6 Quick Last-Minute Easter Treats Kids Will Enjoy
Dr Nick Fuller
Leading Obesity Expert at the University of Sydney and founder of Interval Weight Loss.
Easter usually means a whirlwind of chocolate eggs, bunny tails, and plenty of bright smiles. But let’s be real. All that sugar can quickly lead to kids literally bouncing off the walls. It’s not just a hunch, either; research on over 4,000 Aussie kids shows that more than 80% are already getting way more sugar than the WHO recommends. Most of that comes from those ‘sometimes’ foods like sugary snacks. That’s why we think planning some Easter treats kids will love, which are also a bit kinder on their tummies, is such a smart move.
The best part? You don't need a sugar crash to have a good time. Studies actually show that when kids help out in the kitchen, they’re way more likely to try new things and have fun doing it. So, we’ve put together some playful ideas using simple, wholesome ingredients. They’re festive, delicious, and (mostly) better for growing bodies and big imaginations.
Make Easter Treats Joyful Without the Sugar Battles
Easter should be about fun, not food stress. In Healthy Parents, Healthy Kids, Dr Nick Fuller shares practical ways to help parents navigate treats and celebrations while still supporting healthy habits. His approach focuses on balance, enjoyment and reducing mealtime tension, perfect for holidays like Easter.
Make Easter food feel positive and pressure-free. Grab your copy of Healthy Parents, Healthy Kids today and enjoy the celebrations with confidence.
6 Quick Easter Treat Recipes for Kids
Since we already know most Aussie kids are getting plenty of sugar, we don't have to rely on a mountain of chocolate eggs to make the day feel special. The secret sauce? Keeping portions sensible, sticking to simple ingredients, and getting a little creative with how things look. Here are 6 quick Easter treat recipes for kids that are super easy to whip up. They’re big on festive vibes and designed to bring all the joy, without the major sugar overdrive.
Hot Cross Bun Bliss Balls
Hot Cross Bun Bliss Balls are a fun Easter twist on a classic favourite, packed with the warm spices and fruity flavours kids love. These bite-sized treats are perfect for little hands and make an easy, festive snack for Easter celebrations without relying on chocolate.
Type: Vegetarian, Vegan, Dairy Free, Contains Nuts, Snacks, Kid Friendly
Makes 15 bliss balls
Prep Time: 15 minutes (+3 hours refrigeration)
Cooking Time: 0 minutes
Ingredients
- 1 ripe banana
- ½ cup almond butter
- 1 cup rolled oats
- 1 tablespoon chia seeds
- ¼ teaspoon Mixed spice
- ½ teaspoon cinnamon
- Zest of 1 orange
- 2 tablespoons mixed dried fruit and peel
Recipe
1. Line a large baking tray with baking paper.
2. Add the banana to a mixing bowl and use a fork to mash. Make sure the banana is nice and ripe, meaning it is soft enough to mash easily. Add in the almond butter and mix until smooth.
3. Add the rolled oats, chia seeds, mixed spice, cinnamon, and orange zest. Mix well to combine.
4. Stir in the mixed dried fruit. If the mixture feels too dry, you can add one tablespoon of water or orange juice. The mixture should be only slightly sticky. If it is too wet or sticky it will make it tricky to roll into balls.
5. Leave the mixture to sit for 5-10 minutes to allow it to thicken slightly.
6. Scoop a heaped tablespoon of the mixture and roll it into a ball. Place onto the lined baking tray. Repeat with the remaining mixture until you have approximately 15 bliss balls.
7. Transfer the bliss balls to the fridge. Refrigerate for at least 3 hours until firm.
8. Enjoy!
Wholemeal Hot Cross Buns
A healthier spin on a classic Easter favourite, these wholemeal hot cross buns are perfect for kids and the whole family. Soft, lightly spiced and delicious warm from the oven, they’re ideal served plain or with a protein-rich spread as a festive Easter snack.
