Desserts Kids Can Make

Coax kids into learning cooking by starting with dessert first!

By Laureen Miles Brunelli

Updated 12/05/17

Getty/Jamie Grill

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

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. I’ve selected these desserts kids can make from across The Spruce. When I saw the words boil, broil, bake, etc., I moved on to another recipe.

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. In each recipe I‘ve pointed out potential safety concerns, so parents can evaluate whether their children will need help or instructions.

  • 01 of 05

    Parfaits

    Mother and young daughter cooking
    Igor Emmerich/Image Source/Getty Images

    Kids love to layer! And when those layers are filled with good stuff to eat it's even more fun.These parfait recipes involve stacking goodies in a copy. So easy a kid could do it.

  • 02 of 05

    Smoothie Recipes for Kids

    Smoothies
    Public Domain Pictures

    My kids are smoothie experts. They love to throw things in the blender and see how it tastes. Usually it's good, but sometimes they could have used a few of these recipes.

    Safety concern: Blender

  • 03 of 05

    Graham Cracker Sandwiches

    Graham cracker sandwiches
    Linda Larsen

    Kids will love these simple sandwiches made of graham crackers sandwiched with butter cream frosting They can be also made with vanilla frosting or peanut butter frosting. This could get messy, but that is all part of the fun! 

    Safety concern: Mixer

  • 04 of 05

    Dirt Dessert Recipe

    Dirt dessert
    Stephanie Gallagher

    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
    Dana Hoff / 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.

    Safety concern: Mixer