Breakfast Bakes for Kids That are as Fun to Eat as They are to Make

By Southern Living Editors November 12, 2021

Credit: Victor Protasio, Food Stylist Ruth Blackburn, Prop Stylist Heather Chadduck

The most important meal of the day is far too often an afterthought. We get it—between finding Henry's left shoe and making sure Hannah's homework actually made it into her backpack, it's hard to sit down and serve a hearty family breakfast. So, when everyone's smiling faces (and half-combed hair) actually make it to the breakfast table, it's a treat to be able to start the day with a recipe even the pickiest of little eaters will enjoy. From casseroles to homemade muffins, we've rounded up kid-friendly baked recipes that combine the delight of slower, decadent mornings with a dash of imagination. Many can be made ahead and popped in the oven while the first pot of coffee brews away. Others will give your kids a good reason to have sticky hands. No matter which breakfast bake for kids you choose to serve, get ready to enjoy your brightest morning yet (even if it's been years since you've actually been able to sleep in).

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Cinnamon Sugar Pull-Apart Bread

Credit: Greg Dupree; Prop Styling: Cindy Barr; Food Styling: Chelsea Zimmer

Recipe: Cinnamon Sugar Pull-Apart Bread

Little hands will love to pull this crunchy sweet bread. Better yet, this casual bake's layered dough makes it a forgiving bake.

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Cinnamon Roll Bunnies

Credit: Victor Protasio, Food Stylist Ruth Blackburn, Prop Stylist Heather Chadduck

Recipe: Cinnamon Roll Bunnies

While these cottontail treats may be extra special come Easter, kids will love to have them bounce onto their plates any time of year.

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Best-Ever Sticky Buns

Credit: Greg DuPree; Prop Styling: Kay E. Clarke; Food Styling: Emily Nabors Hall

Recipe: Best-Ever Sticky Buns

Give your kids a good reason to have sticky hands. Want to get ahead of the morning? Make the dough the night before.

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Double Chocolate Chip Muffins

Credit: Photographer: Greg DuPree, Food Stylist Karen Rankin

Recipe: Double Chocolate Chip Muffins

A double dose of chocolate before noon? If that's not every child's dream come true, we're not sure what is. Even better, these extra chocolatey muffins are perfect on the go.

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Tater Tot Breakfast Casserole

Credit: Jennifer Causey

Recipe: Tater Tot Breakfast Casserole

No kid will turn down tater tots, especially when they're on the table first thing in the morning.

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Blueberry Pancake Breakfast Casserole

Credit: Jennifer Causey

Recipe: Blueberry Pancake Breakfast Casserole

Take this classic family favorite up a notch by baking in some blueberries.

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Snickerdoodle Doughnut Hole Muffins

Credit: Alison Miksch; Prop Styling: Buffy Hargett Miller; Food Styling: Torie Cox

Recipe: Snickerdoodle Doughnut Hole Muffins

There's no need to head to the shop around the corner. These doughnut holes are everything in one homemade package: muffins with the flavor of snickerdoodle cookies and the richness of doughnut holes. What's there not to love?

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Homemade Pop Tarts

Credit: Micah A. Leal

Recipe: Homemade Pop Tarts

Make this go-to staple especially special by baking them at home. The filling can easily swapped with your favorite jam, but we're partial to the classic brown sugar-cinnamon center.

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Biscuit Cinnamon Rolls

Credit: Alison Miksch

Recipe: Biscuit Cinnamon Rolls

There's nothing like a sweet start to the day, and these Biscuit Cinnamon Rolls deliver just that. Plus, they're made without yeast, so they come together much quicker than you'd expect.

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Banana Bread French Toast Casserole

Credit: Jennifer Causey

Recipe: Banana Bread French Toast Casserole

Everything's better with bananas at the breakfast table. In this morning treat, banana bread meets French toast to create a mash up the whole family will request again and again.