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Back to School Lunches and Snacks

Back-to-school and apples just go together.

Kids have been bringing teachers a shiny apple since the western frontier, and the arrival of fresh Michigan Apples at local farm markets and grocery stores coincides with the start of classes. Michigan Apples are a convenient and affordable choice to include with a healthy breakfast, kid-friendly school lunches, or an after-school snack.

Why Apples Are The Best Back-to-School Meal and Snack

Nutritious Choice

Not only are Michigan Apples crisp, juicy, and sweet, but they also offer many health benefits. A medium-sized apple only has around 95 calories and also contains 4 grams of fiber. This is about 10-15% of the amount of fiber that you need for the whole day. Apples are also rich in vitamin C, potassium, and antioxidants.

Good for the Gut

Gut microbes rely upon complex carbohydrates (dietary fiber) to complete their functions in our digestive systems. Eating more whole fruits and vegetables, like Michigan Apples, provides the necessary fiber for optimal gut health.

Brain Booster

Apples may provide a healthy boost for your brain. There is growing evidence that antioxidants, such as those found in Michigan Apples, may protect brain cells.

Healthy Teeth

The Academy of General Dentistry suggests that choosing healthy snacks like Michigan Apples, in place of sugary snacks, can help prevent cavities in children.

Maintain Energy

Apples are a smart choice for anyone who wants to maintain blood sugar levels that are already within normal limits. High-fiber foods like Michigan Apples act like an energy time-release machine. The soluble fiber in apples causes apples’ natural sugars to be released more slowly and evenly, preventing sudden peaks or valleys in blood sugar.

Support for Local Communities

More than 14.9 million apple trees cover 34,500 acres on 775 family-run farms in Michigan. Eating Michigan Apples supports not only your health but also our local economy!

An Energizing Back-To-School Breakfast

Everyone loves eating a fresh Michigan Apple by itself, but there are also many delicious ways to include them in easy recipes and quick snack ideas. Here are some breakfast options to help your family enjoy the wonderful taste and health benefits of Michigan Apples to kickstart the morning off right.

Easy Breakfast Apple Cobbler

What could be better than a warm apple cobbler for breakfast? Put the ingredients in your crock pot overnight and wake up to the wonderful smell of cinnamon and apples.

Makes 4 servings

Recommended Apple Varieties: Cortland, Ida Red, Jonathan, Northern Spy, Rome, Braeburn, McIntosh, Empire

INGREDIENTS:

• • 4 medium-sized Michigan Apples, cored, peeled, and sliced
  • ¼ cup honey
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1 tablespoon butter or trans-fat-free spread, melted
  • 2 cups low-fat granola cereal

DIRECTIONS:

1. 1. Place apples in a crock pot and stir in honey and cinnamon. Top the apple mixture with granola and drizzle with butter or margarine.
   2. Cover and cook on low for 7-9 hours or on high for 2-3 hours.
   3. Serve warm and top with low-fat milk or vanilla Greek yogurt if desired.

Nutrition facts: (with spread): 395 Calories, 7g Fat, 83g Carbohydrate, 5g Protein, 175mg Sodium, 0mg Cholesterol, 8g Fiber

Mini Apple Pancake Kebobs

This is a fun way to serve pancakes!

Makes 4 servings

Recipe adapted from Bettycrocker.com

INGREDIENTS:

• • 1 cup plus 2 tablespoons baking mix (such as Bisquick™)
  • 1/2 cup milk
  • 1 egg
  • 1/2 cup chopped Michigan Apple
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • Pinch of ground nutmeg
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla
  • Cooking spray for pan or griddle
  • 5 to 6-inch wooden skewers
  • Michigan Apple slices and syrup

DIRECTIONS:

1. 1. In a large bowl, mix baking mix, milk, egg, apples, cinnamon, nutmeg, and vanilla until just combined.
   2. Heat a 10-inch cast-iron skillet or griddle over medium heat.
   3. Lightly coat the inside of the skillet with cooking spray.
   4. Drop tablespoonfuls of batter into the skillet.
   5. Cook until edges are dry and bubbles begin to form on the surface. Turn and cook until golden brown.
   6. Repeat with the remaining batter, adding more cooking spray as needed to keep the skillet lightly greased.
   7. Place 4 to 5 pancakes on each skewer with an apple slice between each pancake.
   8. Top with syrup and serve with a glass of milk or a cup of cinnamon vanilla yogurt.

Nutrition facts (without syrup): 187 Calories, 5g Fat, 29g Carbohydrate, 5g Protein, 360mg Sodium, 2g Fiber

Wholesome Apple Muffins

These muffins combine nutrient-rich apples and whole-grain flour into hearty apple muffins that make a perfect breakfast on the go!

