Hi there, I’m Ruby Elise!
Imagine it’s a rainy afternoon, and your kids are full of energy. What can you do to keep them busy and happy? Let’s make some desserts! It’s a fun way to spend time together and create sweet memories.
As a mom of two little ones, I know how exciting (and messy!) it can be to bake with kids. My daughter loves mixing the batter, and my son is great at making a mess with flour. But those giggles and little moments make it all worth it.
In this post, I’ll share 15 simple desserts for kids that are easy to make and super tasty. These recipes will bring joy to your kitchen and a smile to your kids’ faces. Let’s get started and make something sweet!
15 Simple Desserts for Kids That They’ll Love
1. 3-Ingredient Peanut Butter Cookies
If there’s one recipe that’s as easy as it is delicious, it’s these 3-ingredient peanut butter cookies. With just peanut butter, sugar, and an egg, you’ve got cookies that are soft, chewy, and impossible to resist.
My daughter loves rolling the dough into little balls and pressing them with a fork to make those cute crisscross patterns. These cookies are ready in no time, making them perfect for those “Mom, can we bake something?” moments.
2. Rice Krispie Treats
Rice Krispie Treats are a childhood classic that never goes out of style. What I love about this recipe is how hands-on it is for kids. They can stir the gooey marshmallow mixture and shape the treats into fun designs like stars or hearts.
We’ve even tried adding a splash of food coloring or tossing in some sprinkles to make them extra festive. No baking, no fuss—just lots of sticky fun!
3. Oreo Dirt Cups
Here’s a dessert that’s as fun to make as it is to eat. Oreo Dirt Cups are layers of creamy chocolate pudding, crushed Oreos, and gummy worms that create a mini edible garden.
When we make these, my kids take charge of crumbling the Oreos (and sneaking a few, of course). They love poking the gummy worms into the “dirt” and showing off their creations. It’s messy but oh-so worth it!
4. No-Bake Cookies
No-bake cookies are a game-changer when you need a quick treat without turning on the oven. These cookies are a mix of oats, cocoa, peanut butter, and sugar, and they come together in just minutes. My kids love helping me stir the ingredients in the pot—although I have to watch closely because they’re always eager to sneak a bite of the peanut butter!
The best part? There’s minimal cleanup. After spooning out the cookies onto wax paper, you can let them cool and harden while enjoying some well-earned downtime.
5. Puppy Chow (Muddy Buddies)
Puppy Chow (or Muddy Buddies) is one of those treats that always gets a thumbs-up in our house. It’s a simple mix of cereal, peanut butter, powdered sugar, and chocolate—basically everything kids love in one snack. My son, who’s just learning how to mix, loves getting his hands in the bowl and shaking the bag of powdered sugar to coat the mixture.
It’s sweet, crunchy, and chocolaty, and perfect for a quick snack after school or a party treat. Plus, it keeps well in a sealed container, so you can enjoy it for a few days.
6. Strawberry Shortcake Kabobs
These Strawberry Shortcake Kabobs are a fresh twist on the traditional shortcake. They’re easy to make and fun for kids to assemble. All you need are strawberries, pound cake (or angel food cake), and whipped cream.
My daughter loves threading the pieces onto skewers—she gets to play with her food while making something delicious! You can even mix things up by adding a few chocolate chips or a drizzle of honey. This light, fruity treat is perfect for hot days or as a healthier alternative to other sweets.
7. Chocolate Lava Mug Cake
When you’re craving something warm, gooey, and chocolaty in just minutes, the Chocolate Lava Mug Cake is your answer. This dessert is made in a microwave—yep, just a few minutes, and you’re digging into a molten center of chocolate goodness. My kids love the magic of it all—the way the cake puffs up and then oozes delicious chocolate when you take your first bite.
It’s a fun dessert to make together because the recipe is so easy. Just mix up a few ingredients, pop it in the microwave, and in no time, you have a single-serving treat. For an extra indulgent finish, top it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or whipped cream.
8. Cake Mix Cookies
Cake Mix Cookies are a lifesaver for busy days. You can use any cake mix—chocolate, vanilla, red velvet—and turn it into soft, chewy cookies in no time. My daughter loves to help me customize them with colorful sprinkles, M&M’s, or chocolate chips. She feels like a little chef when she chooses her toppings.
The best part is how quick and easy they are. There is no need to measure out all the ingredients like you would for traditional cookies. You just grab a box of cake mix, mix in a couple of ingredients, scoop, and bake! Simple and fun.
9. Chocolate Dipped Pretzels
Chocolate-dipped pretzels are the perfect blend of salty and sweet. They’re easy for kids to make, and the decorating process is a blast. You dip the pretzels in melted chocolate. Then, the fun begins. Add sprinkles, mini candy pieces, crushed nuts, or a drizzle of white chocolate. The possibilities are endless!
My kids love picking their favorite toppings for their pretzels. They like to cover them in colorful sprinkles or crushed candy. It’s like creating little masterpieces, and they get to enjoy the treats afterward. It’s a great dessert for parties, holidays, or just an afternoon snack.
10. Popcorn Bars
Popcorn Bars are the ultimate sweet and salty snack! They’re super simple to make and perfect for kids who love hands-on treats. All you need is some popcorn, melted marshmallows, and your favorite candies. The beauty of these bars is how easy it is to customize them to your family’s tastes. You can add chocolate chips, gummy bears, or even sprinkles—whatever you have on hand!
My kids love helping me mix the ingredients and pressing it all into a pan. It’s always a hit at snack time, and the fun part is getting to break it up into pieces and share. It’s like a treat that you can’t stop munching on once you start!
