50 Dessert Recipes To Make For A Sweet Afternoon With Your Grandchildren

Make memories and scrumptious sweets with our kid-friendly recipes.

Air Fryer Donuts
Photo: Photography and Styling: Caitlin Bensel

There's nothing more valuable than time spent with your grandchildren, but it can be hard to find things to occupy their time that don't involve a screen. An afternoon spent baking up a storm with your grandkids is one of the most fun (and delicious) ways to enjoy each other's company. Not only does baking require some incognito math practice, but they'll use the skills they learn forever.

These easy dessert recipes for kids cover any and all taste bud preferences. If your grandkids favor citrus over chocolate, try our Cakey Lemon Brownies. Have a few cookie monsters on your hands? They'll love baking homemade heart-shaped cookies from scratch. If you think you have a true future baker in your kitchen, teach your grandchild how to make his or her first Old-Fashioned Pound Cake or batch of chocolate fudge. Let them get creative decorating an easy sheet cake recipe or our simple sugar cookies. These easy dessert recipes for kids range from no-bake delights to baking projects that will hone their skills. Whatever dessert you end up making, the most important part of baking with your grandkids is that they have fun and make a new memory. The delicious outcomes certainly won’t hurt, either.

01 of 50

Brown Butter Chocolate Chip Cookies

Brown Butter Chocolate Chip Cookies
Jennifer Causey

This new recipe is quickly becoming an all-time favorite amongst readers, and every budding baker needs a go-to chocolate chip cookie recipe on hand. You'll love the rich, nutty flavor of the brown butter, and the kids will be all too happy with the chocolate chips.

02 of 50

Mamie Eisenhower's Chocolate Fudge

Mamie Eisenhower’s Chocolate Fudge
Southern Living

Every Grandma has her own chocolate fudge recipe, and we're willing to bet plenty of them rely on this iconic one from the '50s. This is one dessert that the kids are sure to remember.

03 of 50

S'mores Pie

S'mores Pie
Jennifer Causey; Food Styling: Melissa Gray

Kids love s'mores and we guarantee that they'll love it in pie form too. Unlike its campfire adjacent cousin, no-bake S'mores Pie doesn't need any heat.

04 of 50

Cheerwine Cherry Cupcakes with Cherry-Swirl Frosting

Cheerwine Cherry Cupcakes with Cherry-Swirl Frosting
Antonis Achilleos; Food Styling: Emily Nabors Hall; Prop Styling: Kathleen Varner

The kids will have so much fun baking and decorating these candy-pink adorned cupcakes made with the beloved Southern-made soft drink. These bright sweets have a cherry on top too that the kids will adore.

05 of 50

Chocolate Lasagna

Chocolate Lasagna
Southern Living

The grandkids will love crushing up the Oreo cookie crust for this retro layered dessert. Plus, you don't have to worry about any oven-related injuries with this no-cook option.

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Easy Sugar Cookies

Sugar Cookies
Carlina Teteris/Getty Images

With this go-to sugar cookie recipe, the grandkids can decorate them any way they want. Have a lineup ready to go of fun cookie cutters for the cutest cookies to come.

07 of 50

Salted Caramel-Apple Hand Pies

Salted Caramel-Apple Hand Pies
Hector Manuel Sanchez; Styling: Katie Jacobs

Hand pies are easy to assemble and grab-and-go for a picnic or playground adventure. The kids will have the time of their lives getting their hands dirty to help put together these darling pies.

08 of 50

Banana Pudding Poke Cake

Banana Pudding Poke Cake
Greg DuPree

Let the kids poke holes in this rich sheet cake and pour the homemade vanilla pudding over it. The end result will be as sweet as they are.

09 of 50

Fresh Strawberry Milkshake

Fresh Strawberry Milkshake
Antonis Achilleos

Is there any treat easier or more nostalgic than a milkshake? Top with as much fresh whipped cream as the kids want.