Makes 12 muffins

Recommended Apple Varieties: Cortland, Gala, Ida Red, Johnathan, McIntosh, Northern Spy, Paula Red, Rome

INGREDIENTS:

• • 1 ½ cups white whole wheat flour
  • ½ cup sugar
  • 1 tbsp. baking powder
  • 1 tsp. cinnamon
  • 2/3 cup apple juice
  • 1/3 cup canola oil
  • 1 egg
  • 1 ¼  cup Michigan Apple variety of your choice, cored, peeled and finely chopped

DIRECTIONS:

1. 1. For topping – Mix 1 tsp. sugar and 1 tsp. cinnamon in a small bowl; set aside.
   2. Heat oven to 375°F. Spray the muffin pan with vegetable cooking spray or line with baking cups.
   3. In a medium bowl, combine flour, sugar, baking powder, and cinnamon; blend well.
   4. In a small bowl, combine apple juice, oil, and egg; mix well.
   5. Add apple juice mixture to dry ingredients and stir until moistened. Fold in chopped apples.
   6. Fill muffin cups 2/3 full and sprinkle muffins with cinnamon sugar topping mixture; bake for 20 minutes or until golden brown.
   7. Cool for 1 to 2 minutes before removing from the pan.

Nutrition facts per muffin: 160 Calories, 7g Fat, 24g Carbohydrate, 2.5g Protein, 68mg Sodium, 17mg Cholesterol, 2.5g Fiber

Satisfy your After-School Snack Attack with Michigan Apples

After school is the perfect time to grab a whole sliced Michigan Apple. Or you can add some snack-time variety with these recipes.

Caramelized Apple and Cheese Quesadillas

A sweet twist to quesadillas with nutritious ingredients for growling stomachs.

Makes 2 snack servings

INGREDIENTS:

• • 4 teaspoons butter
  • 1 medium unpeeled, cored Michigan Golden Delicious or Gala Apple, sliced
  • 1 tablespoon brown sugar
  • 1/8 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 2 (6-inch) whole grain tortillas
  • 2 slices reduced-fat sharp cheddar cheese
  • Sour cream (optional)

DIRECTIONS:

1. 1. Sauté apples in butter in a skillet on medium heat for 3-4 minutes or until apples are soft and lightly browned.
   2. Add brown sugar and cinnamon. Cook for 1-2 minutes on medium-low until sugar is dissolved.
   3. Overlap cheese slices on 1 of the tortillas. Top with apple mixture; cover with the second tortilla.
   4. Heat the skillet on medium-high heat. Cook the tortilla for 2-3 minutes per side or until lightly browned and cheese is melted.
   5. Cut into quarters and serve with sour cream.

Nutrition facts per 1/2 quesadilla: 299 Calories, 10.5g Fat, 41g Carbohydrate, 10g Protein, 525mg Sodium, 22mg Cholesterol, 3g Fiber

Apple Owl Rice Cake or Pita Snack

These are too cute to resist, and kids will love to help make them.

Makes 4 servings

INGREDIENTS:

• • 4 brown rice cakes or whole grain pita bread
  • 4 tablespoons nut butter
  • 1 banana
  • Blueberries
  • 1 Michigan Apple, sliced
  • Cheerios
  • 1 slice of yellow cheese, such as cheddar

DIRECTIONS:

1. 1. Spread nut butter on each rice cake or pita. Top with 2 banana slices for eyes, and top each banana slice with 1 blueberry.
   2. Next, add a small piece of cheese, cut into the shape of a triangle for the beak. Then, two Michigan Apple slices for the wings.
   3. Add Cheerios for the body and serve with a cold glass of low-fat milk.

Nutrition facts (with rice cake): 229 Calories, 10g Fat, 27g Carbohydrate, 8g Protein, 173mg Sodium, 4g Fiber

Apple Walnut Snack Cake

Tart Michigan Apples and crunchy walnuts make these moist, whole-grain snack cakes a perfect snack for mid-morning coffee breaks or an energizing afterschool treat.

Makes 16 bars

INGREDIENTS:

CRUST:

• • 1 cup chopped nuts (walnuts, pecans, or almonds), or whole rolled oats, divided
  • 1-3/4 cup white whole wheat flour
  • 1/2 cup brown sugar
  • 4 tablespoons cold butter, cut into small pieces
  • 1 egg
  • 2 tablespoons canola oil
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

APPLE FILLING:

• • 6 cups diced, peeled Michigan Apples, divided (about 6 medium apples)
  • 1/2 cup Michigan Apple Cider
  • 1/2 cup sugar
  • 1/4 cup cornstarch
  • 1-1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

DIRECTIONS:

