3 Kid-Friendly Fall Recipes Your Family Will Love (That Won’t Destroy Your Kitchen)

Baking as an adult is tough — it requires lots of steps, perfect measurements, and a decent amount of waiting during the baking process. Add little kids to the equation, and it can feel like a recipe for disaster. One of the hardest parts for me as a mom is balancing magic without also stirring up a lot of emotions (like anger, frustration, and impatience). 

Sometimes, as an egg drops on the floor, it’s hard to remember that kids and floors are washable! We’ve all been there. That’s why I’ve collected three of our tried-and-true family-favorite simple fall baking recipes for kids that are sure to be a hit — and that won’t leave you wishing you’d just stopped by Crumbl on your way home.

Tips for Fall Baking With Kids

Before you grab your mixing bowls and put on your aprons (which, yes, you may want to wear — especially if you’re baking first thing in the morning in your favorite Little Sleepies PJs!), there are a few things you should keep in mind to make sure your experience is as smooth as peanut butter.

• Set realistic expectations: This is the hardest, but most important, one for me. The goal here isn’t a perfect final product; it’s a sweet family experience. It’s OK if some flour ends up on the ground or the decorations aren’t symmetrical.

• Read the recipe first: OK moms, this is actually my top tip for cooking ANYTHING, not just when baking with toddlers. Take a minute to actually read each step and see what’s coming; that way, you can find the steps that your kids can tackle. 

• Stack tasks: After you read the recipe, see where you can stack your tasks with your kids. For example, you can handle some of the more technical pieces (like measuring flour) while your kid whisks the butter and sugar. 

• Don’t rush anything: Rushing ruins all the fun and can ruin your recipe in the process. Budget double the amount of time it should take, which can prevent your impatience from growing and your dessert from burning. 
  

Featured Print: Pumpkin Pals

Encourage Your Kids to Participate

To get your kids engaged in the kid-friendly fall activities, you need to let them feel like they’re part of the process. Lay out a few of your fall favorite Little Sleepies outfits for them to choose from, offer up a few recipe ideas, and give them as much of a role in the decision-making process as you can. 

Also, look for ways to praise them rather than correct them during the process. While you might be tempted to get the design perfect (which equals you correcting where they put the eyeballs on the monster), let go of the idea of perfection. You’re not selling these for a profit, so focus on being present and show your kids that you’re happy and excited to be doing this cozy fall activity with your family.

Easy Fall Recipes for Toddlers

Baking is one of our favorite fun fall activities for preschoolers at home. Here are a few easy fall recipes for families we love.

Fall Breakfast: 3-Ingredient Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Muffins

This recipe utilizes a cake mix, making it nearly foolproof. Plus, they’re delicious and a great way to include your kid in the baking process without having to worry about perfect measurements.

Ingredients

• 15 oz box of spice cake mix

• 15 oz can pumpkin

• 2 cups chocolate chips (we like mini semi-sweet chocolate chips!)

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

2. In a mixing bowl, mix cake mix, chocolate chips and pumpkin together.

3. Place liners in a muffin pan and fill with pumpkin mixture.

4. Bake for 40-45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the muffin comes out clean. 

5. Serve & enjoy.

Featured Prints: Petite Petals and Twilight Pals

Halloween Dessert: Monster Bark

Looking for cute fall or Halloween treats to take to your kids’ school? Monster bark is the answer! It’s basically just Graham crackers and candy melts, making them easy to make and allergy-friendly. Plus, your kids will love decorating them with the sprinkles and candy eyeballs!

Ingredients

• 12 to 16 whole Graham crackers

• 1 12-ounce package bright green candy melts

• 1 cup purple candy melts

• Candy eyeballs, for topping

• Assorted green sprinkles and nonpareils (rainbow circle sprinkles) for topping

Instructions

1. Lay the Graham crackers in a single layer on a large rimmed baking sheet, breaking to fit as needed.

2. Melt the green and purple candy melts in separate medium microwave-safe bowls in the microwave according to the package directions.

3. Pour the green candy melts over the Graham crackers and spread in an even layer using an offset spatula or the back of a spoon. Working quickly, drop tablespoonfuls of the purple candy melts about 2 inches apart over the green layer. Swirl with a toothpick to create a marbled look.

4. Top the bark with candy eyeballs, sprinkles and nonpareils while it’s still wet. Refrigerate until set, about 15 minutes, then break into pieces.

Featured Styles: Classic Burgundy Zippy and Grove Green Zippy

Healthy Snack: Instapot Apple Chips

This one was a shocker to us — I had no idea you could make apple chips in the Instapot! My kids love dried fruit, and being able to make them at home is a great way to save money and include them in the healthy eating process.

Ingredients

• 1 large red delicious apple

• 1 Tbsp granulated sugar

• 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon

• Cooking spray

Instructions

1. Evenly slice the apple into 1/8-inch-thick slices. You can use a mandolin — but be careful because they’re VERY sharp.

2. Remove any seeds. Place in a single layer on a flat surface. Set aside.

3. In a small bowl, combine sugar and cinnamon. 

4. Sprinkle apple slices with cinnamon sugar mixture on both sides. Lightly spray air fryer basket.

5. Add slices to the air fryer basket, trying not to pile them too high.

6. Set the air fryer to 300°F. Air fry for 15 minutes, tossing the apple slices every 5 minutes (and more frequently towards the end of the cooking time), until they are golden brown and almost crispy.

7. Set apple chips on a cooling rack to cool completely. Chips will continue to crisp up even more as they cool.

8. Serve immediately.

Let the Fall Fun Begin!

Make sure to tag us if you try any of our recipes! We love to see how creative our LS fam can be, and we love celebrating each and every season alongside your family.

Drop your go-to fall recipes for fun in the kitchen with kids in the comments. As always, commenters will be entered for a chance to win a $50 Little Sleepies gift card.