Need a way to keep the kids entertained during the school holidays? Get them in the kitchen! Baking is the perfect way to keep your children busy during the break and they'll learn valuable skills like mixing, measuring and timing along the way...
Need a way to keep the kids entertained during the school holidays? Get them in the kitchen! Baking is the perfect way to keep your children busy during the break and they'll learn valuable skills like mixing, measuring and timing along the way.
Not only will you create a delicious treat, you'll create fun memories together that will last a lifetime!
The recipes we've chosen are all easy for little hands to get involved with, but they'll still require a bit of adult supervision now and then.
First up are Mary Berry's fairy cakes. Who better to learn the art of baking from than Mary Berry herself? This scrummy fairy cake recipe is great for kids as it uses the easy all-in-one method - just bung everything in a bowl, whizz it up and you're ready to put the mixture into cases and bake.
Get the recipe: Mary Berry's iced fairy cakes
Carrot cake
You'll have to supervise a few steps in this recipe - mainly grating the carrots and taking the tins in and out of the oven - but little ones will love to help with the weighing and stirring, and the use of sunflower oil instead of butter means it's an absolute doddle to mix.
Maltesers cookies
If your kids love Maltesers they're going to love these crunchy cookies. Ready in no time at all, these simple cookies are going to be a big hit with the little ones. Perfect when you've got friends over for the afternoon.
Get the recipe: Maltesers cookies
Rocky road brownies
Rocky road is a super simple treat that even the youngest of children can master. If they're ready to move up a level, try this rocky road brownie recipe - layers of cake, fudge icing and plenty of nuts and marshmallows are heaped up to create a masterpiece (and lots of sticky fingers!)
Get the recipe: Rocky road brownies
Low-sugar malt loaf bars
These low-sugar malt loaf bars are much healthier than the shop-bought version. Get the kids to help you make a batch and then you can have them for their packed lunches when it's back to school.
Get the recipe: Low-sugar malt loaf bars
Chocolate and pecan flapjacks
Flapjacks should be on every mum's to-make list this summer. The oats in this recipe will give the kids a healthy burst of energy, but the addition of chocolate chips and pecans makes them taste really naughty! Try inventing new flavours by adding your favourite dried fruit or nuts.
Get the recipe: Chocolate and pecan flapjacks
Banana Angel Delight cookies
Our mummy blogger Anneliese knows a thing or two about keeping the kids happy - her two boys have a hand in almost every recipe she comes up with! These banana Angel Delight cookies transform a storecupboard staple into a treat that delights little tummies. You can use whatever flavour of Angel Delight you like.
Get the recipe: Banana Angel Delight cookies
Peanut butter and jam slices
Peanut butter and jam is a delicious sandwich filling, so trust us when we say that it makes an even more delicious cake! These easy peasy slices take just one hour to make and are a perfect first bake for any child that loves PB&J in their lunchbox.
Get the recipe: Peanut butter and jam slices
Sweetie tray bake
Imagine the looks on the kids faces as they tuck into this! Tray bakes are great for older kids to get to grips with, as the batter is simple and there's no need to slice or layer the cake - simply pop it out of the tin, cover it in icing and sweets and it's ready to be devoured.
Get the recipe: Sweetie tray bake
Rolo cookie cups
Not only are these Rolo cookie cups super easy to make, they're super easy to eat too - in one mouthful! The perfect treat for the holidays, these cookies are sure to become a family favourite.
Get the recipe: Rolo cookie cups
Weetabix cake
If your family is used to having Weetabix for breakfast, they'll go wild for this cake. With the fibre-rich cereal and a generous helping of dried fruit in the batter, this is a much healthier option than a lot of other cakes, but still feels like a treat. Kids will love crushing up the Weetabix and love eating it even more!
Monkey muffins
Well, what could be more appropriate for your little monkeys to make? These monkey muffins combine every primate's favourite fruit, banana, with peanut butter and chocolate chips for a tasty cake that takes just 40 minutes to whip up. They'll also last for several days in an airtight container, so they're a good one to make in advance for picnics or days out too.
Get the recipe: Monkey muffins
Pastry pretzels
Have fun shaping these pastry pretzels together with the kids. Flavour with cheese and watch them disappear off the plate in minutes.
Get the recipe: Pastry pretzels
Scones
Scone recipes are taught in almost every school kitchen as they're really easy to make and don't require any fiddly or expensive ingredients, and when they're filled with cream and fruity jam, children will eat them up in a matter of minutes! This recipe has sultunas included, but you could leave them out if the kids aren't keen.
Bread pudding bites
These delicious bread pudding bites are so simple to make and perfect for dessert with a drizzle of homemade custard. The kids are going to love baking these bites as well as eating them too.
Get the recipe: Bread pudding bites
Butterfly buns
Remember making these with your mum when you were little? Well, your kids will love making them with you too. The 'wings' are so soft they can be cut out using a butter knife, so there's no need to worry about anyone being in charge of a sharp object!
Get the recipe: Butterfly buns
Animal cupcakes
How cute are these little fellas? Sweets like jelly beans, chocolate buttons and marshmallows transform an ordinary cupcake recipe into an adorable treat that's (almost!) too good to scoff. These cakes can be made in advance and frozen for up to one month, so they're great to have on standby as a rainy day activity.
Get the recipe: Animal cupcakes
Giant cookies
It's often said that the best things come in small packages, but in the instance of these fun giant cookies, we'd have to disagree. Children can help with weighing the ingredients, rolling the dough and of course, the all-important decoration - set up a table with sweeties and icing tubes and let them go to town.
Shortbread
This classic shortbread requires just four ingredients, and can be made in a food processor to minimise mess. It's an ideal introduction to baking for children who are new to the kitchen and once they've mastered the basic recipe, they can experiment by adding new flavours like chocolate or lemon too.
Get the recipe: Scottish shortbread
Moo-sli bars
These moo-sli bars are a fun homemade alternative to the usual processed cereal bars. They're quick and simple to whip up and only take 30 minutes in the oven. Keep the kids amused AND get them to make their own breakfast for the next day! Sounds like a winner to us.
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