No Bake Treats Kids Can Help Make

Some of the best kitchen memories happen when the oven stays off. No bake treats are a favorite in our house, especially when little hands want to help but attention spans are short. They’re quick, easy, and usually involve a little bit of sticky, a little bit of sweet, and a whole lot of fun.

Whether you’re looking for a rainy day kitchen activity, a homeschool break that doubles as a snack, or just a way to get your kids more confident in the kitchen, these no-bake recipes are perfect for all ages (and they’re delicious too).

Why We Love No Bake Recipes

• No hot oven or stovetop means less stress and more freedom for kids to truly help
• Short prep time keeps them engaged and excited
• Hands on steps like mixing, rolling, and pressing are great for developing motor skills
• Most of them are easy to adapt to allergies or food preferences

Plus, kids are way more likely to try something if they helped make it themselves!

Our Favorite No-Bake Treats to Make Together

Peanut Butter Bites

These are always a hit and they feel just a little bit healthy especially with a handful of mini chocolate chips thrown in.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup rolled oats
• ½ cup peanut butter (or sunflower butter for nut-free)
• ⅓ cup honey
• ¼ cup mini chocolate chips
• 1 tsp vanilla extract

Instructions:
Mix everything together in a bowl, then roll into small balls. Pop them in the fridge for 30 minutes to firm up. Store in an airtight container for up to a week (if they last that long!).

Let kids pour, stir, and scoop! Use a cookie scoop for less mess.

Chocolate-Dipped Pretzel Rods

These are great for little hands to decorate.

Ingredients:

• Pretzel rods
• Chocolate chips (milk, dark, or white)
• Optional: sprinkles, crushed nuts, shredded coconut

Instructions:
Melt the chocolate chips in a microwave-safe bowl in 30 second intervals. Dip each pretzel rod halfway into the melted chocolate and then into the toppings. Let them set on wax paper until firm (you can speed this up in the fridge!).

This is a fun one for themed holidays. Just switch up the sprinkles!

Mini Cereal Bars

Think homemade Rice Krispie treats with endless options.

Ingredients:

• 3 cups cereal (Rice Krispies, Cheerios, or Fruity Pebbles are great)
• 3 tbsp butter
• 4 cups mini marshmallows

Instructions:
Melt the butter and marshmallows together in the microwave or stovetop (grown up step). Pour over cereal in a large bowl and mix well. Press into a greased 8×8 pan and let cool before slicing.

Kids can choose the cereal, stir, and press the mixture into the pan with a buttered spatula.

Frozen Yogurt Bark

A chilly snack that’s super customizable and feels like a treat!

Ingredients:

• 2 cups vanilla yogurt
• ½ cup chopped fruit (strawberries, blueberries, bananas, etc.)
• 2 tbsp mini chocolate chips or granola

Instructions:
Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Spread yogurt evenly across the pan, then sprinkle fruit and toppings over it. Freeze for 2–3 hours, then break into pieces.

 Kids love choosing their own toppings—try coconut flakes, raisins, or even crushed graham crackers.

Graham Cracker Sandwiches

Simple, sweet, and totally customizable.

Ingredients:

• Graham crackers
• Your favorite nut butter or cream cheese
• Sliced banana or strawberries
• Optional: mini chocolate chips, honey drizzle

Instructions:
Break graham crackers into squares. Spread with your filling of choice, top with fruit or fun extras, and sandwich them together.