14 Dessert Recipes That Kids Can Make!
Intro
If there’s one thing about dinner time that isn’t a constant struggle with kids, it’s dessert! And while every kid loves dessert, all the options can be a little overwhelming. That’s precisely why we have written this article. We’re giving you fun dessert ideas that are so simple that kids can actually help you make them!
What Makes a Good Dessert?
Before we get started, let’s talk about a few basic fundamentals of making a dessert. We know, your kid probably wants the sweetest, most chocolaty thing available. But if you do it right, you can actually make desserts that are delicious and not overly unhealthy. And we know, health is probably the last thing on your mind when it comes to making a tasty dessert, but it doesn’t hurt to try!
That is why, in this list, we’ve focused on desserts that are easy, fun, and even some that are pretty healthy! Of course, some options are healthier than others, and your child is bound to prefer some desserts over others, but we’re focused on giving you a full range of options that are simple enough for your kid to participate in the preparation process! This post contains affiliate links to relevant products. If you purchase through them I may make a commission on qualifying orders
14 Dessert Recipes That Kids Can Make
Banana Split
We’re starting with one of the easiest to make, and perhaps the biggest kid favorite – the banana split! What kid doesn’t love a banana split? Just take a few scoops of ice cream, add half a banana to either side, and top with all the ice cream toppings that kids love (and don’t forget the whipped cream!). We aren’t going to pretend this is healthy (save for the banana), but it’s hard to deny that kids love it.
Cookies
Cookies are a great entry for any kid into the world of baking. Cookie recipes are so simple and basic, and you can have your kids held you measure out some of the ingredients, or mold the cookies into balls. Plus, what kid wouldn’t want to help you out in exchange for a little bit of cookie dough?
Brownies
Along the same lines as cookies are brownies. Brownie recipes are quite simple as well, and your kid can learn the basics of baking by measuring out some ingredients, and learning how to use various measurement tools. You can even have them help you with other tasks such as spreading the icing. We particularly love the simple brownie recipe in the Yum Schooling Cookbook for kids.
Fruit and Yogurt
On the healthier end of things, we have a fruit and yogurt dessert. This one doesn’t take much preparation at all. Have your child help you prepare some of their favorite fruits. Add to some yogurt, and you’ve got a healthy dessert in under 5 minutes.
Cupcakes
How about baking some cupcakes? The process is just as easy as cookies and brownies, and your child can continue their adventure into the world of baking. Kids are eager to help out as long as they are given a well defined task. Put them in charge of measuring certain ingredients. They are especially eager to help when they know that the reward is fresh cupcakes!
Milkshakes
Milkshakes are always a popular choice. All you need is a blender, some ice cream, milk, syrup, and some ice. From there, you can let your creativity run wild. Try adding some chocolate syrup and peanut butter for a delicious shake. The great thing about milkshakes are that it is hard to mess up the proportions, so kids can easily experiment with their own recipes.
Muffins
Muffins are a healthier alternative to an overly sweet dessert. Similar to cupcakes, your kids can easily help you make muffins. Kids make great helpers when it is clearly explained to them what they need to do. Have them measure out the ingredients and fill the muffin baking cups.
Ice Cream Cones
Why not keep it simple with ice cream cones? It’s a basic dessert that every kid loves.
S’mores
Done best over a campfire, s’mores are an awesome dessert and definite kid-favorite. All you need are graham crackers, marshmallows, and milk chocolate. If you aren’t near a campfire, try baking them in the oven until the marshmallow is golden brown.
Pudding
Whether you make it from scratch or use a pudding mix, pudding is an easy recipe that kids can learn to help out with. Making pudding is so easy that most kids can learn to do it completely on their own!
Frozen Lemonade Popsicles
With the help of some popsicle molds, any kid can learn to make their own popsicles with any sort of flavour they want! Simply fill with juice and freeze. In a couple hours you have delicious homemade popsicles.
Ants on a Log
Ants on a log are known as a healthy snack option, but they’re so delicious that they can pass as a dessert as well! Take some celery, fill with peanut butter, and add some raisins. For dessert, you can even substitute the raisins with chocolate chips. It’s an easy option that is healthier than your typical dessert, and kids can prep it fully by themselves!
Kettle Corn
Kettle Corn Popcorn is another very easy dessert option. Once kids learn how to use a stove-top popcorn maker (this is the popcorn maker we have and love) they can make this super simple treat themselves. You can also use the kettle corn to make a salty sweet snack mix with a just a few more ingredients. This is a fun dessert for a movie night.
Frozen Chocolate Bananas
Frozen chocolate bananas are so easy to make. Put a stick into a banana, dip into some melted chocolate, and freeze! You’ve got a delicious banana “popsicle”! Aside from melting the chocolate, kids can make this one on their own, and it’s quite a bit healthier than many other classic dessert options.
Conclusion
Thanks so much for reading through our list. We tried to present you with many dessert options that kids can make themselves, or at least assist you in preparing. Desserts are a fun way to spark interest in cooking from a young age!
About the Author
Alissa is a resilience coach, cartoonist, and advocate for ‘connection, not perfection’. She’s dedicated to helping others find a sense of safety and belonging inside themselves so they can heal, connect, and build authentic, joyful lives.