15 Easy Recipes Kids Can Make Themselves Safely for Fun and Learning

15 Easy Recipes Kids Can Make Themselves Safely for Fun and Learning

By Sara Taylor

15 Easy Recipes Kids Can Make Themselves Safely for Fun and Learning

By Sara Taylor
•
Updated
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Recipes

My kids love making their own snacks, and they love it even more when I let them do it completely by themselves. I've found 15 recipes that kids can do entirely on their own, or at least mostly on their own. They involve little to no knife or stovetop cooking and count and measure along the way, so they get some sneaky math practice while making their snack. Just give them an apron, and you can sit back while you get some proud (and maybe pretty messy) chefs.

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1) Peanut Butter Banana Toast

a slice of peanut butter toast topped with banana coins on a cheerful plate in a wide horizontal shot, a drizzle of honey glistening, a glass of milk beside it on a bright kitchen table, natural light, shallow depth of field, landscape orientation

An essential recipe that all little chefs need to learn.

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a slice of peanut butter toast topped with banana coins on a cheerful plate in a wide horizontal shot, a drizzle of honey glistening, a glass of milk beside it on a bright kitchen table, natural light, shallow depth of field, landscape orientation

Peanut Butter Banana Toast

Bread that is toasted, has peanut butter on it, and has banana slices on top.
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Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 2 minutes
Total Time 7 minutes
Servings: 1 serving
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1 slice whole wheat bread
  • 1 tbsp peanut butter
  • 1/2 banana sliced
  • 1 drizzle honey

Method
 

  1. Toast the bread with a grown-up's help and let it cool a little.
  2. Use a butter knife to spread the peanut butter all over the toast.
  3. Lay the banana slices on top in a fun pattern.
  4. Drizzle a little honey over the banana.
  5. Cut into halves and enjoy your creation.

Notes

Let kids count the banana slices as they place them for a little math practice.

2) Fruit Yogurt Parfaits

a layered yogurt parfait in a tall clear glass in a wide horizontal composition, colorful berries and golden granola layers visible, a spoon resting beside it on a sunny kitchen counter, natural light, shallow depth of field, landscape orientation

The end result looks fancy, and half the fun is in the layering.

a layered yogurt parfait in a tall clear glass in a wide horizontal composition, colorful berries and golden granola layers visible, a spoon resting beside it on a sunny kitchen counter, natural light, shallow depth of field, landscape orientation

Fruit Yogurt Parfaits

Yogurt, fruit, and granola in a glass layered in pretty rows.
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Prep Time 8 minutes
Total Time 8 minutes
Servings: 1 parfait
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 3/4 cup vanilla yogurt
  • 1/2 cup mixed berries
  • 1/4 cup granola
  • 1 drizzle honey

Method
 

  1. Spoon a layer of yogurt into the bottom of a clear glass.
  2. Add a layer of berries on top of the yogurt.
  3. Sprinkle some granola over the berries.
  4. Repeat the layers until the glass is full.
  5. Finish with a little drizzle of honey and dig in.

Notes

Using a clear glass lets kids see all their pretty layers.

3) Mini Cheese Quesadillas

golden cheese quesadilla wedges fanned on a plate in a wide horizontal shot, melty cheese stretching from one piece, a small bowl of salsa beside it on a bright table, natural light, shallow depth of field, landscape orientation

Cheesy and foldy and takes minutes to prepare with an adult on stove duties.

golden cheese quesadilla wedges fanned on a plate in a wide horizontal shot, melty cheese stretching from one piece, a small bowl of salsa beside it on a bright table, natural light, shallow depth of field, landscape orientation

Mini Cheese Quesadillas

Folded tortillas with melty cheese and heated until gooey.
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Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 6 minutes
Total Time 11 minutes
Servings: 2 servings
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 4 small tortillas
  • 1 cup shredded cheese
  • 1 tbsp butter
  • 2 tbsp salsa

Method
 

  1. Sprinkle shredded cheese over half of each tortilla.
  2. Fold the tortillas in half over the cheese.
  3. Have a grown-up warm them in a buttered pan 2 to 3 minutes per side.
  4. Let them cool a minute so the cheese isn't too hot.
  5. Cut into wedges and serve with a little salsa for dipping.

Notes

Kids can sprinkle the cheese while a grown-up handles the hot pan.

