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10 Easy Fall Dessert Recipes Kids Can Make (No Baking Required!)
Autumn is here, and you know what that means: cooler weather, cozier clothes, and delicious treats! So, buckle up because Iโm about to shareย easy fall dessert recipes for kids packed with healthy options.
Let’s be realโsometimes, we want something sweet and seasonal without turning the kitchen into a bakery disaster zone. And if youโve got kids (or nieces, nephews, or little cousins) around, why not get them involved too? Whether you’re planning a weekend family activity or just craving a treat that doesnโt require hours in the kitchen, these ideas have you covered. Plus, who doesn’t love desserts that are both fun to make and guilt-free?
1. Apple Nachos: A Sweet Twist on a Classic
If you’ve never heard of apple nachos, prepare to have your mind blown! They’re the perfect healthy snack that satisfies your sweet tooth while sneaking in a serving of fruit. This is aย super easy fall dessert recipes for kids, and it only takes about 10 minutes from start to finish.
What You’ll Need:
- 2 apples (Honeycrisp or Granny Smith are great for this)
- 2 tablespoons peanut butter or almond butter
- A handful of granola (look for one low in sugar)
- A sprinkle of chopped nuts (like almonds, walnuts, or pecans)
- Dark chocolate chips or dried cranberries (optional)
How to Make It:
- Slice the apples thinly into circles or wedges (this part may need a little help from an adult if the kiddos are young).
- Spread the peanut butter on the slices.
- Sprinkle granola, chopped nuts, and any other toppings over the apples.
- Serve immediately and watch everyone dig in!
Healthy Substitutes: Swap out the peanut butter for sunflower seed butter if you have nut allergies, and opt for sugar-free granola if you’re avoiding added sugars.
2. Pumpkin Spice Yogurt Parfait: Layers of Autumn Goodness
Is it even fall if youโre not eating something pumpkin spice-flavored? Thisย easy fall dessert recipes for kidsย lets them stack layers of yumminess while sneaking in some gut-friendly probiotics from yogurt.
What You’ll Need:
- 1 cup plain Greek yogurt (or any non-dairy alternative)
- 2 tablespoons pumpkin puree (canned or fresh)
- 1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
- A drizzle of honey or maple syrup
- Granola or crushed graham crackers
- A sprinkle of cinnamon for garnish
How to Make It:
- In a small bowl, mix the yogurt, pumpkin puree, and pumpkin pie spice together.
- In glasses or mason jars, alternate layers of the pumpkin yogurt mix with granola or crushed graham crackers.
- Finish off with a drizzle of honey and a sprinkle of cinnamon on top.
Healthy Substitutes: Replace the honey with stevia or monk fruit sweetener for a sugar-free version, and use a gluten-free granola if needed.
3. No-Bake Apple Cinnamon Energy Balls: Bite-Sized Fall Treats
Energy balls are the snack that just keeps giving. They’re easy to make, packed with healthy ingredients, and perfect for little hands to roll and shape. Theseย apple cinnamon energy ballsย are a fall-inspired version.
What You’ll Need:
- 1 cup rolled oats
- 1/2 cup almond butter (or any nut/seed butter)
- 1/4 cup unsweetened applesauce
- 1/4 cup chopped dried apples
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1 tablespoon chia seeds (optional, but great for a health boost)
- 1 tablespoon maple syrup (optional, for extra sweetness)
How to Make It:
- In a bowl, mix together all the ingredients.
- Roll the mixture into small balls (about the size of a golf ball).
- Place the balls in the fridge to firm up for about 30 minutes before serving.
Healthy Substitutes: If you want to make them nut-free, swap the almond butter for sunflower butter.
4. Frozen Yogurt Bark with Fall Fruits
Frozen yogurt bark is an ideal treat because you can mix and match whatever toppings you like. This version highlights fall fruits like pears and apples with a few nuts and seeds for crunch.
What You’ll Need:
- 2 cups plain Greek yogurt
- 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup
- 1 small apple, thinly sliced
- 1 small pear, thinly sliced
- A handful of chopped walnuts or pecans
- Pumpkin seeds (for that fall vibe but optional)
- Cinnamon to sprinkle on top
How to Make It:
- Spread the yogurt onto a parchment-lined baking sheet in an even layer.
- Drizzle honey over the yogurt.
- Top with apple slices, pear slices, nuts, and pumpkin seeds.
- Sprinkle a bit of cinnamon for extra flavor.
- Freeze for at least 3 hours or until firm. Break into pieces and serve.
Healthy Substitutes: For a dairy-free option, use coconut yogurt.
5. Cinnamon Sugar Popcorn: A Sweet and Crunchy Delight
Popcorn is always a fun snack, but when you add cinnamon and a little sweetness, it transforms into a fall dessert you canโt resist. Plus, itโs something kids love to help shake up.
