17 Smashing Pumpkin Snacks They’ll Never Trade with Their Classmates

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Pumpkin season doesn’t stop at pies and lattes—it’s also the perfect time to pack snacks for school. This list of pumpkin snacks shows how easy it is to turn leftover puree into treats kids will love. From cookies and muffins to quick breads and no-bake bars, each recipe works well for lunchboxes or after-school bites. These ideas are simple to make, family-friendly, and practical enough to keep everyone happy without extra effort.

Pumpkin Brownies

Close-up of a batch of pumpkin brownies with a crispy top and moist interior.
Pumpkin Brownies. Photo credit: Quick Prep Recipes.

Adding pumpkin puree gives these Pumpkin Brownies a moist, fudgy texture. The batter stirs together in one bowl for convenience. Bake and cool before slicing into squares that hold their shape. Kids enjoy the mix of chocolate and pumpkin in each bite. They pack neatly for a snack that feels like dessert.
Get the Recipe: Pumpkin Brownies

Pumpkin S’Mores Cookies

Pumpkin S’Mores Cookies. Photo credit: Recipes From Leftovers.

Soft, chewy, and packed with flavor, Pumpkin S’mores Cookies mix leftover pumpkin puree with graham crackers, chocolate, and marshmallows for a fun school snack that bakes in under 20 minutes. Kids won’t want to trade these away when they taste the gooey center. The recipe is simple enough for a weekday treat. You can use canned pumpkin or what’s left from holiday baking. They store well, making them a handy grab-and-go option.
Get the Recipe: Pumpkin S’Mores Cookies

Pumpkin Dump Cake

A slice of pumpkin dump cake topped with whipped cream and nuts on a white plate, with a spoon resting beside it.
Pumpkin Dump Cake. Photo credit: Quick Prep Recipes.

Quick and unfussy, Pumpkin Dump Cake layers pumpkin puree with a boxed mix for a hands-off bake. It takes just minutes to assemble before the oven does the work. The result is a soft, cake-like treat with a crisp top. It’s perfect when you need a snack in a hurry. Leftover portions store easily for another day.
Get the Recipe: Pumpkin Dump Cake

Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls

Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls. Photo credit: Recipes From Leftovers.

Warm and gooey Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls turn an ordinary morning into something special. The dough blends pumpkin puree into every layer, adding flavor and a soft texture. A quick rise and bake make them doable on a weekend. Top with icing for a snack that feels like dessert. They’re easy to wrap up and tuck into lunchboxes.
Get the Recipe: Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls

Pumpkin Cranberry Bread

Iced pumpkin cranberry bread with a cup of tea.
Pumpkin Cranberry Bread. Photo credit: One Hot Oven.

Cranberries and pumpkin pair up in Pumpkin Cranberry Bread with Orange Glaze for a bright, fruity snack. The batter uses leftover pumpkin puree to keep the loaf moist. A quick drizzle of glaze adds sweetness. Bake a loaf and slice it through the week. It’s an easy way to bring fall flavors to school lunches.
Get the Recipe: Pumpkin Cranberry Bread

Chocolate Coconut Pumpkin Bars

Pumpkin chocolate coconut bars.
Chocolate Coconut Pumpkin Bars. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

No oven needed for these No-Bake Chocolate Coco Pumpkin Bars, which use pumpkin puree as the base. The mixture stirs together fast and chills to set. Each bar cuts cleanly for easy packing. They keep well in the fridge for several days. Families will like them as a quick snack with a hint of pumpkin.
Get the Recipe: Chocolate Coconut Pumpkin Bars

Pumpkin Chocolate Biscotti

A tray of pumpkin biscotti with chocolate drizzle on them.
Pumpkin Chocolate Biscotti. Photo credit: Recipes From Leftovers.

Crunchy on the outside and soft in the center, Pumpkin Biscotti makes a great way to use extra pumpkin puree. This recipe bakes twice for that classic crisp texture, yet it still feels light enough for an afternoon bite. Dipping these in milk or cocoa makes them extra fun for kids. The recipe keeps for several days, so you can make a batch ahead of time. They pack easily for school snacks that feel a bit different from the usual.
Get the Recipe: Pumpkin Chocolate Biscotti

Pumpkin Banana Bread

A slice of pumpkin banana bread on a white plate.
Pumpkin Banana Bread. Photo credit: Recipes From Leftovers.

Bananas and leftover pumpkin join forces in Pumpkin Banana Bread, a moist and hearty loaf. The quick bread comes together with simple pantry staples. Bake once and slice for snacks throughout the week. Each slice holds up well in lunchboxes. It’s an easy way to sneak more pumpkin into your family’s day.
Get the Recipe: Pumpkin Banana Bread

Classic Iced Pumpkin Loaf

A fork holds a piece of pumpkin loaf with icing on a gray plate.
Classic Iced Pumpkin Loaf. Photo credit: Recipes From Leftovers.