4) Veggie Face Sandwiches

two open-faced sandwiches decorated like smiling faces with veggies in a wide horizontal composition, cucumber eyes and carrot smiles, a colorful plate on a bright kitchen table, natural light, shallow depth of field, landscape orientation

The goal here is to make silly faces using vegetables.

two open-faced sandwiches decorated like smiling faces with veggies in a wide horizontal composition, cucumber eyes and carrot smiles, a colorful plate on a bright kitchen table, natural light, shallow depth of field, landscape orientation

Veggie Face Sandwiches

Open-faced sandwiches decorated with vegetables to create funny faces.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Total Time 10 minutes
Servings: 2 sandwiches
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 2 slices bread
  • 3 tbsp cream cheese
  • 4 cucumber slices
  • 2 cherry tomatoes halved
  • 1 carrot sliced into strips

Method
 

  1. Spread cream cheese over each slice of bread.
  2. Use cucumber slices for the eyes.
  3. Add tomato halves for the cheeks or nose.
  4. Arrange carrot strips to make hair or a smile.
  5. Admire your edible face, then gobble it up.

Notes

There's no wrong way to make a veggie face, so let kids get creative.

5) Ants on a Log

celery sticks filled with peanut butter and topped with raisins on a colorful plate in a wide horizontal shot, neat rows of ants on a log, a bright cheerful kitchen counter, natural light, shallow depth of field, landscape orientation

A vintage treat that kids will always enjoy.

celery sticks filled with peanut butter and topped with raisins on a colorful plate in a wide horizontal shot, neat rows of ants on a log, a bright cheerful kitchen counter, natural light, shallow depth of field, landscape orientation

Ants on a Log

Crunchy celery sticks that are filled with peanut butter and sprinkled with raisins.
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Prep Time 8 minutes
Total Time 8 minutes
Servings: 2 servings
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 3 celery stalks cut into pieces
  • 1/4 cup peanut butter
  • 2 tbsp raisins

Method
 

  1. Wash the celery and cut it into shorter logs with a grown-up's help.
  2. Use a butter knife to fill the groove of each celery piece with peanut butter.
  3. Press raisins into the peanut butter to look like little ants.
  4. Line the logs up on a plate.
  5. Count your ants and enjoy the crunch.

Notes

Swap in cream cheese for a no-peanut version.

6) Trail Mix Bites

a colorful homemade trail mix in a big bowl in a wide horizontal composition, cereal, pretzels, dried cranberries and chocolate chips, small snack cups beside it on a bright table, natural light, shallow depth of field, landscape orientation

Scoop, shake, pour and enjoy a snack! It couldn't be any easier, plus you can create endless combinations.

a colorful homemade trail mix in a big bowl in a wide horizontal composition, cereal, pretzels, dried cranberries and chocolate chips, small snack cups beside it on a bright table, natural light, shallow depth of field, landscape orientation

Trail Mix Bites

Children can scoop their own homemade mix of cereal, dried fruit, and chocolate.
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Prep Time 8 minutes
Total Time 8 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1 cup O-shaped cereal
  • 1/2 cup pretzels
  • 1/2 cup dried cranberries
  • 1/3 cup chocolate chips
  • 1/3 cup mini crackers

Method
 

  1. Measure each ingredient into a large mixing bowl.
  2. Pour everything together and give it a good stir.
  3. Let kids taste and add a little more of their favorite mix-in.
  4. Scoop the trail mix into small snack bags or cups.
  5. Seal them up and stash for snack time.

Notes

Measuring each cup is great practice for early counting skills.

7) Smoothie Popsicles

homemade berry smoothie popsicles on a plate in a wide horizontal shot, frosty pink and purple pops with wooden sticks, a few fresh berries scattered around, bright sunny kitchen counter, natural light, shallow depth of field, landscape orientation

Mix today, freeze tonight, and enjoy a homemade snack in the morning.

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homemade berry smoothie popsicles on a plate in a wide horizontal shot, frosty pink and purple pops with wooden sticks, a few fresh berries scattered around, bright sunny kitchen counter, natural light, shallow depth of field, landscape orientation

Smoothie Popsicles

Fruit smoothies are frozen in molds to create creamy popsicle treats.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Total Time 10 minutes
Servings: 6 popsicles
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1 cup frozen berries
  • 1 banana
  • 3/4 cup vanilla yogurt
  • 1/2 cup milk
  • 1 tbsp honey

Method
 

  1. Add the berries, banana, yogurt, milk, and honey to a blender.
  2. Have a grown-up blend until smooth and pourable.
  3. Pour the smoothie into popsicle molds, leaving a little room at the top.
  4. Push a stick into each mold.
  5. Freeze at least 4 hours, then run warm water over the molds to release.

Notes

These need a few hours in the freezer, so make them the night before.

