You know those moments when your kids are suddenly STARVING (even though they just had a snack) and you need to whip up something sweet right now? Yep, we’ve been there too.
The good news? You don’t have to reach for store-bought cookies or spend hours baking to keep those little taste-testers happy.
These 12 desserts are quick, easy, and seriously fun to make (plus, you might sneak in a few laughs along the way).
I still remember the time my youngest tried to “help” with our no-bake cookies by eating half the coconut before we even started. (Spoiler alert: We ran out of coconut and improvised with oats—and it totally worked!)
Dessert-making in our house is always a bit messy, but it’s also filled with smiles, sticky fingers, and lots of “Can I lick the spoon?” requests.
And that’s what makes these recipes so great—they’re perfect for getting the kids involved, without leaving you stuck scrubbing pans all night.
So grab your little helpers (and maybe an extra spoon or two) and let’s create some sweet memories together!
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[1] No-Bake Coconut Praline Cookies
These chewy, sweet cookies combine the rich, caramel-like flavor of pralines with the tropical twist of coconut. They’re fun for kids to help shape, and best of all, there’s no oven required!
Perfect for busy parents looking for a quick dessert option, these cookies are ready in no time and disappear just as fast. Plus, they store well, making them a great make-ahead treat.
Servings:
20 cookies
Ingredients:
- 2 1/2 cups sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 1/2 cup whole milk
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 1/2 cups shredded sweetened coconut
- 2 cups quick oats
- Pinch of salt
- Optional: 1/2 cup chopped pecans or almonds
Instructions:
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a saucepan, combine sugar, butter, and milk. Heat over medium heat, stirring frequently, until it boils. Let boil for 2 minutes, stirring constantly.
- Remove from heat and stir in vanilla extract and salt.
- Add shredded coconut, quick oats, and optional nuts. Stir until well coated.
- Drop spoonfuls onto the prepared baking sheet and let cool until firm.
- Enjoy immediately or store in an airtight container.
[2] 5-Minute Yogurt Parfaits
This easy and colorful dessert doubles as a snack or even breakfast. Layer creamy yogurt with crunchy granola and fresh fruits like berries and bananas for a dish that’s as nutritious as it is delicious.
Kids love building their own parfaits, turning dessert time into a fun activity. Quick, healthy, and endlessly customizable, this is a recipe you’ll come back to again and again.
Servings:
2 parfaits
Ingredients:
- 2 cups Greek yogurt (or your favorite variety)
- 1 cup granola
- 1 cup mixed fresh fruit (berries, bananas, or diced apples)
- Honey or maple syrup for drizzling
Instructions:
- In a clear glass or bowl, layer yogurt, granola, and fruit.
- Repeat layers until the glass is full.
- Drizzle honey or maple syrup on top.
- Serve immediately and let the kids mix it up!
[3] Microwave Mug Brownies
When a chocolate craving hits, these individual mug brownies come to the rescue. Made in just a few minutes with pantry staples, they’re rich, gooey, and oh-so-satisfying.
Kids can personalize their brownie by adding chocolate chips or sprinkles on top. With minimal cleanup and maximum flavor, this recipe is a game-changer for busy families.
Servings:
1 mug brownie
Ingredients:
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 2 tbsp cocoa powder
- Pinch of salt
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil
- 2 tbsp water
- Optional: chocolate chips for topping
Instructions:
- In a microwave-safe mug, mix flour, sugar, cocoa powder, and salt.
- Add vegetable oil and water. Stir until smooth.
- Microwave on high for 1-1.5 minutes, until the brownie is set but still moist.
- Top with chocolate chips if desired and let cool slightly before digging in.
[4] Banana Ice Cream
This one-ingredient wonder is a creamy, guilt-free treat that feels like magic. Frozen bananas are blended into a luscious soft-serve texture, perfect for satisfying sweet cravings.
It’s a great way to use up overripe bananas and lets kids pick their favorite toppings like sprinkles or chocolate chips. Fun to make and even more fun to eat, this dessert is a winner every time.
Servings:
2 servings
Ingredients:
- 4 ripe bananas, sliced and frozen
- Optional: toppings like chocolate chips, sprinkles, or fruit
Instructions:
- Add frozen banana slices to a blender or food processor.
- Blend until smooth and creamy, stopping to scrape down the sides as needed.
- Serve immediately as soft-serve or freeze for a firmer texture.
- Let the kids pick their favorite toppings!
[5] Rice Krispies Treats
This timeless classic is always a hit with kids. Made with gooey marshmallows and crispy cereal, these no-bake squares come together in minutes.
Perfect for after-school snacks or weekend treats, they’re easy to customize with colorful sprinkles or chocolate chips. With their simple ingredients and nostalgic charm, Rice Krispies Treats never go out of style.
Servings:
12 squares
Ingredients:
- 3 tbsp unsalted butter
- 1 package (10 oz) mini marshmallows
- 6 cups Rice Krispies cereal
Instructions:
- In a large pot, melt butter over low heat.
- Add marshmallows and stir until completely melted.
- Remove from heat and stir in Rice Krispies until fully coated.
