Making desserts with kids is a fun and educational activity that creates lasting memories.
From no-bake treats to holiday-themed goodies, discover delightful recipes perfect for little helpers.
Easy No-Bake Desserts
Chocolate Rice Krispie Treats
Ingredients:
- 3 tablespoons of butter
- 1 package (10 oz) of marshmallows
- 6 cups of Rice Krispies cereal
- 1 cup of chocolate chips
Instructions:
- Melt the butter in a large saucepan over low heat.
- Add marshmallows and stir until completely melted.
- Remove from heat and stir in the Rice Krispies cereal until well coated.
- Press the mixture into a greased 9×13-inch pan using a buttered spatula.
- Melt the chocolate chips in the microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring in between until smooth.
- Drizzle or spread the melted chocolate over the Rice Krispies treats.
- Let cool, then cut into squares.
Tips:
- Variations: Add colorful sprinkles, mini marshmallows, or candy pieces for extra fun.
- Storage: Store in an airtight container to keep them fresh.
Fruit and Yogurt Parfaits
Ingredients:
- 2 cups of Greek yogurt
- 1 cup of granola
- 2 cups of mixed fresh fruits (berries, bananas, kiwi, etc.)
- Honey or maple syrup (optional)
Instructions:
- Layer yogurt at the bottom of each glass or bowl.
- Add a layer of granola on top of the yogurt.
- Add a layer of mixed fruits.
- Repeat the layers until the glass is full.
- Drizzle honey or maple syrup on top if desired.
Tips:
- Fruit Options: Use any seasonal or favorite fruits.
- Fun Variations: Try different flavors of yogurt or add nuts and seeds for a crunchy twist.
Peanut Butter Chocolate Balls
Ingredients:
- 1 cup of creamy peanut butter
- 1/2 cup of powdered sugar
- 1/2 cup of crushed graham crackers
- 1 cup of chocolate chips
Instructions:
- Mix the peanut butter, powdered sugar, and crushed graham crackers in a bowl until well combined.
- Roll the mixture into small balls and place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Melt the chocolate chips in the microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring in between until smooth.
- Dip each peanut butter ball into the melted chocolate and place it back on the baking sheet.
- Refrigerate until the chocolate is set.
Tips:
- Allergy-Friendly: Substitute sunflower seed butter or almond butter if there are peanut allergies.
- Decorations: Roll the balls in crushed nuts, coconut flakes, or sprinkles before the chocolate sets for added texture and flavor.
Making these easy no-bake desserts with kids is a great way to introduce them to the kitchen without the need for an oven. Each recipe is simple, delicious, and customizable, ensuring everyone has fun and enjoys their sweet creations.
Fun and Creative Desserts
Cupcake Decorating
Ingredients:
- 1 batch of your favorite cupcake recipe or store-bought cupcakes
- Assorted frosting (different colors and flavors)
- Various toppings (sprinkles, candies, chocolate chips, edible glitter)
Instructions:
- Bake or purchase a batch of cupcakes and let them cool completely.
- Set up a decorating station with different colored frostings and various toppings.
- Let the kids decorate their cupcakes using the frosting and toppings.
Ideas for Decorations:
- Themed Cupcakes: Create themes like animals, flowers, or favorite characters.
- Colorful Designs: Use multiple frosting colors to make rainbow or tie-dye patterns.
- Special Occasions: Decorate cupcakes for birthdays, holidays, or special events.
Ice Cream Sandwiches
Ingredients:
- 1 batch of cookies (homemade or store-bought)
- Your favorite ice cream flavors
- Optional: Sprinkles, mini chocolate chips, chopped nuts
Instructions:
- Bake or purchase cookies and let them cool completely.
- Scoop a generous amount of ice cream onto one cookie.
- Press another cookie on top to make a sandwich.
- Roll the edges of the ice cream sandwich in sprinkles, mini chocolate chips, or chopped nuts if desired.
- Freeze the sandwiches for at least an hour before serving.
Creative Combinations:
- Flavor Pairings: Mix and match different cookie and ice cream flavors for unique combinations.
- Decorative Edges: Use colorful sprinkles or crushed candies for a festive touch.
DIY Sundae Bar
Ingredients:
- Several flavors of ice cream
- Toppings: chocolate syrup, caramel sauce, whipped cream, nuts, sprinkles, fruits, candies
Instructions:
- Set up a sundae bar with bowls of different ice cream flavors and various toppings.
- Provide bowls or cups for each person to create their own sundae.
- Encourage the kids to get creative with their combinations and toppings.
Tips for Setting Up:
- Theme Ideas: Create themed sundae bars such as tropical (with pineapple, coconut, and mango) or chocolate lover’s (with various chocolate sauces and candies).