8) No-Bake Cereal Bars

chewy no-bake cereal bars stacked on parchment in a wide horizontal composition, glossy peanut butter coating with chocolate chips, a few crumbs on a bright kitchen table, natural light, shallow depth of field, landscape orientation

Sticky, sweet, and completely oven free for your little ones' safety.

chewy no-bake cereal bars stacked on parchment in a wide horizontal composition, glossy peanut butter coating with chocolate chips, a few crumbs on a bright kitchen table, natural light, shallow depth of field, landscape orientation

No-Bake Cereal Bars

There is no need to bake these chewy peanut butter cereal bars as they stick together.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Total Time 10 minutes
Servings: 9 bars
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 3 cups crisp rice cereal
  • 1/2 cup peanut butter
  • 1/3 cup honey
  • 1/4 cup mini chocolate chips

Method
 

  1. Have a grown-up warm the peanut butter and honey until pourable.
  2. Pour the mixture over the cereal in a big bowl.
  3. Stir until the cereal is fully coated, then let it cool slightly.
  4. Sprinkle in the chocolate chips and stir again.
  5. Press firmly into a lined pan, chill 30 minutes, and cut into bars.

Notes

Pressing the mixture down hard keeps the bars from crumbling.

9) Cheese and Crackers Plate

a small snack board with cheese cubes, crackers, grapes, and baby carrots in a wide horizontal shot, neatly arranged little piles on a wooden board, bright cheerful kitchen counter, natural light, shallow depth of field, landscape orientation

A mini charcuterie board that kids can put together themselves.

a small snack board with cheese cubes, crackers, grapes, and baby carrots in a wide horizontal shot, neatly arranged little piles on a wooden board, bright cheerful kitchen counter, natural light, shallow depth of field, landscape orientation

Cheese and Crackers Plate

A basic snack platter containing cheese cubes, crackers, and fruit for kids to put together themselves.
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Prep Time 8 minutes
Total Time 8 minutes
Servings: 2 servings
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1 cup cheese cubes
  • 12 crackers
  • 1/2 cup grapes
  • 1/4 cup baby carrots

Method
 

  1. Pick out a fun plate or board to build on.
  2. Arrange the cheese cubes in one little pile.
  3. Fan out the crackers next to the cheese.
  4. Add small piles of grapes and baby carrots.
  5. Step back and admire your snack board before digging in.

Notes

Let kids sort items by color for a tidy, rainbow-style board.

10) Apple Slice Sandwiches

apple ring sandwiches filled with peanut butter and granola on a plate in a wide horizontal composition, chocolate chips peeking out, fresh apple slices nearby on a bright table, natural light, shallow depth of field, landscape orientation

Two slices of apple, some delicious filling, and you have a fruity sandwich.

apple ring sandwiches filled with peanut butter and granola on a plate in a wide horizontal composition, chocolate chips peeking out, fresh apple slices nearby on a bright table, natural light, shallow depth of field, landscape orientation

Apple Slice Sandwiches

Apple slices with peanut butter and some toppings.
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Prep Time 8 minutes
Total Time 8 minutes
Servings: 2 servings
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1 apple sliced into rings
  • 3 tbsp peanut butter
  • 2 tbsp granola
  • 1 tbsp mini chocolate chips

Method
 

  1. Have a grown-up core and slice the apple into rings.
  2. Spread peanut butter on one side of each apple ring.
  3. Sprinkle granola and chocolate chips over the peanut butter.
  4. Top with another apple ring to make a sandwich.
  5. Press gently and enjoy your fruity sandwich.

Notes

A squeeze of lemon on the apples keeps them from turning brown.

11) Baby Carrot Dippers

baby carrots arranged around a bowl of creamy ranch dip in a wide horizontal shot, flecks of green chives in the dip, a bright cheerful plate on a sunny counter, natural light, shallow depth of field, landscape orientation

Having a dip with some crispy carrots is sure to make any snacking time a hit.

baby carrots arranged around a bowl of creamy ranch dip in a wide horizontal shot, flecks of green chives in the dip, a bright cheerful plate on a sunny counter, natural light, shallow depth of field, landscape orientation

Baby Carrot Dippers

Fresh baby carrots with a speedy yogurt ranch dip made with the help of kids.
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Prep Time 8 minutes
Total Time 8 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 2 cups baby carrots
  • 1/2 cup plain yogurt
  • 1 tbsp ranch seasoning
  • 1 tbsp chopped chives

Method
 

  1. Pour the yogurt into a small bowl.
  2. Stir in the ranch seasoning until well mixed.
  3. Sprinkle in the chives and give it one more stir.
  4. Pile the baby carrots onto a plate.
  5. Set the dip in the middle and start dunking.

Notes

This dip is great with cucumber and bell pepper strips too.