10 of 50

Cakey Lemon Brownies

Lemon Brownies
Photographer Victor Protasio, Food Stylist Jennifer Wendorf

If your grandkids aren't chocolate fanatics, try these rich "brownies" made with cream-cheese lemon frosting—yum! A little bit of white chocolate balances out the acidity without turning any chocolate-averted heads.

11 of 50

Chocolate Chip Cookie Cake

Chocolate Chip Cookie Cake
Micah A. Leal

Make any day feel like a birthday with a homemade chocolate chip cookie cake. The grandkids can go wild with frosting and sprinkles designs.

12 of 50

Ice Cream Cone Cupcakes

Ice Cream Cone Cupcakes
Greg DuPree; Prop Stylist: Mary Clayton Carl; Food Stylist: Margaret Dickey

How cute are these cupcakes? Lay newspaper down on the kitchen table and have a decorating party.

13 of 50

Red, White, and Blue Popsicles

Red, White, and Blue Popsicles
Jennifer Causey

Don't wait for the ice cream man—make these nostalgic treats right at home. These are a grand Memorial or Independence Day treat but will also satisfy on any sweltering Southern summer day.

14 of 50

Chocolate Pudding Pie

Chocolate Pudding Pie
Micah A. Leal

This creamy, rich pie is perfect for the chocolate loving kids out there. Serve it with a generous scoop of vanilla ice cream and the kiddos will be singing your praises.

15 of 50

Birthday Cake Ice Cream

Birthday Cake Ice Cream
Greg DuPree; Prop Stylist: Mary Clayton Carl; Food Stylist: Margaret Dickey

Delight the grandkids with their favorite ice cream shop treat at home. No fancy equipment is required and going overboard on the toppings is highly encouraged.

16 of 50

Red Velvet Cake Balls

Red Velvet Cake Balls Image
Southern Living

These easy little treats start with a box of cake mix, and your grandchildren will love making them. A dessert this bright and tasty is one that the kids will want to make again and again.

17 of 50

Cakey Strawberry Cobbler

Cakey Strawberry Cobbler
Antonis Achilleos; Prop Styling: Kathleen Varner; Food Styling: Torie Cox

Even kids who aren't keen on eating their servings of fruit each day will devour this rich cobbler that's more like a cake. Plus, even kids with a short attention span will be able to see through this snappy cake that asks only 10 minutes of active time.

18 of 50

Oatmeal-Caramel Cream Pies

Oatmeal-Caramel Cream Pies Recipe
Jennifer Causey; Prop Styling: Ginny Branch Stelling; Food Styling: Emily Nabors Hall

They might add the packaged version of these to your cart at the grocery store, but our homemade recipe tastes better and makes for a fun project. This treat may have been a childhood favorite of yours and now it can be theirs too.

19 of 50

Buttermilk-Peach Popsicles

Buttermilk-Peach Popsicles
Antonis Achilleos; Prop Styling: Ginny Branch; Food Styling: Torie Cox

We love any way we can use fresh peaches in the summertime, but this cool recipe will definitely be the kids' favorite. A little honey—not too much—makes this treat even sweeter.

20 of 50

Coca Cola Chocolate Cake

Coca Cola Chocolate Cake
Antonis Achilleos; Food Styling: Emily Nabors Hall; Prop Styling: Kathleen Varner

They'll be amazed that their favorite soft drink can actually be used to make a decadent chocolate cake. Let them sip on any leftover coke and you'll make their whole day.

21 of 50

Blueberry-Orange Blossom Honey Slab Pie

Blueberry-Orange Blossom Honey Slab Pie
Antonis Achilleos; Food Styling: Emily Nabors Hall; Prop Styling: Claire Spollen

With all that surface area, the kids will have a ball decorating this slab pie with pastry cutouts. Prepare the sour dough up to a month in advance so that the kids can get right to the fun part.

22 of 50

Peanut Butter Kiss Cookies

Peanut Butter Kiss Cookies
Caitlin Bensel

These nostalgic little cookies make use of pantry staples, and they make plenty of cookies for the kids to bring to the neighbors. Any spare Kisses are up for grabs, plus a few kisses on the cheek from Grandma.