What You’ll Need:
- 4 cups popped popcorn (air-popped or lightly salted)
- 1 tablespoon coconut oil or melted butter
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1 tablespoon coconut sugar or brown sugar
How to Make It:
- In a small bowl, mix the cinnamon and sugar.
- Drizzle the coconut oil or melted butter over the popcorn and toss to coat.
- Sprinkle the cinnamon-sugar mixture over the popcorn and give it a good shake.
Healthy Substitutes: Swap the sugar for a monk fruit or erythritol-based sweetener to reduce sugar content.
6. Caramel Apple Dippers: A Fun Fall Treat
Forget the mess of making whole caramel apples. These dippers are just as fun, way easier to eat, and much healthier.
What You’ll Need:
- 2 apples, sliced into wedges
- 1/4 cup caramel sauce (try to find one thatโs lower in sugar or make your own with dates)
- 1/4 cup crushed nuts or granola for dipping
- Optional: melted dark chocolate for drizzling
How to Make It:
- Arrange the apple slices on a plate.
- Pour the caramel sauce into a small bowl.
- Dip the apple slices into the caramel and then into the crushed nuts or granola.
Healthy Substitutes: You can make a healthier caramel dip by blending dates, a splash of vanilla extract, and a little bit of almond milk for a rich, naturally sweet alternative.
7. Pumpkin Smoothie: Drink Your Dessert
Pumpkin pie in a glass? Yes, please! This smoothie is thick, creamy, and full of those warm fall spices. It’s an awesomeย easy fall dessert recipe for kidsย who prefer to sip their treats.
What You’ll Need:
- 1/2 cup pumpkin puree
- 1 frozen banana
- 1/2 cup almond milk (or any milk)
- 1/2 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
- A drizzle of maple syrup or honey
- A handful of ice cubes
How to Make It:
- Blend all the ingredients until smooth and creamy.
- Serve immediately with a sprinkle of cinnamon on top.
Healthy Substitutes: For a protein-packed version, add a scoop of vanilla protein powder.
8. Apple Pie “Sushi” Rolls: A Fun Twist
Here’s a dessert that’s as fun to make as it is to eat. These apple pie sushi rolls are kid-friendly and packed with the flavors of fall.
What You Will Need:
- 1 whole wheat tortilla
- 1/2 apple, thinly sliced
- 1 tablespoon almond butter or cream cheese
- A sprinkle of cinnamon
- A drizzle of honey
How to Make It:
- Spread the almond butter or cream cheese over the tortilla.
- Arrange the apple slices in a line along one edge of the tortilla.
- Sprinkle with cinnamon and drizzle with honey.
- Roll up the tortilla like sushi, then slice into bite-sized pieces.
Healthy Substitutes: Use a gluten-free tortilla if needed, and swap out the honey for a sugar-free sweetener if desired.
9. Pear and Walnut Salad Cups: A Fruity, Crunchy Dessert
Fruit salads donโt always scream โdessert,โ but when you add crunchy walnuts, creamy yogurt, and a drizzle of honey, itโs a different story. This dessert is a perfect balance of sweet and healthy.
What You Will Need:
- 1 pear, diced
- a handful of walnuts, chopped
- 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt
- a drizzle of honey or maple syrup
- a sprinkle of cinnamon
How to Make It:
- Mix the diced pear and walnuts in a bowl.
- Spoon the mixture into small cups or bowls.
- Top with yogurt, a drizzle of honey, and a sprinkle of cinnamon.
Healthy Substitutes: Use coconut yogurt for a dairy-free option.
10. Fall Trail Mix: The Ultimate Snackable Dessert
When you need something quick, easy, and portable, a fall-themed trail mix is perfect. Kids can help mix all the ingredients and choose their favorite add-ins.
What You’ll Need:
- A handful of dried cranberries
- A handful of roasted pumpkin seeds
- A handful of almonds or pecans
- Dark chocolate chips or chunks
- A sprinkle of cinnamon or pumpkin spice
How to Make It:
- Mix all the ingredients together in a bowl.
- Store in an airtight container and snack away!
Healthy Substitutes: You can swap out the dark chocolate for unsweetened coconut flakes to lower the sugar content.
And there you have it!ย 10 easy fall dessert recipes for kidsย that require no baking, are fun to make, and healthy enough that you won’t feel guilty about eating them. Whether you’re whipping these up for a family get-together or a cozy night in, these desserts bring all the fall flavors without any of the fuss. So grab your kids, hit the kitchen, and let the fall fun begin!
Interested in more recipes to make with your little ones? Check out my post on small-batch (2 cookies only) recipe for chunky Lotus Biscoff cookies here.