- Healthy Options: Include fresh fruit and nuts as healthier topping choices.
These fun and creative desserts not only taste amazing but also provide a great opportunity for kids to express their creativity. Whether decorating cupcakes, making ice cream sandwiches, or setting up a sundae bar, these activities are sure to bring joy and delicious results.
Classic Desserts with a Twist
Brownie Pizza
Ingredients:
- 1 box of brownie mix (or your favorite homemade brownie recipe)
- Assorted toppings (e.g., fresh fruits, mini marshmallows, chocolate chips, nuts)
- 1 cup of frosting or chocolate spread
Instructions:
- Prepare the brownie mix according to the package instructions and spread the batter onto a pizza pan or a round baking sheet.
- Bake the brownie in a preheated oven as directed, then let it cool completely.
- Spread a thin layer of frosting or chocolate spread over the brownie “crust.”
- Decorate with assorted toppings, creating a colorful and delicious “pizza.”
Topping Ideas:
- Fruit Toppings: Strawberries, blueberries, kiwi slices, banana slices.
- Sweet Additions: Mini marshmallows, M&M’s, chocolate chips.
- Crunchy Elements: Crushed nuts, granola, coconut flakes.
Mini Fruit Pies
Ingredients:
- 1 package of refrigerated pie crusts
- Assorted pie fillings (e.g., apple, cherry, blueberry)
- 1 egg (for egg wash)
- Sugar for sprinkling
Instructions:
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Roll out the pie crusts and cut them into small circles using a cookie cutter or a glass.
- Place a spoonful of pie filling in the center of each circle.
- Fold the circles in half to create mini pies and seal the edges with a fork.
- Brush the tops with egg wash and sprinkle with sugar.
- Bake for 12-15 minutes or until golden brown.
- Let cool slightly before serving.
Tips:
- Personal Touch: Allow kids to choose their favorite fillings and decorate the tops with small dough shapes.
- Mini Pie Varieties: Experiment with different fruits or even savory fillings for a twist.
Rainbow Jello Cups
Ingredients:
- Assorted Jello flavors (various colors)
- Whipped cream
- Clear plastic cups
Instructions:
- Prepare each Jello flavor according to the package instructions, but use slightly less water for a firmer texture.
- Pour the first layer of Jello into clear cups and refrigerate until set.
- Repeat with each additional flavor, allowing each layer to set before adding the next.
- Once all layers are set, top with whipped cream.
Tips:
- Layering Fun: Involve kids in choosing the order of colors and layering the Jello.
- Creative Additions: Add fruit pieces or candy between layers for extra surprises.
These classic desserts with a twist bring a fresh and fun approach to traditional treats. Brownie pizzas, mini fruit pies, and rainbow Jello cups are not only delicious but also provide endless opportunities for kids to get creative in the kitchen.
Holiday-Themed Desserts
Christmas Cookie Decorating
Ingredients:
- Basic sugar cookie dough (homemade or store-bought)
- Assorted cookie cutters (e.g., trees, stars, snowmen)
- Various colors of icing
- Decorative sprinkles, edible glitter, and candy
Instructions:
- Preheat the oven according to the cookie dough instructions.
- Roll out the dough and use cookie cutters to cut out festive shapes.
- Bake the cookies and let them cool completely.
- Set up a decorating station with different colors of icing and various decorations.
- Let the kids decorate the cookies with icing, sprinkles, and other fun toppings.
Ideas for Decorations:
- Themed Decorations: Use specific colors and shapes to match holiday themes.
- Creative Designs: Encourage kids to create their own unique cookie designs.
Halloween Dirt Cups
Ingredients:
- 1 package of chocolate instant pudding mix
- 2 cups of cold milk
- 1 package of Oreo cookies (crushed)
- Gummy worms and other spooky candies
Instructions:
- Prepare the chocolate pudding according to the package instructions and let it set.
- Crush the Oreo cookies into fine crumbs.
- Layer the pudding and Oreo crumbs in clear cups to create a “dirt” effect.
- Top with gummy worms and other spooky candies.
Ideas for Spooky Decorations:
- Graveyard Theme: Add cookie tombstones or candy skeletons.
- Creepy Crawlers: Use different gummy insects for variety.
Easter Bunny Cupcakes
Ingredients:
- 1 batch of cupcakes (homemade or store-bought)
- White frosting
- Shredded coconut
- Marshmallows
- Pink icing or candy for ears and nose
- Mini chocolate chips for eyes
Instructions:
- Frost the cupcakes with white frosting.
- Sprinkle shredded coconut on top to create a “furry” effect.
- Cut marshmallows in half diagonally to create bunny ears and dip the sticky side in pink sugar or color with pink icing.
