10 Toddler Desserts You Can Feel Great About

If you have a toddler, you probably don’t have any problem getting them to eat dessert. That’s not what this article is about. No, this is for the parents who can only justify giving their toddler so many triple chocolate chip cookies before the “surely this can’t be sustainable” thoughts overwhelm them. Is that you? Well, you’re in the right place. We’ll share some of our favorite recipes for toddler desserts, especially some that are a bit more nutritious.

Quick and Easy No-Bake Toddler Desserts

If you’re a busy parent, baking things in the oven may be low on your list of priorities. These toddler desserts are easy to whip up in no time at all.

Mini Yogurt Parfaits

Everybody loves parfait, right? These healthy toddler desserts are creamy, delicious, and provide a good dose of probiotics and protein. A bib might be in order for this one, though. Trust me, I speak from experience.

For each serving, you’ll need about 1/2 cup of yogurt. To prepare the fruit layer, puree fresh fruits like strawberries, blueberries, mango, or peach. For each parfait, you’ll need approximately 1/4 cup of fruit puree.

To assemble the parfaits, start by spooning a layer of yogurt into a small cup or bowl. Follow this with a layer of fruit puree and then another layer of yogurt. Top with a Tablespoon of your toddler’s favorite whole-grain cereal for texture. For a touch of sweetness, you can drizzle a little honey or maple syrup over the top (if your toddler is over 12 months).

Pear and Avocado Mousse

Avocados are my favorite thing to add to smoothies simply because they add a velvety texture and a richness to any recipe. This mousse is just that–velvety, rich, and nutritious.

Cut an avocado in half, remove the pit, and scoop out the flesh. You’ll need about 1/2 cup of avocado flesh. Peel the pear, remove the core, and chop it into small pieces. You should have about 1 cup of chopped pear.

In a blender or food processor, combine the avocado and pear. Add 1 tablespoon of honey or maple syrup to sweeten it. This is optional and can be adjusted according to taste, especially if the pear is already sweet. Also, add a splash of lemon juice, about 1 teaspoon, to prevent browning and add a little zing to the flavor. Blend the mixture until it’s smooth and creamy. You might need to scrape down the sides of the blender or processor a few times.

For a bit of extra flavor, you can add a pinch of cinnamon or vanilla extract. Once the mixture is smooth, spoon it into small serving bowls or cups. This mousse can be served immediately or chilled in the refrigerator for a firmer texture

This dessert is full of healthy fats and vitamins, and its creamy texture is perfect for toddlers.

Apple Slice Doughnuts

If your child already knows what real “donuts” taste like, we don’t recommend using that word in your description of the dessert. Trust is a difficult thing to rebuild. Core an apple and slice it into rings, then spread each ring with cream cheese and sprinkle with a little bit of cinnamon. These apple slice “doughnuts” are crunchy, creamy, and naturally sweet, making them an excellent snack for toddlers.

Baked Toddler Desserts

Toddlers are pretty curious, so you might even be able to get them to help you with measuring and mixing the ingredients for these toddler desserts!

Banana Oat Cookies

Do you have too many bananas lying around? Put the banana bread recipe down and try this one instead.

Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper. In a bowl, mash 2 large ripe bananas until smooth. To the mashed bananas, add 2 cups of rolled oats and mix well to combine. The ripe bananas act as a natural sweetener and binder for the cookies. For added flavor, you can stir in a teaspoon of vanilla extract and a pinch of cinnamon.

If you want to add a bit more texture or sweetness, consider folding in a handful of raisins or a few chopped nuts. Once the mixture is well combined, use a spoon to drop dollops of the dough onto your prepared baking sheet. Flatten each dollop slightly to form cookie shapes. The dough won’t spread during baking, so you can shape them.

Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes or until the cookies are firm and lightly golden. Let them cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Sweet Potato Brownies

These brownies are moist, chocolatey, and a healthier alternative to traditional brownies, with the added benefit of fiber and vitamins from the sweet potatoes.

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F and greasing a small baking pan. You’ll need about 1 cup of mashed sweet potato, which is roughly one medium-sized sweet potato. Steam or bake the sweet potato until it’s very soft, then mash it thoroughly. In a mixing bowl, combine the mashed sweet potato with 1/2 cup of unsweetened cocoa powder and 1/4 cup of maple syrup (you can adjust this based on your desired sweetness level). If you want to add a bit more richness, include 1/4 cup of melted coconut oil.

To make the brownies more nutritious, stir in 1/2 cup of almond flour, which adds a nice texture and a boost of protein. Add 1/2 teaspoon of baking powder. Mix all the ingredients until well combined. Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and smooth out the top with a spatula. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out mostly clean. Let the brownies cool in the pan before cutting them into small, toddler-friendly squares.

Sweet Corn and Banana Mini Cakes

Any variation of corn cakes will always remind me of the Little House on the Prairie books and the “Johnny Cakes” they made from cornmeal. Hopefully, these mini versions will be a huge hit with your toddler, just like they were for the Ingalls girls on the prairie.

