Desserts Kids Can Make

By
Laureen Miles Brunelli
Laureen Miles Brunelli
Laureen is a former writer for Verywell Family and The Spruce Eats covering parenting topics.
Learn about The Spruce Eats' Editorial Process
Updated on 02/10/22
Hands making ice cream sundaes on a blue-and-white checkered tablecloth

Jamie Grill / Getty Images

Many kids will cling to the notion that food appears on the table by magic if mom and dad never teach kids how to cook. And though there are some kids who want to learn, others aren't interested in putting dinner on the table. So start cooking lessons with children by making something they like to eat: dessert.

These recipes are all so easy that kids with some kitchen know-how can make them alone and those that are just learning can get a start with an adult's help. None of these desserts include the words boil, broil, bake, etc.

However, that doesn’t mean kids don’t need kitchen safety lessons before embarking on cooking projects. These are desserts kids can make themselves once they’ve learn some kitchen basics. Each includes potential safety concerns, so parents can evaluate whether their children will need help or instructions.

Featured Video
  • 01 of 05

    Chocolate Milkshake

    chocolate milkshake

     Leah Maroney

    This classic recipe couldn't be simpler. It's just milk (soy milk, almond milk, or any non-dairy milk will work great), vanilla ice cream, and chocolate syrup. That's it. The fun part comes in topping your milkshake. Assemble a DIY topping bar with whip cream, sprinkles, powdered candy canes, or even whole candy bars. Kids will love mixing and matching toppings. This is particularly fun for sleepovers.

    Safety concern: Blender

  • 02 of 05

    Fairy Bread

    Fairy Bread

    The Spruce Eats / Kristina Vanni

    Fairy bread transforms the simplest ingredients into a magical treat. Have the kids help you butter sliced bread, then let them go crazy with colorful sprinkles. It's incredibly simple and the only concern is keeping the mess to a minimum, but being mindful of messes, and learning how to clean them up are good kitchen lessons, too.

  • 03 of 05

    Graham Cracker Sandwiches

    Graham cracker sandwiches

    The Spruce / Linda Larsen

    Kids will love these simple sandwiches made of graham crackers sandwiched with buttercream frosting. They can be also made with vanilla, chocolate, frosting or peanut butter frosting—or a combination of all three. Assembly definitely can get messy, but that is all part of the fun.

    Safety concern: Mixer

  • 04 of 05

    Dirtcup Dessert Recipe

    Pudding dirt cup

    The Spruce 

    Kids have a talent for making dirt, right? But this is even better because it’s dirt that tastes great. This recipe is for individual cups. This makes it better for a group of kids to do because younger ones can concentrate on making just one, while bigger kids can do an assembly line. 

    Safety concern: Microwave, hot liquid

    Continue to 5 of 5 below.
  • 05 of 05

    Classic Banana Pudding Recipe

    Banana Pudding

     GoodLifeStudio / E+ / Getty Images

    Instant vanilla pudding is the base then kids can layer fresh bananas with vanilla wafer cookies for a no-bake (and even no-microwave) dessert that they will love. So delicious. Mix it up and use chocolate cookies or peanut butter cookies, or a combination of all of them, for a fun garnish.

    Safety concern: Mixer