11 Baked Treats for School Lunches

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Chewy Oatmeal Raisin Cookies

Chewy oatmeal raisin cookies are a delightful and wholesome treat that can brighten up any lunchbox. Packed with rolled oats, plump raisins, and a hint of cinnamon, these cookies offer a satisfying chewiness and a burst of flavor in every bite. They are not only delicious but also provide a touch of nutrition, making them a perfect addition to your midday meal.

Instructions Summary:

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
3. Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until well combined.
4. In another bowl, whisk together the rolled oats, flour, baking soda, ground cinnamon, and salt.
5. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined. Fold in the raisins and nuts if using.
6. Drop tablespoons of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spaced about 2 inches apart.
7. Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown. Allow to cool on a wire rack. Enjoy!

Mini Banana Muffins

Mini banana muffins are a delicious and nutritious baked treat that make an excellent addition to any lunchbox. These bite-sized muffins are moist and flavorful, thanks to the natural sweetness of ripe bananas. They are perfect for a quick snack or a delightful dessert after lunch, and they can be enjoyed by kids and adults alike. Plus, they are easy to make and are a great way to use up overripe bananas.

Instructions Summary:

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a mini muffin tin with paper liners or grease with non-stick spray.
2. In a large bowl, mash the ripe bananas until smooth. Stir in the eggs, melted butter, and vanilla extract until well combined.
3. In another bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
4. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the banana mixture, stirring until just combined. Fold in the chopped nuts if using.
5. Fill each muffin cup about ¾ full with batter and bake for 12-15 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
6. Allow the muffins to cool in the tin for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely. Enjoy!

Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Granola Bars

Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Granola Bars are a wholesome and satisfying treat that add a delightful crunch to any lunchbox. Packed with the rich flavors of peanut butter and chocolate chips, these homemade granola bars are not only easy to make but also a great way to fuel the day. They are perfect for kids and adults alike, making them an excellent snack option for busy days or post-school activities.

Instructions Summary:

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line an 8×8 inch baking pan with parchment paper.
2. In a large bowl, mix together the rolled oats, peanut butter, honey or maple syrup, chocolate chips, vanilla extract, salt, and chopped nuts if using until well combined.
3. Press the mixture firmly into the prepared baking pan, spreading it evenly.
4. Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until the edges are golden.
5. Allow to cool completely in the pan before cutting into bars. Enjoy!

Cinnamon Roll Casserole

Cinnamon Roll Casserole is a delightful and indulgent breakfast or brunch dish that combines the sweet, gooey goodness of cinnamon rolls with a creamy, custardy base. This easy-to-make casserole is perfect for feeding a crowd or for a cozy family weekend treat. With minimal prep time and bursting with flavor, it’s sure to be a hit in any lunchbox when prepared ahead of time!

Instructions Summary:

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
2. Cut the cinnamon rolls into quarters and evenly distribute them in the baking dish.
3. In a bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, vanilla extract, and ground cinnamon until well combined.
4. Pour the egg mixture over the cinnamon rolls, ensuring all pieces are coated.
5. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the casserole is set and golden brown on top.
6. Drizzle with maple syrup if desired before serving. Enjoy!

Zucchini Bread Squares

Zucchini Bread Squares are a delightful and moist baked treat perfect for lunches. They are not only a great way to sneak in vegetables but also create a deliciously sweet snack that kids and adults will love alike. These squares are easy to prepare and can be made ahead of time, making them a convenient option for packed lunches.

Instructions Summary:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×9-inch baking pan.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt.
3. In another bowl, beat the eggs, then mix in the oil and vanilla extract.
4. Stir the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients until just combined, then fold in the grated zucchini and nuts if using.
5. Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and spread evenly.
6. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Allow to cool before cutting into squares. Enjoy!

Apple Cinnamon Energy Bites

Apple Cinnamon Energy Bites are a nutritious and delicious snack that’s perfect for lunchboxes or as a quick energy boost during the day. Packed with oats, apples, and warm cinnamon flavor, these bites are easy to make and require no baking. They are an excellent way to fuel your day with wholesome ingredients.

