After a long day at school, what could be better than a tasty treat? Whether you’re looking for something quick and classic or a bit more fun, whipping up some simple bakes with the kids is a brilliant way to unwind. We’ve rounded up some super easy recipes that are perfect for little hands and big appetites, proving you don’t need to be a pro baker or visit a fancy family friendly bakery totnes to create something special. Get ready for some delicious after-school moments!
Key Takeaways
- Simple bakes like classic chocolate chip cookies and easy banana muffins are perfect for quick after-school treats.
- Fun, no-bake options like peanut butter cereal balls and dirt pudding are great for younger bakers and sensory play.
- French-inspired treats like easy crepes and brioche offer a touch of elegance and are enjoyable family activities.
Simple Bakes For After-School Delights
Right then, after a long day at school, what could be better than a little something tasty made with your own hands? These bakes are super straightforward, meaning less fuss for you and more fun for them. We’re talking about recipes that are forgiving, use ingredients you probably already have, and most importantly, taste absolutely brilliant.
Classic Chocolate Chip Cookies
Honestly, is there anything more universally loved than a warm chocolate chip cookie? This recipe is a winner because it’s pretty hard to mess up. You mix, you scoop, you bake. Simple as that. The key is good quality chocolate chips – maybe a mix of dark and milk for extra flavour.
Don’t be afraid to let the kids get their hands in there for the mixing; it’s all part of the fun! We usually make a big batch and freeze half the dough balls, ready for another day. It’s a lifesaver when you need a quick treat.
Easy Banana Muffins
Got some overripe bananas lurking in the fruit bowl? Perfect! Banana muffins are fantastic for using them up. They’re moist, naturally sweet, and you can even sneak in a few extra bits like blueberries or a sprinkle of cinnamon.
Muffins are great because everyone can have their own, and they’re easy to transport if you’re heading out. Plus, the smell of them baking is just divine. We find that using a muffin tin with paper liners makes for the easiest cleanup, which is always a bonus.
Here’s a quick rundown of what you’ll need:
- 2-3 very ripe bananas, mashed
- 1/3 cup melted butter or oil
- 1/2 cup sugar (or a bit less if your bananas are super sweet)
- 1 egg, beaten
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- Pinch of salt
- 3/4 cup all-purpose flour
Just mix the wet ingredients, then stir in the dry. Easy peasy. You can find more simple baking ideas over at The Daily Knead.
Whimsical Treats For Young Bakers
Sometimes, after a long day at school, the kids need something a bit more exciting than just a plain biscuit. That’s where these fun, imaginative bakes come in! They’re designed to spark joy and get little hands involved in the kitchen, turning snack time into an adventure.
Peanut Butter Cereal Balls
These no-bake wonders are brilliant for when you want a quick treat without turning the oven on. They’re a bit sticky, a bit messy, and a whole lot of fun to make. You just need a few pantry staples, and the kids can help with most of the steps.
- Get the kids to help measure: Let them pour the cereal and any other dry bits into the bowl. It’s a great way to practice their measuring skills.
- Mixing magic: The best part is stirring everything together. It’s a sensory experience, feeling the sticky mixture come together.
- Shape ’em up: Rolling the mixture into balls is a fantastic activity for little hands. They can get as creative as they like with the shapes.
These are a real hit for a reason – they’re super simple and taste amazing. They’re a bit like a sweet, crunchy hug in ball form.
Gummy Worm Dirt Pudding
This one is less about baking and more about assembly, which makes it perfect for even the youngest helpers. It looks like a little pot of soil, complete with wiggly gummy worms, and it’s always a showstopper. It’s a fun way to explore textures and layers.
Here’s how you can put it together:
- Crush those cookies: Get the kids to help crush chocolate biscuits (like Oreos, minus the cream filling) in a bag. This is a great stress reliever!
- Layer the pudding: Spoon chocolate pudding into clear glasses or jars. This lets everyone see the ‘dirt’ layers.
- Add the worms: Stick gummy worms into the pudding so they look like they’re crawling out. It’s a bit silly and a lot of fun.
This treat is a fantastic way to introduce the idea of edible art. It’s all about presentation and letting the kids’ imaginations run wild with how they arrange their pudding ‘garden’.
These kinds of treats are brilliant for encouraging creativity and making baking feel like play. For more ideas on fun bakes, you might want to check out these chalkboard brownies for another simple, visually appealing option.
French-Inspired Family Favourites
Right then, let’s whisk ourselves away to France for some truly delightful after-school treats that feel a bit special but are surprisingly simple to pull off. French kids have this lovely tradition called ‘goûter’, which is basically a snack time, and they often enjoy fresh bakes. We can totally capture that magic at home!
Easy French Crepes
Honestly, you can never go wrong with crepes. They’re so wonderfully thin and soft, and the best part is you can fill them with absolutely anything. For the little ones, a simple spread of melted chocolate or that ever-popular chocolate hazelnut spread is usually a massive hit. They’re quick to make, meaning less waiting around for hungry tummies!
Chocolate Chip Vanilla Custard Brioches
These are often called ‘Brioches Suisses’ in France, and they’re just divine. Imagine a soft, creamy brioche bun, packed with little chocolate chips and a lovely vanilla custard filling. They’re a real treat, the kind of thing that makes an ordinary afternoon feel a bit more like a weekend. They might sound fancy, but they’re totally achievable for a home baker.
Making these feels like a little slice of Parisian patisserie right in your own kitchen. They’re perfect for sharing, or for that moment when you just need a little something sweet.
Here’s a rough idea of what goes into making them special:
- Brioche Dough: A rich, eggy dough that’s soft and slightly sweet.
- Custard Filling: A smooth, vanilla-infused cream that’s not too sweet.
- Chocolate Chips: Plenty of them, scattered throughout for that classic chocolatey surprise.
They do take a bit of time because of the dough, but the result is absolutely worth it. These are the kind of bakes that make everyone feel a bit pampered.
Fancy a taste of France right at your dinner table? Our French-inspired family favourites are sure to impress everyone. From comforting classics to delightful new dishes, we’ve got something for every taste. Discover these delicious recipes and more by visiting our website today!
Happy Baking!
So there you have it, a whole load of simple bakes that are perfect for whipping up with the little ones after school. Whether you’re after something sweet and classic or fancy a go at a French favourite, there’s something here for everyone. Don’t worry if it’s not perfect, the main thing is having a bit of fun together and making some tasty memories. Happy baking, everyone!
Frequently Asked Questions
What’s the easiest way to get kids involved in baking?
For the little ones, get them to help with the fun bits like pouring pre-measured ingredients, stirring, or decorating. As they get older, they can start measuring things themselves, cracking eggs (with a bit of supervision!), and even helping to shape the dough. It’s all about making it enjoyable and letting them feel like they’re really helping out.
Are there any treats that don’t need the oven?
Absolutely! No-bake options are brilliant for quick treats. Things like cereal bars, where you melt marshmallows and mix in cereal, or ‘dirt’ pudding cups with crushed biscuits and gummy worms, are super easy and kids love putting them together. They’re great for when you want a tasty result without switching the oven on.
What if my child has allergies?
It’s always a good idea to be mindful of allergies. Many simple recipes can be tweaked – you might swap regular flour for a gluten-free version, use a different type of milk, or try an egg substitute. Always have a good look at the ingredients list to be sure everything is safe for everyone.