23 of 50

Strawberry Shortcake Ice Cream Bars

Strawberry Shortcake Ice Cream Bars
Photographer: Jennifer Causey; Food Stylist: Chelsea Zimmer

Reminiscent of the strawberry shortcake bars from the ice cream truck, these pretty-in-pink bars are so fun to layer. These easy but impressive dessert bars will give the kids something to be proud of.

24 of 50

Rainbow Sherbet Cake

Rainbow Sherbet Cake
Photographer: Jennifer Causey; Food Stylist: Chelsea Zimmer

Rainbow sherbet ice cream? That's old news. Rainbow sherbet cake is the prettiest way to enjoy your favorite ice cream shop flavors.

25 of 50

Homemade Cookies-and-Cream Ice Cream

Cookies and Cream Ice Cream
Caitlin Bensel

There's nothing more refreshing on a hot summer day than a heaping bowl of homemade ice cream. This one has kids' favorite Oreos.

26 of 50

Pineapple Granita

Pineapple Granita
Antonis Achilleos; Prop Styling: Kay E. Clarke; Food Styling: Emily Nabors Hall

Instead of running up to the gas station, try a homemade icee that's made with fresh fruit. This melt-in-your-mouth treat will hit the spot on a hot afternoon.

27 of 50

Cathedral Window Cookies

Cathedral Window Cookies
Zoe Denenberg, Styling: Rachel Mulcahy

Popular at Christmas and Easter, these vintage cookies are a colorful no-bake treat the kids can make all by themselves. While you man the stove, the kids can handle to mixing.

28 of 50

Ice Cream Sandwich Cake

Ice Cream Sandwich Cake
Caitlin Bensel

Transform the ice cream sandwiches from your freezer into a show-stopping treat. With your guidance, the kids will whip up a crowd-pleaser.

29 of 50

Homemade Pop Tarts

Homemade Pop Tarts
Micah A. Leal

Spend the afternoon making the homemade version of their favorite buttery breakfast pastry. We went for a classic brown sugar-cinnamon flavor, but feel free to experiment to recreate their favorites.

30 of 50

Strawberry-Lemonade Cake

Strawberry-Lemonade Cake
Jen Causey

Their favorite after-school drink in cake form? They'll be over the moon. Make the cake layers in advance to speed up the process for family-favorite dessert.

31 of 50

Kitchen Sink Cookies

Kitchen Sink Cookies
Jennifer Causey

Let their imaginations take control with what they add to these soft, sweet-and-salty cookies. Even the kids favorite corn chips aren't out of the question for this recipe.

32 of 50

Triple Chocolate Milkshake

Triple-Chocolate Milkshake
Antonis Achilleos

You won't be able to get the words "triple chocolate" out of your mouth before they've agreed to make this treat with you. These no-fuss shakes will be better than any drive-thru.

33 of 50

Dreamsicle Cupcakes with Lighthouse Ice Cream Cones

Dreamsicle Cupcakes with Lighthouse Ice Cream Cones
Emily Mingledorff, Pie Crust & Pixie Dust

Summer beach trips call for these adorable lighthouse cupcakes. These cute cakes are easy to decorate with extraordinary results.

34 of 50

Oreo Cheesecake

Oreo Cheesecake
Micah A. Leal

There's no shortage of Oreo goodness in this recipe. Between the crust, filling, and topping of this cheesecake, you'll use an entire pack of Oreos.

35 of 50

Homemade Moon Pies

Homemade Moon Pies
Shelbie Tunnell

This Southern snack is a true baking project to try at home. Introduce the grandkids to a homemade version of this classic treat and they'll be grateful forever.

36 of 50

Snickers Cake

Snickers Cake
Alison Miksch

If your grandkids always reach for a Snickers when you're checking out at the grocery store, this layer cake has got to be your next baking project together. This recipe asks five candy bars, but if you accidentally purchase an extra that's just because it's Grandma's job to spoil the grandkids.

