No-Bake Summer Recipes to Make with Your Child

Summer is the perfect time to enjoy simple moments, cool treats, and time together in the kitchen—without turning on the oven! At Imagine Early Education and Childcare, we know that cooking with your child can be a fun, hands-on learning experience. That’s why we’re sharing some easy no-bake recipes you and your child can make at home during those sunny summer days. 

These recipes are kid-friendly, require little to no heat, and are packed with opportunities for learning—from counting and measuring to stirring and assembling. 

🍓 1. Yogurt Fruit Parfaits 

What You’ll Need: 

• Vanilla yogurt 

• Fresh fruit (like strawberries, blueberries, bananas) 

• Granola or crushed graham crackers 

How To Make It:
In a cup or small bowl, layer yogurt, fruit, and granola. Repeat the layers and top with a few extra berries for a colorful finish. 

👉 Why Kids Love It: They can build their own parfaits and choose their favorite fruits!
👉 Learning Moment: Talk about patterns and healthy eating habits.  

🍌 2. Banana “Ice Cream” 

What You’ll Need: 

• 2 ripe bananas 

• A splash of milk (optional) 

• Blender or food processor 

How To Make It:
Slice and freeze the bananas. Once frozen, blend them until smooth and creamy. You can add a splash of milk or a spoonful of peanut butter for extra flavor. 

👉 Why Kids Love It: It’s creamy like ice cream—but made with just fruit!
👉 Learning Moment: Discuss textures and the change from solid to creamy as it blends.  

🥜 3. No-Bake Energy Bites 

What You’ll Need: 

• 1 cup oats 

• ½ cup peanut butter or sunflower seed butter 

• ¼ cup honey 

• ¼ cup chocolate chips or dried fruit 

How To Make It:
Mix all ingredients in a bowl, then roll into small bite-sized balls. Chill in the fridge for 20–30 minutes before eating. 

👉 Why Kids Love It: Rolling the bites is fun and a little messy—in the best way!
👉 Learning Moment: Practice measuring ingredients and stirring.  

🍉 4. Frozen Fruit Kabobs 

What You’ll Need: 

• Skewers (wooden or plastic) 

• Assorted fruits like watermelon, grapes, pineapple, strawberries 

• Optional: drizzle with melted chocolate or yogurt 

How To Make It:
Let your child help slide the fruit onto the skewers. Freeze for an hour or two for a cool summer treat! 

👉 Why Kids Love It: They get to make their own snack creations.
👉 Learning Moment: Talk about colors, shapes, and where different fruits grow.  

🥤 5. Fruity Ice Pops 

What You’ll Need: 

• 100% fruit juice or blended fruit 

• Ice pop molds or small paper cups and craft sticks 

How To Make It:
Pour juice or fruit puree into molds and freeze for 4–6 hours. Pop them out for a refreshing treat! 

👉 Why Kids Love It: It feels like dessert—but it’s all fruit!
👉 Learning Moment: Introduce concepts like freezing and melting.  

Tips for Cooking With Kids: 

• Keep tasks age-appropriate—toddlers can pour and stir, while older children can help measure and assemble. 

• Talk about what’s happening during each step to build language and understanding. 

• Embrace the mess—it’s all part of the fun and learning!

At Imagine, we encourage children to explore, create, and get hands-on with real-world activities—especially when they involve food and fun! Try one (or all) of these no-bake summer recipes with your child and turn a hot afternoon into a cool learning adventure. 

From our kitchen to yours, happy no-baking!