Simple Desserts That Kids Can Help Make

Baking and cooking with kids is a wonderful way to bond, and it’s also an opportunity to introduce them to the joys of food preparation. When it comes to desserts, the kitchen is a playground full of creativity, color, and, of course, sweetness! If you're looking for fun and easy ways to get your little ones involved in the kitchen, here are some simple dessert ideas that they’ll enjoy helping make — and eating afterward!

1. Fruit Salad Parfaits
Fruit salad parfaits are a simple, healthy, and fun dessert that kids can assemble themselves. The layers of colorful fruit and creamy yogurt or whipped cream offer a visual feast that’s as fun to make as it is to eat.

What You’ll Need:
a. Assorted fruits (berries, bananas, kiwi, grapes, etc.)
b. Greek yogurt or vanilla yogurt
c. Honey or maple syrup (optional)
d. Granola

How to Make It:
a. Slice the fruits into small, bite-sized pieces.
b. Let your child layer the fruits in clear cups or jars, alternating between fruits, yogurt, and a drizzle of honey.
c. Top with a sprinkle of granola for added crunch.
d. Serve immediately or refrigerate for later.
The beauty of this dessert is its versatility. Kids can mix and match their favorite fruits, and the layering process allows them to be as creative as they like!

2. No-Bake Chocolate Peanut Butter Bars
If you’re looking for a dessert that doesn’t require any oven time, these no-bake chocolate peanut butter bars are the perfect solution. They’re simple to prepare, and your kids can help with mixing and pressing the ingredients into the pan.

What You’ll Need:
a. 1 cup peanut butter
b. 1 cup powdered sugar
c. 2 cups graham cracker crumbs
d. 1 ½ cups chocolate chips
e. 1 tbsp butter

How to Make It:
a. In a bowl, mix the peanut butter, powdered sugar, and graham cracker crumbs until well combined.
b. Press the mixture into a baking dish or pan, using your hands or a spoon to smooth it out.
c. Melt the chocolate chips and butter together in a microwave or on a stovetop. Pour the melted chocolate over the peanut butter layer.
d. Let the bars set in the fridge for at least an hour before slicing and serving.
This recipe is so easy that even younger kids can help with stirring and spreading the mixture into the pan!

3. Ice Cream Sundae Bar
An ice cream sundae bar is one of the most fun ways to let kids get creative in the kitchen. It’s not a “bake,” but it’s a dessert that allows kids to assemble their treats and choose their own toppings.

What You’ll Need:
a. Ice cream (several flavors)
b. Toppings like sprinkles, chocolate syrup, fruit, marshmallows, crushed cookies, or nuts

How to Make It:
a. Set up a sundae station with bowls of toppings and different flavors of ice cream.
b. Let the kids scoop their ice cream into bowls or cones.
c. Allow them to pile on as many toppings as they like.
d. Enjoy the creations!
This dessert is perfect for parties or a fun family night. The best part? The kids do all the work, and you get to sit back and enjoy!

4. Cookie Decorating
Kids love decorating cookies, and you can make this a creative activity that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you're making sugar cookies or even store-bought cookies, the decorating possibilities are endless.

What You’ll Need:
a. Sugar cookies (either homemade or store-bought)
b. Icing (store-bought or homemade)
c. Sprinkles, candy, chocolate chips, and colored sugars

How to Make It:
a. Bake or buy your favorite sugar cookies and let them cool.
b. Prepare the icing in different colors (or use store-bought icing for convenience).
c. Lay out a variety of toppings for decoration — think sprinkles, mini chocolate chips, or small candies.
d. Let the kids go wild decorating their cookies with icing, sprinkles, and anything else they can dream up.
e. Cookie decorating isn’t just for holidays; you can make it a fun activity anytime, and it’s a great way to let kids express their creativity.

5. Rice Krispies Treats
Rice Krispies treats are a classic and very simple dessert that kids will love making. The mixture is easy to stir and mold, and the final result is both crunchy and chewy.

What You’ll Need:

a. 6 cups Rice Krispies cereal
b. 3 tbsp butter
c. 1 package (10 oz) marshmallows

How to Make It:
a. In a large pot, melt the butter and marshmallows over low heat until smooth and gooey.
b. Remove from heat and stir in the Rice Krispies cereal until well coated.
c. Press the mixture into a greased pan using a spatula or your hands.
d. Let it cool for about 30 minutes before cutting into squares.
e. Kids can help with stirring the marshmallow mixture (with supervision), pouring in the cereal, and pressing it into the pan. Plus, you can add fun variations like chocolate chips or colorful sprinkles.

6. Mini Cheesecake Bites
Mini cheesecakes are perfect for little hands and are an easy-to-make dessert that’s perfect for any occasion.

What You’ll Need:
a. 1 package cream cheese (softened)
b. ½ cup sugar
c. 1 tsp vanilla extract
d. 1 egg
e. 1 box graham crackers
f. 3 tbsp melted butter
g. Toppings like fruit, chocolate chips, or whipped cream

How to Make It:
a. Preheat the oven to 350°F and line a muffin tin with paper liners.
b. Crush the graham crackers and mix with melted butter to form a crust.
c. Press a spoonful of the graham cracker mixture into the bottom of each muffin cup.
d. In a bowl, mix the cream cheese, sugar, vanilla, and egg until smooth, then spoon it over the crust.
e. Bake for about 15-20 minutes or until set, then let cool.
f. Top with fruit, whipped cream, or any other favorite topping.
g. Kids will love spooning the cheesecake mixture into the muffin tins and decorating the finished bites!

7. Chocolate-Dipped Pretzels
This is a no-bake dessert that’s super easy and fun to make. Kids can dip the pretzels into melted chocolate and then decorate them with sprinkles or crushed candy.

What You’ll Need:
a. Pretzel rods or twists
b. Chocolate chips or melting chocolate
c. Sprinkles, crushed nuts, or candy bits

How to Make It:
a. Melt the chocolate in a microwave-safe bowl, stirring every 30 seconds until smooth.
b. Dip the pretzels into the chocolate, coating them as much as you like.
c. Let the kids add their favorite toppings — sprinkles, crushed candy, or even a drizzle of white chocolate.
d. Set the pretzels on parchment paper and let them cool until the chocolate hardens.
e. These are a great treat for after-school snacks or party favors.

Conclusion
Making desserts with kids not only teaches them valuable kitchen skills, but it also creates lasting memories and fosters creativity. Whether it’s assembling fruit parfaits, decorating cookies, or dipping pretzels in chocolate, there are countless simple and fun desserts that are perfect for little hands to help with. So next time you’re in the mood for something sweet, gather your ingredients, grab your kids, and enjoy the magic of making desserts together!