As a college student, I stay up late and I get hungry! As it gets later, I get more tired and am not up to making a full meal after 10 pm. But I know some great late-night snack hacks to fill you up for all the students needing some late-night fuel.
Let's start with some savory snacks:
1. Microwave nachos: All you need is chips of your choice and shredded cheese (I recommend the Mexican 3 cheese blend). Put one layer of chips on the plate, then a layer of cheese, repeat at least one more time, and microwave for 45 seconds to 1 minute. And voila:
2. Cheese and crackers: Similar to #1, but no microwave is necessary. I recommend saltines or snack crackers from Whole Foods or Ritz crackers with some classic cubed cheddar or your cheese of choice. (Or even make a nice charcuterie board with all your favorite little snacks!)
3. Salted sliced cucumbers: Hear me out, slice them thinly, spread some salt on them, and boom, a delicious snack.
4. Pizza quesadilla: Use any size tortilla, spread tomato sauce, add some shredded mozzarella cheese, (add pepperoni if you want), and put in the air fryer/toaster oven for 2-3 minutes at 350 degrees. Then pull out a mini pizza!
5. Avocado toast: Grab your favorite bread to toast and spread some avocado, lemon juice, a pinch of salt, everything but the bagel seasoning, and sprouts (optional: smoked salmon).
On to the late-night snack hacks for those with a sweet tooth. I love a good dessert, but when I'm craving a brownie I realize they take 30 minutes to bake. With these hacks, you can have a good dessert in no time.
1. Chocolate mug cake: 2 tablespoons of flour, a pinch of salt, 1/2 teaspoon baking soda, 1 tablespoon cocoa powder, 3 tablespoons of milk, 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract, 2 tablespoons canola oil, 3 tablespoons of sugar, and as many chocolate chips as you want! Then microwave it for 1 minute and enjoy.
2. Warm Nutella sandwich: (Toaster oven/toaster needed). Get your favorite sandwich bread and that chocolatey spread and pop it in the toaster for a great treat.
3. Chocolate covered____: Melt a cup of chocolate chips in a microwave-safe bowl for 1 minute, and dip whatever you prefer into the bowl! Pretzels, strawberries, apples, bananas, bread, or drizzle it over some popcorn.
4. Easy strawberry cheesecake: In a cup, start with 1/2 cup of graham cracker crumbs, a spoonful of plain yogurt, and a spoonful of jam (strawberry or whatever you prefer). Repeat 2-3 more times for the full experience.
Optional: Add a pinch of lemon zest between each layer.
5. Coconut mousse: 1 cup coconut cream, 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon, 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, 4 tablespoons coconut sugar, mix it all together, and enjoy.
There you go! 10 easy snack hacks for all the college students out there needing some low-effort but delicious fuel to keep them going. You can swap out any ingredients you want, or just keep it simple and remove something you don't like. I hope these recipes keep you going for all of your late-night study sessions.