- Press the mixture into a greased 9×13-inch pan and let cool before cutting into squares.
[6] Peanut Butter Apple Nachos
Turn simple apple slices into a fun, sweet snack with this creative twist. Drizzled with creamy peanut butter and topped with chocolate chips, granola, or sprinkles, these apple nachos are a hit with kids and easy to whip up.
Perfect for a quick treat or a fun party snack, they’re customizable to suit any taste!
Servings:
2 servings
Ingredients:
- 2 large apples, sliced
- 1/4 cup peanut butter, melted
- 2 tbsp mini chocolate chips
- 2 tbsp granola
- Optional: sprinkles for decoration
Instructions:
- Arrange apple slices on a large plate or platter.
- Drizzle melted peanut butter over the apples.
- Sprinkle with chocolate chips, granola, and optional sprinkles.
- Serve immediately for a crunchy, sweet snack.
[7] Chocolate-Dipped Pretzels
This sweet-and-salty treat is a favorite for good reason. Pretzels dipped in melted chocolate and topped with colorful sprinkles or crushed candy make for an easy dessert kids can help create.
They’re fun to make, quick to set, and perfect for any occasion.
Servings:
15 pretzels
Ingredients:
- 15 large pretzel rods or twists
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 1/4 cup sprinkles or crushed candy
Instructions:
- Melt chocolate chips in the microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring until smooth.
- Dip pretzels halfway into the melted chocolate.
- Lay them on a parchment-lined baking sheet and decorate with sprinkles or crushed candy.
- Let set at room temperature or refrigerate until firm.
[8] Fruit Kabobs with Honey Dip
Colorful and fun to assemble, these fruit kabobs are a healthy yet sweet option for kids.
Pair them with a creamy honey yogurt dip for an added treat. It’s a great way to sneak more fruit into your child’s diet while keeping it fun and interactive.
Servings:
4 kabobs
Ingredients:
- 1 cup strawberries, halved
- 1 cup pineapple chunks
- 1 cup grapes
- 1/2 cup Greek yogurt
- 1 tbsp honey
- Skewers
Instructions:
- Thread fruit onto skewers in any order.
- In a small bowl, mix Greek yogurt and honey to make the dip.
- Serve the kabobs with the dip on the side.
[9] Graham Cracker Ice Cream Sandwiches
These homemade ice cream sandwiches are a breeze to put together. Sandwich your favorite ice cream between graham crackers, then roll the edges in sprinkles for a fun and colorful finish.
They’re a quick, cool treat kids will love to make and eat!
Servings:
4 sandwiches
Ingredients:
- 8 graham cracker squares
- 2 cups vanilla ice cream, softened
- 1/4 cup sprinkles
Instructions:
- Place a scoop of softened ice cream on a graham cracker square.
- Top with another graham cracker and gently press down.
- Roll the edges of the ice cream sandwich in sprinkles.
- Freeze for 1 hour before serving.
[10] Strawberry Cheesecake Bites
These bite-sized treats are as adorable as they are delicious. Hollowed-out strawberries are filled with a creamy cheesecake mixture and topped with crushed graham crackers.
Perfect for little hands, they’re a fun and easy dessert that looks impressive but takes minutes to prepare.
Servings:
12 bites
Ingredients:
- 12 large strawberries, hulled
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- 2 tbsp powdered sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 tbsp crushed graham crackers
Instructions:
- In a bowl, mix cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth.
- Spoon or pipe the cheesecake mixture into each hulled strawberry.
- Sprinkle with crushed graham crackers.
- Serve immediately or chill before serving.
[11] Mini S’mores Cups
These mini s’mores cups are a bite-sized twist on the campfire favorite. Made with a graham cracker crust, melted chocolate, and gooey marshmallow topping, they deliver all the flavor of traditional s’mores without the mess.
A quick trip to the oven makes them easy and fun!
Servings:
6 cups
Ingredients:
- 6 graham cracker squares, crushed
- 2 tbsp melted butter
- 1/4 cup milk chocolate chips
- 6 large marshmallows
Instructions:
- Preheat the oven to 350°F.
- Mix crushed graham crackers with melted butter and press into the bottoms of a greased muffin tin.
- Add a few chocolate chips to each crust and top with a marshmallow.
- Bake for 5-7 minutes, until marshmallows are golden and chocolate is melted.
[12] Frozen Banana Pops
These frozen banana pops are a healthy and refreshing treat. Dipped in melted chocolate and rolled in sprinkles, nuts, or crushed cookies, they’re easy to customize and fun for kids to make. Perfect for hot days or a quick dessert!
Servings:
4 pops
Ingredients:
- 2 large bananas, halved
- 1/2 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips, melted
- 1/4 cup sprinkles, nuts, or crushed cookies
- Popsicle sticks
Instructions:
- Insert a popsicle stick into each banana half.
- Dip the bananas into melted chocolate, coating evenly.
- Roll in sprinkles, nuts, or crushed cookies.
- Place on a parchment-lined baking sheet and freeze for at least 1 hour before serving.