11. Banana Pudding Cups
Banana Pudding Cups are not only a hit with kids, but they’re also super simple to put together. All you do is layer vanilla pudding, sliced bananas, and cookies (usually vanilla wafers) into small cups. It’s a dessert that’s both delicious and fun to assemble!
My daughter loves doing the layering, and my son enjoys snacking on the bananas as we go. The great thing about these cups is they’re totally customizable—you can add extra toppings like whipped cream or a drizzle of chocolate syrup. Plus, it’s a dessert that can be made ahead of time, making it perfect for busy days when you want something special without much fuss.
12. Watermelon Popsicles
Watermelon Popsicles are the refreshing, healthy dessert you need for a hot day. They’re super easy to make and a great way to keep kids cool and satisfied. All you need is watermelon, a little lime juice, and a touch of honey, and you’re ready to go. Blend it all together, pour into molds, and freeze!
These popsicles are a great alternative to sugary store-bought ones, and my kids love the vibrant pink color and fresh, fruity taste. They’re a fun, hands-on treat for little ones, and the best part is they can help with the blending and pouring. It’s like making your frozen treats, and they feel so proud when it’s time to pop them out of the molds and enjoy.
13. Funfetti Cookies
Funfetti Cookies are a colorful, joyful treat that’s perfect for kids who love to get creative in the kitchen. With just a basic sugar cookie dough, all you need to do is add colorful sprinkles to the mix before baking. It’s that simple! Once they’re out of the oven, the fun really begins—decorating them!
My kids get excited just watching the vibrant sprinkles swirl through the dough. They love decorating their cookies with even more sprinkles or icing to make them extra festive. These cookies are not just about eating; they’re about having fun with the process. It’s an easy recipe for everyone to enjoy, and they always turn out so cheerful and delicious!
14. Chocolate Covered Strawberries
Chocolate Covered Strawberries are a perfect, fancy no-bake dessert. They’re easy to make, though. All you need are fresh strawberries and your favorite chocolate (either milk, dark, or white). Melt the chocolate, dip the strawberries, and let them cool on parchment paper. That’s it!
This treat is great for kids to help with. They love dipping the strawberries into the chocolate and even adding extra toppings like crushed nuts or sprinkles. It’s a simple way to make something look elegant and taste amazing without needing to turn on the oven! We often make these when we’re celebrating something special, and they never fail to impress.
15. Peanut Butter Balls
Peanut Butter Balls are a no-bake, protein-packed treat that’s perfect for little hands. Made with peanut butter, powdered sugar, and a bit of melted chocolate, these bite-sized snacks are sweet, satisfying, and fun to roll.
I love how easy they are to put together—mix everything, roll them into balls, dip them in chocolate, and let them set. My kids are always eager to help roll the peanut butter mixture into balls and then watch me drizzle them in chocolate. These little bites of goodness are a great snack, and they’re perfect for keeping kids full between meals. Whether for a quick treat or an after-school snack, they’re always a crowd-pleaser in our house!
Why Simple Desserts for Kids Are Perfect for Families
Simple desserts for kids are a total game-changer for busy families. They’re easy to make, fun to put together, and can bring everyone together for some quality bonding time in the kitchen. When you have little ones around, the last thing you want is a complicated recipe with a million steps. Simple treats allow everyone to get involved without feeling stressed out.
These desserts are also a great way to teach kids about baking and kitchen skills. Whether they’re stirring, measuring, or decorating, they’ll feel like little chefs. Plus, making something sweet together is a fun way to create lasting memories and give them a sense of accomplishment. And let’s not forget the joy of seeing their faces light up when they taste their creations! So, from quick cookies to no-bake treats, these desserts let families share both the work and the reward.
Tips for Baking and Cooking with Kids
Baking with kids is always an adventure, and it’s one of those activities that can go from chaos to joy in an instant. Here are a few tips to keep the process smooth and fun for everyone involved.
- Prep ahead of Time: Have everything ready before your little ones start helping. Measure out the ingredients and set up any tools or bowls. This makes the process less overwhelming for kids and gives them more time to have fun.
- Embrace the Mess: Let’s face it—kids are messy! But that’s half the fun. Cover your counters with parchment paper or a tablecloth, and don’t worry about a few spilled sprinkles or flour everywhere. It’s part of the experience.
- Choose Simple Recipes: Stick to recipes with fewer steps and simple ingredients. As you saw, desserts like Rice Krispie treats, no-bake cookies, and chocolate-dipped strawberries are perfect. They are quick, easy, and forgiving.
- Make It a Learning Experience: Use baking to teach your kids about measurements, following instructions, and being patient. They’ll learn valuable skills without even realizing it.
- Let Them Lead: Give kids some autonomy in the kitchen. Let them stir the batter, arrange the toppings, or shape the cookies. The more involved they feel, the more they’ll enjoy the process.
- Have Fun with Decorating: Let your kids get creative with decorating! Sprinkles, frosting, and candy toppings allow them to express themselves and make the dessert their own.
Baking with kids can be a little messy at times, but it’s also a lot of fun. It’s a great way to connect with them, teach important skills, and create something delicious to share together.
Frequently Asked Questions About Simple Desserts for Kids
These are just a few ways to balance fun and nutrition when making desserts with your kids. The key is to keep things simple, keep it fun, and enjoy every moment spent in the kitchen together!
Wrapping It Up
And that’s a wrap! These fun, easy desserts are perfect for getting your kids in the kitchen and making sweet memories. Whether it’s whipping up Rice Krispie Treats or Peanut Butter Balls, the joy of baking together is the best part. So, grab your little ones, have fun, and enjoy these tasty treats as a family. They’re quick, simple, and oh-so-delicious! Happy baking!