- Place the ears on top of the cupcakes.
- Use pink icing or candy for the nose and mini chocolate chips for the eyes.
Tips for Decorating:
- Personalized Bunnies: Let kids use different colors and candies to create unique bunny faces.
- Easter Theme: Add other Easter-themed decorations like mini eggs or pastel sprinkles.
These holiday-themed desserts are perfect for adding a festive touch to your celebrations. Christmas cookie decorating, Halloween dirt cups, and Easter bunny cupcakes are not only delicious but also fun and engaging activities that kids will love.
Healthy Desserts
Frozen Banana Pops
Ingredients:
- 4 ripe bananas
- 1 cup of Greek yogurt (vanilla or plain)
- Assorted toppings (e.g., crushed nuts, coconut flakes, granola, mini chocolate chips)
Instructions:
- Peel and cut each banana in half, then insert a popsicle stick into each half.
- Dip the banana halves into Greek yogurt, covering them completely.
- Roll the yogurt-covered bananas in your choice of toppings.
- Place the banana pops on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Freeze for at least 2 hours, or until the bananas are firm.
Tips:
- Topping Ideas: Experiment with different toppings like dried fruit, seeds, or colorful sprinkles.
- Flavor Variations: Try using flavored yogurt or adding a drizzle of honey for extra sweetness.
Apple Nachos
Ingredients:
- 3 large apples (sliced thin)
- 1/4 cup of peanut butter (or any nut/seed butter)
- 2 tablespoons of honey
- Assorted toppings (e.g., mini chocolate chips, granola, shredded coconut, chopped nuts)
Instructions:
- Arrange the apple slices on a large plate or platter.
- Warm the peanut butter in the microwave for a few seconds until it is easily pourable.
- Drizzle the peanut butter and honey over the apple slices.
- Sprinkle your choice of toppings over the apples.
Tips:
- Variety: Use different types of apples for a mix of flavors and textures.
- Allergy-Friendly: Substitute sunflower seed butter or another nut-free option if needed.
Chia Seed Pudding
Ingredients:
- 1/4 cup of chia seeds
- 1 cup of milk (dairy or non-dairy)
- 1 tablespoon of honey or maple syrup
- 1/2 teaspoon of vanilla extract
- Fresh fruits and nuts for topping
Instructions:
- In a bowl or jar, mix the chia seeds, milk, honey, and vanilla extract.
- Stir well to combine, then cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight, stirring occasionally.
- Once the pudding has thickened, stir again and portion into serving bowls.
- Top with fresh fruits and nuts before serving.
Tips:
- Flavor Options: Add cocoa powder for a chocolate version or mix in mashed berries for a fruity twist.
- Toppings: Use a variety of fruits, nuts, and seeds to add texture and flavor.
These healthy desserts are a great way to satisfy a sweet tooth while also providing nutritious options for kids. Frozen banana pops, apple nachos, and chia seed pudding are not only delicious but also easy to make, ensuring that dessert time is both fun and wholesome.
Tips for Cooking with Kids
Safety Tips
- Supervise at All Times: Always keep an eye on the kids while they’re in the kitchen to prevent accidents.
- Teach Proper Handling: Show kids how to use kitchen tools safely, especially sharp items like knives and hot appliances.
- Safe Workspaces: Ensure the work area is free of hazards and that children are working on stable surfaces.
Age-Appropriate Tasks
- Toddlers (2-4 years): Let them wash fruits and vegetables, stir ingredients, and sprinkle toppings.
- Preschoolers (4-6 years): Allow them to measure ingredients, mix batters, and decorate desserts.
- School-Aged Kids (6-10 years): Involve them in reading recipes, using basic kitchen tools, and assembling dishes.
- Preteens and Teens (10+ years): Give them more independence with tasks like using the oven, following complex recipes, and experimenting with new ingredients.
Encouraging Creativity and Independence
- Recipe Exploration: Let kids choose recipes and decide on ingredients to foster their creativity.
- Personal Touch: Encourage them to add their own twists to recipes, like choosing unique toppings or trying new flavor combinations.
- Celebrate Efforts: Praise their efforts and creativity, even if the results aren’t perfect.
Handling Messes and Teaching Clean-Up
- Expect Messes: Understand that spills and messes are part of the process and an opportunity for learning.
- Clean-As-You-Go: Teach kids to clean up small messes as they occur to keep the workspace manageable.
- End of Session Clean-Up: Make cleaning up a fun part of the activity by turning it into a game or challenge.
Cooking with kids can be a joyful and enriching experience when approached with the right mindset and techniques. By focusing on safety, age-appropriate tasks, creativity, and clean-up, you can ensure that your time in the kitchen is both fun and educational for everyone involved.