Instructions Summary:

1. In a mixing bowl, combine rolled oats, nut butter, honey or maple syrup, applesauce, cinnamon, and salt.
2. Fold in the diced apples and chia seeds or flaxseed if using.
3. Mix until well combined, then refrigerate the mixture for about 30 minutes to firm up.
4. Once chilled, scoop out and roll into bite-sized balls.
5. Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week. Enjoy!

Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Bars

Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Bars are a delightful treat that offers the indulgent taste of cookie dough in a convenient bar form. These no-bake bars combine the rich flavors of brown sugar, vanilla, and chocolate chips, making them a perfect addition to lunchboxes or as a sweet snack anytime.

Instructions Summary:

1. In a large mixing bowl, combine rolled oats, almond flour, brown sugar, nut butter, vanilla extract, and sea salt, mixing until well combined.
2. Gradually add milk until the mixture reaches a dough-like consistency.
3. Fold in the chocolate chips.
4. Press the mixture evenly into a lined 8×8 inch baking dish.
5. Chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes, then cut into bars and serve. Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week. Enjoy!

Lemon Blueberry Bread

Lemon Blueberry Bread is a deliciously moist and tangy quick bread, perfect for lunchboxes or as a sweet treat alongside tea or coffee. Its vibrant lemon flavor combined with juicy blueberries makes it a delightful option that is sure to please both kids and adults alike. This effortless recipe comes together quickly and can be enjoyed fresh or toasted.

Instructions Summary:

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×5 inch loaf pan.
2. In a mixing bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
3. In another bowl, combine sugar, lemon zest, lemon juice, eggs, milk, and vegetable oil, mixing until smooth.
4. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, stirring until just combined.
5. Gently fold in the blueberries.
6. Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and bake for 50-60 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
7. Allow to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing. Enjoy!

Pumpkin Spice Muffins

Pumpkin Spice Muffins are a delightful treat that captures the essence of fall in every bite. These muffins are fluffy, moist, and packed with warm spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger, making them perfect for lunchboxes or as a cozy snack with a cup of coffee or tea. They are easy to prepare and can be enjoyed fresh or reheated.

Instructions Summary:

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a muffin tin with paper liners.
2. In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger.
3. In another bowl, mix granulated sugar, brown sugar, eggs, pumpkin puree, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract until well combined.
4. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, stirring just until combined.
5. Evenly distribute the batter into the muffin tin, filling each cup about 2/3 full.
6. Bake for 18-20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
7. Allow to cool in the tin for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack. Enjoy!

Berry Crumble Bars

Berry Crumble Bars are a scrumptious and versatile treat that blend the joy of a fruity dessert with the convenience of a bar cookie. These bars feature a luscious layer of mixed berries, topped with a buttery crumble that adds a delightful crunch. Perfect for packing in lunchboxes or enjoying as a snack, these bars are sure to please both kids and adults alike.

Instructions Summary:

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×9 inch baking pan.
2. In a bowl, combine mixed berries, sugar, and cornstarch. Set aside.
3. In another bowl, mix flour, oats, brown sugar, baking powder, and salt. Stir in melted butter and vanilla until crumbly.
4. Press half of the mixture into the bottom of the prepared baking pan.
5. Spread the berry mixture over the base, followed by the remaining crumble on top.
6. Bake for 35-40 minutes or until the top is golden brown. Allow to cool completely before cutting into bars. Enjoy!

S’mores Brownies

S’mores Brownies are a delightful dessert that combines the richness of fudgy brownies with the classic flavors of s’mores. These irresistible treats feature a layer of melted chocolate, crunchy graham crackers, and gooey marshmallows, making them the perfect sweet indulgence for lunchboxes or as an after-school snack. With their layered texture and campfire-inspired flavors, S’mores Brownies are sure to become a family favorite.

Instructions Summary:

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease an 8×8 inch baking pan.
2. Melt the butter and chocolate chips together, then stir in granulated sugar and brown sugar until combined.
3. Add eggs and vanilla extract, mixing until smooth.
4. In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt, then fold into the chocolate mixture.
5. Pour half of the brownie batter into the prepared pan and sprinkle with graham cracker crumbs, mini marshmallows, and additional chocolate chips.
6. Spread the remaining brownie batter on top, covering the filling.
7. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until set and a toothpick comes out with some crumbs. Allow to cool completely before cutting into squares. Enjoy!