12) Microwave Scrambled Eggs

fluffy scrambled eggs in a colorful mug in a wide horizontal composition, melty cheese on top, a fork and toast triangles beside it on a bright kitchen table, natural light, shallow depth of field, landscape orientation

You can actually cook something without a stovetop, all you need is a microwave and a mug.

fluffy scrambled eggs in a colorful mug in a wide horizontal composition, melty cheese on top, a fork and toast triangles beside it on a bright kitchen table, natural light, shallow depth of field, landscape orientation

Microwave Scrambled Eggs

Delicious fluffy scrambled eggs made in a mug and cooked in the microwave.
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Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 2 minutes
Total Time 7 minutes
Servings: 1 serving
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 2 eggs
  • 2 tbsp milk
  • 2 tbsp shredded cheese
  • 1 pinch salt

Method
 

  1. Crack the eggs into a microwave-safe mug.
  2. Add the milk and a pinch of salt, then whisk with a fork.
  3. Microwave 45 seconds, then stir.
  4. Microwave another 30 to 45 seconds until the eggs are set.
  5. Stir in the cheese and let it cool a minute before eating.

Notes

Grease the mug first so the eggs slide out easily.

13) Banana Oat Cookies

soft banana oat cookies cooling on parchment in a wide horizontal shot, melty chocolate chips and rustic oat texture, a couple stacked beside a glass of milk on a bright table, natural light, shallow depth of field, landscape orientation

Only two ingredients and tons of stirring fun!

soft banana oat cookies cooling on parchment in a wide horizontal shot, melty chocolate chips and rustic oat texture, a couple stacked beside a glass of milk on a bright table, natural light, shallow depth of field, landscape orientation

Banana Oat Cookies

These cookies are soft and have a natural sweetness from the bananas, as well as oats.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Servings: 10 cookies
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 2 ripe bananas
  • 1 cup rolled oats
  • 1/4 cup chocolate chips
  • 1/4 tsp cinnamon

Method
 

  1. Mash the bananas in a bowl with a fork until smooth.
  2. Stir in the oats, cinnamon, and chocolate chips.
  3. Scoop small spoonfuls onto a lined baking sheet and flatten gently.
  4. Have a grown-up bake at 350F for 12 to 15 minutes.
  5. Let the cookies cool before sneaking a taste.

Notes

The riper the bananas, the sweeter these little cookies turn out.

14) Pita Bread Pizzas

two pita bread mini pizzas on a baking sheet in a wide horizontal composition, bubbly melted cheese and pepperoni, a sprinkle of oregano, a bright kitchen counter, natural light, shallow depth of field, landscape orientation

Picky eaters are happy because everyone creates their own.

two pita bread mini pizzas on a baking sheet in a wide horizontal composition, bubbly melted cheese and pepperoni, a sprinkle of oregano, a bright kitchen counter, natural light, shallow depth of field, landscape orientation

Pita Bread Pizzas

Pita rounds with sauce and cheese and heated into mini pizzas.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 8 minutes
Total Time 18 minutes
Servings: 2 pizzas
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 2 pita rounds
  • 1/3 cup pizza sauce
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella
  • 8 pepperoni slices
  • 1 pinch dried oregano

Method
 

  1. Set the pita rounds on a baking sheet.
  2. Spoon pizza sauce over each one and spread it to the edges.
  3. Sprinkle on the mozzarella and add pepperoni slices.
  4. Finish with a pinch of oregano.
  5. Have a grown-up bake at 400F for 6 to 8 minutes until the cheese melts.

Notes

Set out little bowls of toppings so everyone can build their own.

15) DIY Fruit Kebabs

colorful fruit kebabs arranged on a white platter in a wide horizontal shot, rainbow rows of strawberries, melon, grapes and pineapple on sticks, a bright sunny table, natural light, shallow depth of field, landscape orientation

It is definitely more fun to put fruit on a stick then eat it from a bowl.

colorful fruit kebabs arranged on a white platter in a wide horizontal shot, rainbow rows of strawberries, melon, grapes and pineapple on sticks, a bright sunny table, natural light, shallow depth of field, landscape orientation

DIY Fruit Kebabs

A rainbow snack consists of vivid pieces of fresh fruits placed on sticks.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 12 minutes
Total Time 12 minutes
Servings: 4 kebabs
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1 cup strawberries halved
  • 1 cup melon cubes
  • 1 cup grapes
  • 1 cup pineapple chunks
  • 4 wooden skewers

Method
 

  1. Have a grown-up trim the sharp tips off the skewers for safety.
  2. Set out all the fruit in little bowls.
  3. Thread the fruit onto each skewer in a rainbow of colors.
  4. Slide the pieces snug together but not too tight.
  5. Arrange the kebabs on a plate and enjoy.

Notes

Blunt-tipped skewers or coffee stirrers are safest for little hands.
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