1. 1. To prepare the crust: Combine ¾ cup nuts (or oats), whole-wheat flour, all-purpose flour, and sugar in a food processor; pulse until the nuts are finely ground.
   2. Add butter; pulse until well incorporated.
   3. Whisk egg, oil, and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract in a small bowl.
   4. With the motor running, add the mixture to the food processor.
   5. Process, then pulse, scraping down the sides, if necessary, until the mixture begins to clump, 30 to 45 seconds (it will look crumbly).
   6. Measure out ½ cup of the mixture and combine in a bowl with the remaining ¼ cup of chopped nuts (or oats). Set aside for the topping.
   7. Preheat oven to 400°F. Generously coat a 9-by-13-inch baking dish with cooking spray.
   8. To prepare fruit filling & assemble bars: Combine 4 cups of apples, cider (or orange juice), sugar, and cornstarch in a large saucepan.
   9. Bring to a simmer over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the mixture is very thick, 4 to 5 minutes.
   10. Stir in the remaining 2 cups of apples, cinnamon, and 1 teaspoon vanilla.
   11. Transfer the dough to the prepared baking dish. Spread evenly and press firmly into the bottom to form a crust.
   12. Spread the fruit filling over the crust. Sprinkle the reserved topping over the filling.
   13. Bake the bars for 15 minutes.
   14. Reduce oven temperature to 350 degrees and bake until the crust and topping are lightly brown, 25 to 30 minutes more.
   15. Let cool completely before cutting into bars, for at least 1½ hours.

Nutrition facts per bar: 193 Calories, 9g Fat, 27g Carbohydrate, 3g Protein, 69mg Sodium, 2g Fiber

School Lunches with Michigan Apples

Giving kids a variety of meals throughout the week helps to make sure there are no gaps in nutritional needs. Try some of our Michigan Apple lunchtime recipes.

Apple Turkey Wraps

A crunchy, sweet filling makes these apple and turkey wraps a winner!

Makes 4 servings

Recommended Apple Varieties: Empire, Gala, Golden Delicious, Ida Red, Jonagold, Jonathan, McIntosh, Red Delicious, Rome

INGREDIENTS:

• • 1-1/3 cups diced red Michigan Apples
  • 1/2 cup low-fat lemon yogurt
  • 4 flour tortillas, 8 inches in diameter
  • 2 cups fresh spinach leaves or spring greens
  • 6 ounces thinly sliced smoked turkey breast
  • 2 ounces thinly sliced Havarti cheese
  • 2 cups sprouts (if desired)

DIRECTIONS:

1. 1. Combine Michigan Apples and yogurt. Set aside.
   2. Warm tortillas according to package directions.
   3. Divide and arrange the remaining ingredients evenly over the tortillas.
   4. Place ¼ of the Apple mixture down the center of each tortilla.
   5. Fold the 2 opposite sides in about 1-1/2 inches and roll.
   6. Cut each wrap in half and serve immediately.

Nutrition facts per serving: 330 Calories, 10g Fat, 42g Carbohydrate, 18g Protein, 751mg Sodium, 33mg Cholesterol, 3g Fiber

Nut Butter, Cinnamon, and Apple Sandwich

Tired of PB&J? Try our PB&A (Apples!)

Makes 1 serving

INGREDIENTS:

• • 2 tablespoons peanut butter, almond butter, or other nut butter
  • 1 small Michigan Apple, cored and thinly sliced
  • 1/8 teaspoon cinnamon
  • 1 teaspoon honey
  • 2 slices whole-grain bread

DIRECTIONS:

1. 1. Mix peanut butter and cinnamon in a small bowl.
   2. Spread the peanut butter on one slice of bread and top with apple slices.
   3. Drizzle honey over apples.
   4. Put the slices together and cut in half to serve.

Nutrition facts: 462 Calories, 20g Fat, 66g Carbohydrate, 16g Protein, 406mg Sodium, 10g Fiber

Michigan Apple, Cheese, Turkey Wraps

Kids and adults will love these quick wraps that include a crisp apple slice. Serve with some whole-grain crackers on the side.

Makes 2 servings

Photo: weelicious.com.

INGREDIENTS:

• • 1 Michigan Apple
  • 1 slice of lemon
  • 4 slices 2% cheddar or Monterey Jack cheese
  • 4 slices reduced-sodium deli turkey or ham

DIRECTIONS:

1. 1. Slice the apple into ½- inch thick slices and rub the slices with lemon to prevent browning.
   2. Slice an 8-oz block of 2% cheese into 1/4-inch slices and the turkey or ham into 1/2 (making sure the meat is large enough to wrap around the apple and cheese).
   3. Place an apple slice and a cheese slice on top of the deli meat and fold over the deli meat to wrap.

Nutrition facts: 256 Calories, 16g Fat, 14g Carbohydrate, 34g Protein, 741mg Sodium, 2g Fiber

Find More Back-To-School Recipe Inspiration

Need more inspiration for school lunch, after-school snacks, and back-to-school breakfasts? Check out our Michigan Apple recipes with lots of kid-friendly options.