What is it about baking that is so therapeutic? To me, it is oddly calming and so darn satisfying to find and follow a recipe, measure, stir, fold, let set and raise, bake, and create a delicious food that I can share with those I love – especially the grandkids! If you, too, enjoy cooking for your grandchildren, I invite you to check out these tried and true dessert recipes that are quick and easy to make:
Chocolate Chip Blondies
This is a twist on the classic chocolate chip cookie, and my grandkids absolutely love it! Instead of having that standard cookie taste (although nothing is wrong with that!), the blondie adds a vanilla flavor that takes this treat to the next level. If you like, you can add other ingredients like nuts, coconut, etc.
Ingredients:
- 1-1/2 cups packed brown sugar
- 1/2 cup butter, melted
- 2 large eggs, lightly beaten, room temperature
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1-1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup semisweet chocolate chips
The rest of the baking directions are available on Taste of Home.
Mug Cake
A moist and decadent cake, ready in about a minute – is there anything better? This recipe is so easy that my grandkids can make it alone (with grandma supervising, of course)!
Ingredients:
- 1 box cake mix (any flavor)
- 1 cup vanilla Greek yogurt
- 1 cup water
Directions:
- Combine all 3 ingredients and mix well.
- Spoon 1/2 cup of prepared mixture into a microwave-safe mug.
- Microwave on high for 1 1/2 minutes.
- Allow time to cool. Enjoy cake as is, or top it with whipped cream or ice cream.
(You can repeat this process with the remaining mix or refrigerate it in an air-tight container for up to 48 hours.)
Easy Homemade Caramel Popcorn
Popcorn is a tasty and versatile snack that can satisfy both savory AND sweet cravings! In this case, it is the latter, as this simple caramel corn is criminally decadent and sure to satisfy even the most giant sweet tooth!
Ingredients:
- 10 Cups of Popped Popcorn
- Salt
- 1 Cup Butter
- 1 Cup Light Brown Sugar
- 2 tsp. Vanilla
- 1/2 tsp. Baking Soda
The rest of the directions are available on Two Sisters.
Cookie Dough Dip
This is a great snack to serve when you enjoy a movie, as it is somewhat clean (the keyword being somewhat!) and highly versatile! Need I mention that you and your grands will love it?
Ingredients:
- ½ cup unsalted butter
- 8 ounces cream cheese
- ¼ cup powdered sugar
- ¼ cup brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- ¼ teaspoon kosher salt
- 1 cup semisweet mini chocolate chips
- Pretzels, graham crackers, fruit, cookies, etc., to dip
The rest of the directions are available on The Cookie Rookie.
Pink Lemonade Popsicles
No matter the weather (well below freezing included!), kids LOVE popsicles. If you, like me, are looking for ways to make them healthier and nix at least some sugar, you will love this recipe for homemade pink lemonade popsicles.
Ingredients:
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 3/4 cups water
- 1 cup fresh or frozen raspberries
- 1 cup lemon juice
The rest of the directions are available on Smitten Kitchen.
Rootbeer Float
This one is a no-brainer to make, but if you are anything like me, you often forget that rootbeer floats exist and are as delicious now as they were when we were kids. (Do yourself a favor and keep vanilla ice cream and rootbeer on hand so you can quickly whip up a float anytime the grandkids visit!)
Ingredients:
- Rootbeer, to taste (approximately 1 cup)
- Vanilla ice cream, to taste (typically 1-2 small scoops)
Directions:
- Add 1 or 2 scoops of vanilla ice cream to a cup or glass.
- Slowly pour rootbeer over vanilla ice cream.
- Add a straw, sip, and enjoy!
Pudding dirt cups
Like rootbeer floats, the ingredients for these dirt cups are great to have on hand as they are incredibly fast and easy to prepare!
Ingredients:
- 1 package instant chocolate pudding
- 8 ounces whipped cream
- 1 1/2 cups crushed Oreos (or other chocolate sandwich cookie)
- 20 gummy worms
Directions:
- Prepare pudding as directed on the box. Let the pudding stand for 5 minutes.
- Stir in whipped cream and 1/2 cup of crushed cookies.
- Spoon into 10 individual cups and top with remaining crushed cookies. Add 2 gummy worms to the top of each cup.
- Chill for 60 minutes before serving.
Puppy chow
Puppy chow is one of those treats that can double as either a snack or as a dessert. Whichever you choose, it is one that the grands will request every time they visit.
Ingredients:
- 1 box rice Chex cereal
- 3/4 cup peanut butter
- 1 bag semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 1 stick (1/2 cup) unsalted butter
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 bag powdered sugar
Directions:
- Add Chex cereal to a large bowl.
- Add chocolate chips, butter, and peanut butter into a large microwavable bowl. Cover and microwave for 30 seconds at a time until the mixture is melted. Stir in vanilla extract.
- Pour the mixture over the cereal and stir. Stir in powdered sugar.
I hope this “sweet” list gives you a little inspiration for the next time your grandkids visit! If you want to make even more memories, plan to make these recipes when you are all together, as they guarantee lots of smiles and laughs. Happy making (and eating) from your friend, Devoted Grandma.