HomeArticlesKid-Friendly Cherry Desserts That Are as Fun to Make as They Are to Eat
Make dessert time a family adventure with these kid-friendly cherry recipes combining fun, flavor, and a splash of creativity.
Dessert time is a little piece of magic in the day for children, when a mix of sweetness and creativity sparks so much joy. For parents, it is an excellent time to spend quality time with kids, teaching them simple culinary skills while creating memories. Among the many fruits that add life to desserts, cherries hold a special place with their bright red color and sweet-tart flavor and with all the versatility in the world.
Kid-friendly cherry desserts are not just all about indulgence but also involve little ones in the kitchen. Be it a pitting of cherries, a parfait layered with, or a decoration of cupcakes, kids can really involve themselves in creating treats they can then enjoy devouring. With little cooking and more play, these sweet ideas of cherry desserts are ideal for kid birthdays, family gatherings, or a simple pastime on any day.
Let's explore some playful indulgent cherry desserts that are fun to make as they are to devour.
Cherry Ice Cream Sandwiches
Turn the ice cream sandwich into a cherry-filled treat. Take two soft cookies-chocolate chip or oatmeal work best. Prepare cherry ice cream by pureeing pitted cherries with vanilla ice cream and letting the kids swirl the fruit into the mix. Let them spread the cherry ice cream between cookies and gently press them together to make a sandwich. Roll the sides in sprinkles, mini chocolate chips, or crushed nuts for extra fun. These colorful treats are perfect for hot days or playful parties.
Cherry Yogurt Parfaits
Cherry yoghurt parfaits are visually stunning as they are deliciously tasty. Let children layer yogurt, cherry compote, and granola in a clear glass, repeating the layers to make an attractive pattern. If desired, top with fresh cherries as a garnish. Children can personalize their parfaits by using chocolate chips, chopped nuts, or shredded coconut. This is another very easy no-cook activity, but healthy dessert choices are something parents will appreciate.
Cherry Cupcake Faces
Create cupcakes into edible art with cherry cupcake faces. Bake a batch of plain cupcakes and let them cool. Set up a decoration station with whipped cream, cherries, chocolate chips, and colorful sprinkles. Kids can use cherries for eyes or noses, chocolate chips for smiles, and sprinkles for hair. The process is so unique that the treats, on their plateful, look simply whimsical.
Cherry Chocolate Bark
Cherry chocolate bark is one of the quickest and easiest desserts to prepare. Melt chocolate, either dark or milk, onto a parchment-lined tray. Let kids sprinkle halved cherries, crushed biscuits, and a handful of mini marshmallows over the melted chocolate. Refrigerate until solid and then break into pieces. That's it. Such a stark contrast of sweet cherries with creamy chocolate and crunchy toppings guarantees an instant favorite.
Cherry Popsicles
Cherry popsicles are a refreshing and hands-on activity for kids. Blend fresh cherries with a splash of orange juice or lemonade and pour the mixture into popsicle molds. Kids can help insert the sticks and decorate the popsicles with edible glitter or small fruit slices. Freeze until solid, and you’ve got a fruity dessert that’s perfect for any time of the year. The best part? Kids will love unveiling their handmade creations.
Cherry-Stuffed Pancakes
Transform your breakfast-for-dessert game with cherry-stuffed pancakes. Mix up pancake batter and scoop some of that batter onto a hot griddle. Put a spoonful of cherry compote in the center and cover it with more batter. Cook until golden on both sides. Kids can get their hands dirty by spooning the cherries and flipping the pancakes-under adult supervision, of course. Serve these fluffy, cherry-filled pancakes topped with whipped cream and a dash of chocolate syrup.
Cherry Rice Krispie Treats
Bring a cherry twist to the classic rice Krispie treat. Melt butter and marshmallows together, blending in some cherry compote and a few drops of red food coloring for color, you can skip this too. Add in the puffed rice and press this mixture into a tray. Let the kids press this down with a spatula, and they top it off with dried cherries or mini marshmallows. Cut into fun shapes when it is set using a cookie cutter for an additional layer of fun.