7 Kids Birthday Party Treats That Are Better Than Cake

Got a little one who only eats the frosting? Make them one of these sweet treats instead.

July 19, 2021
Oreo Truffles

Oreo Truffles

Photo by: Teri Lyn Fisher

Teri Lyn Fisher

As the parent of a school-age child, I’ve been to more than a few birthday parties. And I’ve noticed something: there are a lot of kids who don’t like cake. You know the ones I’m talking about, the ones who manage to eat every last bit of frosting while leaving their slice (or cupcake) perfectly intact — as if it had never been decorated at all.

My daughter happens to be one of those kids.

When I first noticed that she was a frosting-only kind of person I was a little bummed out. Not only am I a trained pastry cook who loves to bake, but cakes are the centerpiece of any great birthday celebration, right? Is it even a party if there’s no cake?!

Luckily, there are plenty of other birthday-worthy treats that are just as fun to make — and fully kid-approved. Here are some of the best party treats to make if your little one doesn't like cake either!

Oreo Balls (pictured above)

The two-bite treat that’s perfect for birthdays? Oreo balls. They come together with just a handful of ingredients and have a familiar flavor that even the littlest party-goers are guaranteed to enjoy.

If there’s one thing all kids love it’s fruity, giggly gelatin! These colorful pops are perfect for an ocean-themed party — and loaded up with a treat all kids enjoy: candy!

Chef Name: Ree Drummond

Full Recipe Name: Chocolate Chip Cookie Ice Cream Sandwiches

Talent Recipe: Ree Drummondâ  s Chocolate Chip Cookie Ice Cream Sandwiches, as seen on The Pioneer Woman

FNK Recipe: 

Project: Foodnetwork.com, HOLIDAY/SUPER BOWL/COMFORT/HEALTHY

Show Name: The Pioneer Woman

Food Network / Cooking Channel: Food Network

ReeDrummond_ChocolateChipCookieIceCreamSandwiches_H

Chef Name: Ree DrummondFull Recipe Name: Chocolate Chip Cookie Ice Cream SandwichesTalent Recipe: Ree Drummond’s Chocolate Chip Cookie Ice Cream Sandwiches, as seen on The Pioneer WomanFNK Recipe: Project: Foodnetwork.com, HOLIDAY/SUPER BOWL/COMFORT/HEALTHYShow Name: The Pioneer WomanFood Network / Cooking Channel: Food Network,Chef Name: Ree Drummond Full Recipe Name: Chocolate Chip Cookie Ice Cream Sandwiches Talent Recipe: Ree Drummond’s Chocolate Chip Cookie Ice Cream Sandwiches, as seen on The Pioneer Woman FNK Recipe: Project: Foodnetwork.com, HOLIDAY/SUPER BOWL/COMFORT/HEALTHY Show Name: The Pioneer Woman Food Network / Cooking Channel: Food Network

Photo by: Renee Comet ©2013, Television Food Network, G.P. All Rights Reserved

Renee Comet, 2013, Television Food Network, G.P. All Rights Reserved

Instead of serving scoops of ice cream with birthday cake, put them between homemade chocolate chip cookies. To give your easy ice cream sandwiches a confetti-inspired look, roll the edges in colorful, candy-coated chocolates.

Photo by: Vu Ong

Vu Ong

“Brownies are magical and can make anyone smile”, Duff says. And I couldn’t agree more. Especially these swirled ones that are drizzled with white chocolate and dusted with edible glitter! They’re sure to be a hit at any unicorn-themed birthday bash.

Ice cream sundaes are a kid-friendly favorite. Minimize the mess by making everyone’s treat ahead — in a push-pop container. Simply layer store-bought pound cake, ice cream, bananas and your favorite toppings. You can even garnish the pops with whipped cream and a cherry before freezing so that they’re ready to go on the day of the party.

These adorable slice-and-bake cookies make a welcome addition to any kids party. If you do a lot of baking and are ready for a fun project that will help you expand your skills, this recipe is for you!

As seen on The Food Network's, The Kitchen.

Photo By Todd Plitt BSTV

As seen on The Food Network's, The Kitchen. Photo By Todd Plitt BSTV

Photo by: Todd Plitt

Todd Plitt

My daughter and I have been making brigadeiros together for almost a decade now and they’re one of her all-time-favorite treats. Not only are they insanely creamy and delicious but they can be rolled in anything from colorful rainbow sprinkles to chopped nuts, which makes them a fun, customizable party treat.

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