bars. Store in the refrigerator.

Moist and Chewy Banana Oatmeal Cookies

These moist and chewy banana oatmeal cookies are hands down the best banana- flavoured cookies I’ve ever had. Not only are they moist and chewy for days, but they are also unmistakably banana-y!

Ingredients:

3⁄4 cup salted butter, softened 1 cup brown sugar, packed 1⁄2 cup sugar

1 egg

1 tsp vanilla extract

1 cup mashed bananas

1 1⁄2 cups all-purpose flour 

1 1⁄2 tsp cinnamon

1 tsp baking soda

2 tsp corn starch

2 tsp chocolate chips

3 cups old-fashioned oats

Instructions:

Mix together butter, brown sugar, sugar, egg, vanilla extract and mashed bananas until well combined. Add flour, cinnamon, baking soda, and corn starch and mix until combined. Stir in oats. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Spoon tablespoons of dough onto a cookie sheet covered with parchment paper. Flatten the dough a little bit, into thick discs and add in some chocolate chips. They will spread a little when baked. Bake for 10-12 minutes or until the edges just start to golden. Remove from oven and cool on cookie sheet for 3-4 minutes, then move to cool rack to finish cooling.