37 of 50

Polar Bear Frozen Hot Chocolate

Polar Bear Frozen Hot Chocolate Still Image

Enjoy hot chocolate taste all year long with this chilly frozen version that's topped with fun polar bear marshmallows. These sippers are as cute as they are delicious.

38 of 50

Potato Candy

Citrus Mints
Photo: Alison Miksch

Teach the kids how to make an old-fashioned treat that your mom taught you. Passing down this recipe will start a tradition that the young ones will cherish.

39 of 50

Old-Fashioned Pound Cake

Old Fashioned Pound Cake
Southern Living

Every budding baker should learn how to make one of these beauties, and who better to teach than Grandma? Thanks to you, they'll already have a good pound cake recipe in their arsenal.

40 of 50

Cinnamon Sugar Pull-Apart Bread

Cinnamon Sugar Pull-Apart Bread
Greg Dupree; Prop Styling: Cindy Barr; Food Styling: Chelsea Zimmer

This deliciously sweet bread is a fun project to layer and devour. The pieces don't have to be arranged perfectly to come out delicious so the kids can have a go at it.

41 of 50

Brownie Cookies

Brownie Cookies
Photography: Caitlin Bensel, Prop Styling: Audrey Davis, Food Styling: Rishon Hanners

Instead of making brownies with that box of mix in the pantry, try these soft cookies for a change. The kids will gobble up this fusion dessert that's as sweet as they are.

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Classic Birthday Cake

Classic Birthday Cake
Micah A. Leal

Birthday or no, this from-scratch cake can make any afternoon feel like a celebration. Let the kids go crazy with the sprinkles for decoration!

43 of 50

Banana Split Pops

Banana Split Pops
Southern Living

Who doesn't love a banana split? This fun and fun-sized version are easy to make, kid-friendly, and the perfect summertime activity that will conclude in a delicious product.

44 of 50

Bird's Nest Cookies

Bird's Nest Cookies
Joy Howard

Make this recipe with the kids for Easter so that the whole crew can enjoy your sweet efforts. These cute and cartoon-y cookies couldn't be easier to make with just fried chow mein noodles, chocolate, peanut butter chips, and candy eggs.

45 of 50

Birthday Cake In A Jar

Birthday Cake In A Jar
Southern Living

Send the grandkids home with a goody bag from their stay. A mason jar of birthday cake you made together is an adorable and portage dessert that will go the distance.

46 of 50

Heart Cookies

Heart Cookies
Caitlin Bensel; Prop Styling: Audrey Davis; Food Styling: Rishon Hanners

Though these cookies are intended for Valentines Day, is there ever a bad time to show your grandkids that you love them? The final result will be a love letter in charming dessert form.

47 of 50

Homemade Cake Pops

Cake Pops

Caitlin Bensel; Food Styling: Torie Cox

These adorable sweets are surprisingly easy to make at home. Our recipe starts with boxed cake mix for a project that's within reach and not too time consuming with young children.

48 of 50

Root Beer Float Ice Pops

Southern Living SEO- Root Beer Float Popsicles
Photography and Prop Styling: Jennifer Causey; Food Stylist: Emily Nabors Hall

Show the young'ins the joys of an old-fashioned root beer float in a fun, fresh form. Frozen root beer will lose its carbonation, ending up with a perfectly smooth popsicle texture.

49 of 50

Muddy Buddy Mix

Muddy Buddy Mix
Photographer: Jennifer Causey Food Stylist: Emily Nabors Hall Prop Stylist: Audrey Davis

This sweet snack has chocolate, peanut butter, and powdered sugar. What's not to like? The kids will have an albeit messy blast making them and you can rest assured that the only heat needed for this recipe is the microwave.

50 of 50

Air Fryer Donuts

Air Fryer Donuts
Photography and Styling: Caitlin Bensel

We love trying out new recipes in our Air Fryers, and this one is going to be a hit with the kids come weekend brunch. Our cheat to delicious donuts for the grandkids to munch on is a can of refrigerated biscuits.

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