Preheat your oven to 350°F and prepare a mini muffin tin by greasing it or using mini muffin liners. In a blender or food processor, puree 1 cup of sweet corn (fresh, canned, or thawed from frozen) until smooth. In a mixing bowl, mash 2 ripe bananas thoroughly.

Combine the pureed sweet corn with the mashed bananas. Add 1 cup of all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon of baking powder, and a pinch of salt to the mixture. For some added sweetness, you can add 2 tablespoons of maple syrup or honey (for toddlers over 1 year old). Mix everything together until well combined.

Spoon the batter into the prepared mini muffin tin, filling each cup about three-quarters full. This batter will make approximately 12-15 mini cakes, depending on the size of your muffin tin.

Bake for about 15-20 minutes or until the mini cakes are firm to the touch and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Allow the mini cakes to cool for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Whole Wheat Blueberry Scones

You may just have to organize a tea party to go with these not-too-sweet finger foods with whole wheat flour, fresh blueberries, and a touch of honey. These scones are lower in sugar, high in fiber, and the blueberries add a burst of flavor and antioxidants making them one of our favorite toddler desserts.

Start by preheating your oven to 375°F and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper. In a large mixing bowl, combine 2 cups of whole wheat flour, 1 tablespoon of baking powder, and 1/2 teaspoon of salt. Then, cut in 1/2 cup of cold, unsalted butter into the flour mixture using a pastry cutter or your fingers, until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.

Gently stir in 1 cup of fresh or frozen blueberries. In a separate bowl, whisk together 1/2 cup of milk and 1/4 cup of maple syrup or honey for a natural sweetener (for toddlers over 12 months). Add the liquid mixture to the dry ingredients, and stir until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.

Turn the dough out onto a floured surface and shape it into a circle about 1 inch thick. Cut the circle into 8 wedges and place them on the prepared baking sheet. For a little extra sweetness and crunch, you can optionally sprinkle the tops of the scones with a bit of coarse sugar.

Bake the scones in the preheated oven for about 20-25 minutes or until they are golden brown on top. Let them cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Overnight Toddler Desserts

Make these in batches and have them ready to go for homemade toddler desserts that pack some nutrients

Chia Seed Pudding

We like to include chia seed pudding recipes in many of our articles, well, because what can’t it do? Mix 1/4 cup of chia seeds with 1 cup of coconut milk and a little 1/2 tsp of vanilla, then let it sit overnight. The seeds swell up to create a pudding-like texture. Top with mashed berries (we like strawberries, blueberries, and raspberries) for a natural sweetener. If it needs a little added sweetness, add a tsp of maple syrup or honey (if your child is over 12 months). This pudding is rich in omega-3 fatty acids and fiber, perfect for growing toddlers.

Peaches and Cream Popsicles

Who doesn’t love a good creamsicle?

Start by choosing ripe and juicy peaches; you’ll need about 3 medium-sized peaches. Wash, peel, and cut them into chunks. Place the peach chunks into a blender or food processor. For a smooth texture, puree the peaches until they are completely smooth. If your peaches aren’t very sweet, you can add a tablespoon or two of honey or maple syrup, but this is optional and depends on the natural sweetness of your peaches and your preference.

In a bowl, mix together 1 cup of heavy cream or full-fat coconut milk for a dairy-free option. If you’re using coconut milk, make sure it’s well stirred. For a bit of added flavor, mix in 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract into the cream or coconut milk.

To assemble the popsicles, fill each popsicle mold by alternating layers of peach puree and the cream mixture. You can start with a layer of peach puree, then add a layer of cream, and repeat until the molds are filled. To create a swirled effect, gently run a skewer or the handle of a spoon through the layers.

Place the popsicle sticks in the center of each mold and freeze the popsicles until they are solid, which will take about 4 to 6 hours, or you can leave them overnight. Once frozen, run the outside of the molds under warm water for a few seconds to easily release the popsicles. These popsicles are refreshing, creamy, and a good source of vitamins.

Fruit Salad Ice Pops

When you hear the words “fruit salad,” do you start hearing a certain Wiggles song ringing in your ears? You may be entitled to compensation.

We’re kidding, but we’re sure these toddler desserts would be toddler-approved (and likely, Wiggles-approved). Combine a variety of colorful, well-diced fruits such as strawberries, kiwis, and blueberries with a little bit of natural apple juice. Pour this mixture into ice pop molds and freeze. These ice pops aren’t just fun and easy for toddlers to eat but are also packed with vitamins.

We Salute You, Toddler Parents.

We know that life with toddlers is a mixed bag. There are days when you wonder, “Will it ever end?” and other days when you think, “I wish it would never end.” Hopefully, you can find the silver linings on even the hardest days, even if it’s a winning dessert.

Which of these toddler desserts are you most excited to try? Do you have a go-to toddler-approved dessert? Share it and tag us on Instagram @getfamilyapp!