Birthday parties were and are always amazing. They're a chance for kids to see one another outside of school and play. This is an important reminder as the rise of Pinterest and social media parent pressure has made throwing one of these a source of anxiety. But it shouldn't be. No matter if the party theme is completely over-the-top, gender-neutral, or just with close family or friends, they were always fun as long as the child was loved and celebrated.
What makes a birthday so great? Other than the loved ones being there, gifts are definitely high on the list. Another important factor of a great party, for me anyway, was always the dessert. Namely, the cake. But should a birthday planner want to go in a different direction because cake isn't their child's favorite — or because they want to add even more options to the dessert table — we found a few easy, kid-friendly treats that will check the sugar box right off.
Thankfully, we have so many desserts to choose from, from colorful treats to ones that will withstand being outside. This list really could have gone on forever, but we chose to include sweets that would work for multiple palates. Some parents want healthier options (like fruit), while some kids are all about pies and cookies over cake and ice cream. But yes, parents should have items they like, too, because hey, they're going to be there and be able to have some anyway.
Most of the desserts below have recipes, with one or two exceptions as they're pretty straightforward. But all are capable of being made ahead of time or can be bought from a bakery. We don't shame baked goods buyers here! So take a look and choose the items that will beef up the dessert table in the best way possible. And make the birthday child (and friends) incredibly happy. Even happier than for the gift party, if that is even possible.
Oreo Cupcakes
Oreo cupcakes combine two of the yummiest treats: cupcakes and Oreo cookies. Create a birthday treat with the best of both worlds with this Oreo cupcake with cream frosting recipe from Cook with Manali.
Fruit Kebab Skewers
Fruit kebab skewers put a fun and kid-friendly spin on a "healthy" and fruit-filled party snack. Just choose two to three different kinds — from strawberries to grapes or melons — and stick 'em through one by one. Get a rainbow fruit kebab recipe here.
M&M Cookies
It's not a party without M&Ms. Put a twist on the average cookie by throwing in the colorful chocolate morsels. Bonus: Choose the colors to go with the party theme! Celebrating Sweets has a recipe here.
Lemon Curd Raspberry Tart
Get fancy (perhaps for the adults at the event?) with a lemon curd raspberry tart. It's bitter and sweet and won't melt sitting out for a bit. Food Network's Ree Drummond will not lead a baker astray, check out her recipe for this tart here.
Key Lime Pie Bites
The Key lime pie bites are small but they will pack a delicious punch. This recipe from Baker by Nature features a thick graham cracker crust.
Macaron Stand
Do French children have macarons at their birthday parties? Perhaps! Either way, bring on the Parisian vibes with a stand full of different color macarons for kids to grab at their leisure. AllRecipes has a basic macaron recipe here.
Cake Pops (Regular or Themed)
OK, so cake pops are technically cake, but being able to hold the cake on a stick qualifies them for their own dessert category. They're fun and easy to eat. Here's a recipe for cake pops from Dinner at The Zoo.
Classic Cheesecake
It's hard to go wrong with a delicious cheesecake, with out without fruit, so why not include it? Cookies and Cups has the "Perfect Cheesecake Recipe" and judging by the photos, the site must be right.
Lemon-Lime Bars
Lemon-lime isn't just for soda or seltzer, it can be for dessert bars, too. Taste of Home has a recipe that features powdered sugar on top.
Blondie Bites
Blondies will never go out of style and they're sure to be a kid-friendly hit at the birthday party. It's a great way to satisfy both cookie and brownie lovers. Get the recipe from Taste of Home here.
Decorated Rice Krispy Treats
Rice Krispy treats are a classic snack, but they can easily be made at home to become a party dessert — with or without frosting. There's plenty to choose from but we'll leave the original recipe here.
Donuts (or Donut Cake)
Donuts are all the rage — showing up at birthday parties and weddings. Make them into a tower or cake with this tutorial from Cooking Guide.
Banana Split Bar
Turns out, a dessert can become an activity, too. At least it can with banana splits. All that's needed are bananas, ice cream, and some sprinkles or candy. Then let the kids have fun!
Gooey Chocolate Chip Cookies
Chocolate chip cookies are another classic that deserve a spot at the dessert table, any dessert table. Live Well Bake Often has an ooey gooey chocolate chip recipe to whip up before the big day.
Banana Cupcakes
OK, so we included cupcakes anyway. Cupcakes are basically smaller versions of cake, but their size means more chances to experiment and bake two or more different flavors. Make one of them banana-flavored with this recipe from The Cupcake Project.
Popcorn Cups
Popcorn is a favorite at the movies for a reason, so why not make it a party treat? Pop a bag then pour into smaller cups (maybe add some sprinkles like this recipe from She Wears Many Hats) for the kiddos to carry or have with them.
White Chocolate Bark With Strawberries
Kids tend to like snapping or breaking things and this white chocolate and strawberry pretzel bark gives them a reason to do it. Cincy Shopper has a bark recipe that goes hard on the strawberries.
Chocolate Brownie Bars
We can't forget the brownies! Whether they're homemade or from the box they're a must-have for a special birthday party dessert. Taste of Home has a recipe here.
Mini Jello Fruit Shooters
Serve jello to kids in the least-messy way (yes, it's possible!) by making shooters. Each kid gets a cup or two to enjoy. Bonus: Fruit can go on top. Yummy Healthy Easy has a rainbow version of the jello treat recipe.
