Fruit Salad Muffins

Scroll down to the bottom for the full recipe

The start of a new school year can bring a mix of excitement and nerves for kids and parents alike. Baking together is a simple, screen-free way to slow things down, reconnect, and gently ease back into routine. This easy lunchbox bake is designed to help kids build confidence, feel involved, and enjoy some calm, happy time in the kitchen before the school rush begins.

Back to School Made Easy

How baking can help ease back-to-school nerves

The holidays are almost over, and it’s time to start thinking about the new school year.

If your house is anything like mine, there’s a mix of excitement about what’s ahead and a few nerves too, from kids and parents alike. We’ve gotten used to slow mornings and relaxed routines, but the new term is coming.

One gentle way to help everyone transition is by slowly bringing a little routine back into your days, alongside plenty of connection.

Baking together is a beautiful place to start.

It gives kids a sense of ownership over what goes into their lunchbox and creates space to chat about any back-to-school worries without pressure. You’re doing something with your hands, having fun, and being together. That’s often when the best conversations happen.

Making baking a back-to-school tradition

I love getting kids involved right from the planning stage through to the baking itself.

Start by reading the recipe together. Depending on your child’s age, this can be a gentle way to reintroduce reading after the holidays. Then check the cupboards for ingredients. If you need to buy anything, kids can help work out what’s needed or compare prices. Sneaky maths, without it feeling like maths.

Before you begin, make a simple plan together:

• When shall we bake?

• How much time will we need?

• Do we want to make one batch or double it?

Reading, maths, planning, and discussion, all before you’ve even picked up a spoon.

Why baking helps with transitions

Baking is familiar, predictable, and low pressure. It has clear steps and a shared focus, which can be really regulating when emotions are running a bit high.

It also builds confidence.

Kids love sharing things they’ve made. “I made this!” That sense of pride can be a lovely confidence boost to carry into the school term.

Baking together helps bridge the gap between holiday freedom and term-time structure. Those shared moments in the kitchen become little memories you can come back to when the school rush feels overwhelming.

A perfect lunchbox bake: Fruit Salad Muffins

These Fruit Salad Muffins are a great back-to-school bake.

They’re simple, kid-friendly, and perfect for the freezer. Ideal for those “what can I put in your lunchbox?” mornings. Make sure you enjoy a few warm from the oven too, and celebrate taking that small step back into routine.

While you’re eating, you might gently ask,
“What are you most looking forward to this term?”

No pressure. Just space.

Embrace the mess, it’s part of it

Baking can be messy, much like the start of a new routine.

Let the juice drip down your hands. Taste-test along the way. Pop on some music and do a little baking boogie while the muffins cool. Embrace the chaos, especially with younger kids. We’ve all had the sugar-bag-on-the-floor moment.

The beauty of this recipe, and many I use, is that it’s forgiving. There’s no “right” fruit, imperfect mixing still works, and they always taste good. Less pressure for you means a calmer experience for everyone.

Let your child lead

If you can, let your child take the lead.

Get them to pull out ingredients, measure, pour, mix, and tell you what comes next. Younger kids can help identify ingredients or letters on the packet. Older kids love being the boss. Try being their helper and watch how proud they feel.

And yes, cleaning up is part of baking too. It’s a together activity from start to finish.

If your child is feeling particularly unsure about going back to school, baking can also be something to look forward to.
“Hey, we could do some baking together after school tomorrow. What shall we make?”

If you do try these muffins, notice not just how they taste, but how it feels to bake together.

And if you’d love more easy, confidence-building baking time, check out my Back to School Baking Challenge, prizes to be won for joining in! You'll find all the info by clicking here!

Until next time,
Heather xx