15 Back to School Breakfasts for Busy Mornings

The start of a new school year doesn’t have to mean chaotic mornings. With a little planning, you can serve, kid‑friendly breakfasts even on your busiest days. Below are my most popular make‑ahead muffins, hearty oatmeal bakes, overnight oats, that makes school mornings easy and delicious.
I've included a bonus breakfast to enjoy on the weekends, when you have a little more time to prep and enjoy!

Enjoy the many types of choices for your breakfast!

2 Ingredient Pumpkin Muffins

These 2 Ingredient Pumpkin Muffins are a reader favorite every fall - and for good reason. With just a spice cake mix and canned pumpkin, they’re one of the easiest pumpkin breakfast recipes you can make. Moist, flavorful, and ready in about 20 minutes, they’re ideal for fall mornings or back-to-school days when you need something quick and kid-approved.

Make-ahead tip: These muffins freeze beautifully. Bake a batch, freeze them individually, and reheat in the microwave for a fast breakfast before school.

Cake Mix Banana Muffins

These Cake Mix Banana Muffins are soft, fluffy, and only take minutes to prepare. Using just ripe bananas, cake mix, and eggs, this recipe is a great way to reduce food waste while making a quick school breakfast your whole family will love. These muffins are a go-to for meal prep and perfect for lunchboxes or after-school snacks too.

Make-ahead tip: Store in an airtight container or freeze for up to 2 months. They reheat perfectly in the microwave or toaster oven.

Banana Chocolate Muffins

Chocolate for breakfast? Absolutely. These Banana Chocolate Muffins are made with a chocolate cake mix, ripe bananas, and eggs for a rich, fudgy muffin that feels indulgent but is easy enough to make on a weekday. Kids love the flavor, and you’ll love how fast they disappear.

Make-ahead tip: These muffins store well in the fridge and freezer - just pop one in the microwave for a quick, warm breakfast treat.

Apple Spice Muffins

With warm spice and the natural sweetness of applesauce, these Apple Spice Muffins taste like fall in muffin form. They're perfect for an easy school breakfast that feels cozy and homemade, even on the busiest mornings. Plus, they come together in just 20 minutes with only three ingredients.

Make-ahead tip: Make a batch over the weekend and store extras in the freezer. They defrost quickly and are great for meal prepping breakfast for the week.

Yogurt Parfait Bar

A Yogurt Parfait Bar is a fun, interactive way to feed a crowd. Guests can build their own parfaits with crunchy granola, creamy yogurt and a mix of berries or sliced fruit. The base can be tailored to your guests: kids often prefer sweetened vanilla yogurt, while adults may choose plain Greek yogurt for more protein. Offer toppings like honey, nuts, Nutella, or chocolate syrup for extra flavor. This breakfast idea is perfect for brunch, family gatherings or overnight guests because everyone can choose what they like.

Make-ahead tip: Prep your fruit and toppings the night before, then set out the yogurt and granola in the morning. For grab‑and‑go, layer parfaits in mason jars and add lids—perfect for busy school mornings. Don't forget your spoon!

Easy Overnight Oats

These Easy Overnight Oats combine oats, yogurt, milk and fruit for a quick, healthy breakfast. Mix everything together—Greek yogurt adds protein and using steel‑cut or old‑fashioned oats is up to you—and let it chill overnight. In the morning you’ve got a ready‑to‑eat meal that’s perfect for grab‑and‑go. Customize your jars with blueberries, strawberries or whatever fruit you have; add chia seeds for extra fiber and omega‑3s. These oats are kid‑friendly and easy to prep ahead, making them ideal for busy weekdays.

Make-ahead tip: Portion the oats into mason jars and refrigerate for up to four days. Grab one as you head out the door and heat in the microwave for 30 seconds if you prefer it warm.

Blueberry Yogurt Muffins

These Blueberry Yogurt Muffins are soft, moist, and full of flavor thanks to the combination of yogurt and blueberries. They’re one of my favorite options for a quick weekday breakfast or snack. Bonus - no oil needed!

Freezer-friendly: Absolutely. Wrap individually and freeze for quick grab-and-go mornings.

Chocolate Zucchini Muffins

These Chocolate Zucchini Muffins are a great way to sneak veggies into breakfast. Made with chocolate cake mix, shredded zucchini, and eggs, they’re rich and satisfying but still quick to make. Perfect for using up garden zucchini or adding something different to your morning routine.

Make-ahead tip: These freeze very well and make a great meal prep option.

Cake Mix Blueberry Muffins

These Cake Mix Blueberry Muffins are soft, lightly sweet, and brightened with a little lemon zest. Starting with cake mix makes them incredibly simple - perfect for those weeks when you need easy breakfast options that don’t require a lot of effort.

Tip: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days or freeze extras.

Banana Cranberry Oatmeal Muffins

These Banana Cranberry Oatmeal Muffins are hearty, satisfying, and packed with fiber from the oats. The tartness of the cranberries and sweetness from the bananas make them a balanced, filling breakfast that’s easy to make in batches.

Make-ahead tip: These hold up well in the fridge and freeze beautifully.

Peanut Butter Banana Wraps

These Peanut Butter Banana Wraps take just minutes to make and are great for mornings when you’re short on time. They’re high in protein, kid-approved, and portable - perfect for breakfast on the go or to tuck into a lunchbox.

Prep tip: Can be made the night before and stored in the fridge.

Apple Ring Pancakes

These Apple Ring Pancakes are a fun and simple twist on traditional pancakes. Sliced apples are dipped in pancake batter and cooked until golden, creating a sweet and fruity breakfast treat that kids love.

Make-ahead tip: Make a batch and refrigerate for up to 3 days. Reheat in a toaster or pan.

Berry Oatmeal Bake

This Berry Oatmeal Bake is full of nutritious ingredients like oats, bananas, and mixed berries. It’s naturally sweetened and high in fiber - a great option if you're looking for a healthy breakfast that still feels comforting and filling.

Meal prep tip: Bake once and portion out for the entire school week.

Western Sandwich

This Retro Western Sandwich is a hearty and flavorful classic! This delicious comfort food combines savory ham, crisp vegetables, and fluffy eggs for a protein-packed treat. Using ingredients like diced ham, green pepper, and eggs, making it perfect for a satisfying breakfast, lunch, or anytime you need a quick and filling meal.

Prep tip: Have your add-in prepared ahead of time if you know the morning is busy. Cut up the bacon and veggies and have them ready to add to this retro breakfast sandwich.

Cherrio Marshmallow Bars

These Cheerio Marshmallow Bars are part breakfast, part snack, and totally easy to make. They're no-bake, quick to prepare, and great for kids who want something sweet with a little crunch.

Fastest option: Make a batch ahead and cut into portions for the week.

Apple Jacks Apples

These Apple Jacks Apples a cereal apple created using Apple Jacks cereal and marshmallows. It's a fun back to school treat, and a treat breakfast!

Prep tip: Prep ahead, then store in the fridge in airtight containers. Give them a few minutes at room temperature to soften.

Easy Weekend Breakfast Treat

Monkey Bread with Rhodes Dough

This Monkey Bread is a caramel-coated pull-apart bread made with frozen dough. It’s a fun and sweet way to start the day, especially for weekends or the first day of school when you want breakfast to feel a little extra special.

Make-ahead tip: Assemble the night before and bake fresh in the morning. Make for the weekend and enjoy the leftovers during the week!

Related Collections You Might Like

Looking for more easy muffins, desserts and snack ideas? Plus, here is a new post including my favorite fall soups. Here are a few collections you might find helpful:

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