A simple glaze drizzled over the top makes Pumpkin Loaf with Vanilla Glaze stand out. This snack bread uses pumpkin puree to create a soft crumb that doesn’t dry out. The recipe takes just over an hour from start to finish. Kids will enjoy the hint of sweetness without it feeling heavy. It’s a smart way to stretch leftover pumpkin into a week of treats.
Get the Recipe: Classic Iced Pumpkin Loaf

Lunchbox Pumpkin Muffins

Pumpkin chocolate chip muffins.
Lunchbox Pumpkin Muffins. Photo credit: An Off Grid Life.

Tender and chocolatey, these Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Muffins use pumpkin puree for a moist texture that stays fresh. They bake in about 25 minutes, making them perfect for a quick prep session. Each muffin freezes well, so you can stock up for busy weeks. Slip one into a lunch bag for a snack that feels homemade. The balance of pumpkin and chocolate makes them a crowd favorite.
Get the Recipe: Lunchbox Pumpkin Muffins

Pumpkin Spiced Snickerdoodles

Pumpkin snickerdoodles cookies on a plate with a bite taken out of them.
Pumpkin Spiced Snickerdoodles. Photo credit: Recipes From Leftovers.

Rolled in cinnamon sugar, Chewy Pumpkin Snickerdoodles bring pumpkin puree into a cookie classic. They bake soft and thick, with a warm flavor that works any time of year. The recipe doesn’t take long to mix and bake. Kids love the chewy centers that taste best fresh from the oven. Pack them for school and expect empty containers to come home.
Get the Recipe: Pumpkin Spiced Snickerdoodles

Mini Pumpkin Cheesecakes

Mini Pumpkin Cheesecakes with whipped cream stars on top.
Mini Pumpkin Cheesecakes. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

With a smooth pumpkin base, Mini Pumpkin Cheesecakes deliver creamy bites that taste like a cross between pie and dessert bars. They bake in muffin tins for individual portions. The crust and filling come together quickly with canned pumpkin puree. Each cheesecake chills before serving, making them easy to prep ahead. They fit neatly into lunchboxes for a fun sweet snack.
Get the Recipe: Mini Pumpkin Cheesecakes

Pumpkin Muffins with Streusel

Pumpkin muffin topped with streusel.
Pumpkin Muffins with Streusel. Photo credit: Little House Big Alaska.

A crumbly streusel topping makes these Pumpkin Muffins with Streusel something special. The batter uses leftover pumpkin puree to create a soft, moist texture. They bake in under half an hour. Each muffin keeps its shape well for on-the-go snacks. Families will find them a welcome change from plain muffins.
Get the Recipe: Pumpkin Muffins with Streusel

Pumpkin Scones

Image shows Three pumpkin scones on a plate with icing.
Pumpkin Scones. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

Golden brown and slightly crisp, Pumpkin Scones are a simple way to use pumpkin puree for a bakery-style snack. The dough mixes quickly with everyday ingredients. A short bake gives them a tender crumb that pairs well with a drizzle of glaze. They pack neatly into containers for school. These scones bring pumpkin flavor without much fuss.
Get the Recipe: Pumpkin Scones

Pumpkin Donuts

Image shows a blue Bowl of pumpkin donuts on a wooden board.
Pumpkin Donuts. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

Fluffy and quick to fry, Pumpkin Donuts give kids a treat that uses leftover pumpkin puree for a soft texture. The batter mixes in minutes. A simple sugar coating makes them feel like a special snack. They stay fresh for a couple of days in a sealed container. Serve them warm or tuck them into lunch bags.
Get the Recipe: Pumpkin Donuts

Pumpkin White Chocolate Chip Cookies

A stack of cookies with white chocolate chips on a white plate, surrounded by more chips and cinnamon sticks.
Pumpkin White Chocolate Chip Cookies. Photo credit: Mama’s on a Budget.

Studded with chips, Pumpkin White Chocolate Chip Cookies make pumpkin puree the star. The dough mixes fast and bakes in about 12 minutes. Each bite balances soft pumpkin flavor with creamy sweetness. The cookies freeze well for later snacking. They’re a sure hit for school lunch treats.
Get the Recipe: Pumpkin White Chocolate Chip Cookies

Pumpkin Blondies

Pumpkin Blondies. Photo credit: Mama’s on a Budget.

Rich and chewy, Pumpkin Blondies turn pumpkin puree into a bar that cuts neatly into squares. They bake in a single pan for easy cleanup. The recipe works well for after-school snacks or class parties. The bars stay soft for several days. Each square brings pumpkin flavor without being messy to eat.
Get the Recipe: Pumpkin Blondies

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Sarita Harbour has been stretching her food dollars to feed her family for over 30 years. As a former banker and current freelance writer, she's written boatloads of articles about budgeting, homesteading, gardening, personal finance and more. Her food-related articles have been widely syndicated through AP and MSN. Look for her food features at NBC, The Seattle Times, Yahoo! Life, Chowhound, Tasting Table and MSN.