Type: Vegetarian, Kid Friendly, Snacks
Makes 12 buns
Prep Time: 20 minutes (+2 hours proving time)
Cooking Time: 25 minutes
Ingredients
- 1 ½ cups milk
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 2 ½ teaspoons dried yeast
- 3 ½ cups wholemeal self-raising flour
- 2 teaspoons cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon ground cloves
- ½ teaspoon nutmeg
- 1/3 cup rolled oats
- ½ cup mixed dried fruit and peel
- For the crosses: (optional)
- ½ cup wholemeal self-raising flour
- ¼ cup water
Recipe
1. Add the milk and honey to a small saucepan and heat over medium heat for 5 minutes until warm. The milk should feel the same as body temperature if you measure it by dipping a finger into the milk. Remove from the heat.
2. Add the yeast to the milk and stir. Allow to sit for 5-10 minutes until frothy. If the yeast doesn't froth, it is a sign that it is not active, and it would be best to start again with new dried yeast.
3. Into a large mixing bowl add the wholemeal flour, cinnamon, ground cloves, nutmeg, rolled oats, and dried fruit. Stir together with a wooden spoon.
4. Make a well in the centre and pour in the yeast and milk mixture. Stir well until all ingredients are combined. Flour your hands and knead lightly to form one large dough ball.
5. Leave the dough in the large mixing bowl and cover with a clean tea towel. Place into a warm area of the kitchen to prove for 1 hour.
6. After 1 hour the dough should have doubled in size. Lightly flour your bench, then turn the dough out onto the bench. Knead gently for a couple of minutes until smooth.
7. Line a baking tray with baking paper.
8. Cut the dough into 12 pieces of roughly equal amounts. Roll each piece into a ball, and place onto the lined baking tray, leaving a little space between each ball. The tray should horizontally fit 3 rows of 4 dough balls.
9. Cover the tray with the tea towel and set aside for a further 50 minutes to prove. If it is a cool day the dough may take slightly longer to prove.
10. Preheat the oven to 180°C.
11. To make the cross mixture (optional), combine the flour and water in a small bowl. Mix until smooth. Use a teaspoon to gently draw a thick cross onto each bun.
12. Place into the oven and bake for 20-25 minutes until crisp and golden brown on the outside.
13. Remove from the oven and serve whilst still warm. Enjoy!
Festive Stuffed Strawberries
A bright and colourful addition to your Easter treats for kids, these stuffed strawberries are fun, fresh and perfect for a healthy dessert platter. Decorated with green pistachios and red cranberries, they look extra festive and are best prepared just before serving for maximum freshness.
Type: Vegetarian, Gluten Free, Contains Nuts, Snacks, Kid Friendly
Makes 10 strawberries
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 0 minutes
Ingredients
- 10 medium to large strawberries
- 10 heaped teaspoons cottage cheese
- ¼ cup pistachios, roasted
- 1 tablespoon dried cranberries
Recipe
1. Use a small sharp knife to slice off the top of the strawberry, and to carefully remove the core of the strawberry.
2. Use a small spoon to fill each strawberry with one heaped teaspoon of cottage cheese.
3. Chop the pistachios and dried cranberries into small pieces.
4. Sprinkle the stuffed strawberries with the pistachios and cranberries, ensuring that they stick to the cottage cheese.
5. Arrange the stuffed strawberries on a festive serving platter. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Chocolate Mousse
A creamy, chocolatey dessert that feels like a treat but comes with a surprise twist. Made with a secret ingredient you wouldn’t expect, this smooth chocolate mousse is perfect for Easter desserts and can be made vegan with a few simple swaps.
Type: Vegetarian, Gluten Free
Serves 6
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 0 minutes (+overnight refrigeration)
Ingredients
- 130g 85% dark chocolate
- 300g silken tofu
- 1 teaspoon vanilla essence
- 2 tablespoons maple syrup
- 6 tablespoons plain yoghurt, to serve (optional)
- Fresh fruit, to serve
Recipe
1. Break the chocolate into squares and microwave in 30 second bursts, stirring in between, until melted.
2. Pour the chocolate into the bowl of an electric stand mixer fitted with a whisk attachment. Alternatively, you could use a blender or electronic handheld whisk.
3. Add the silken tofu into the bowl of the mixer, along with the vanilla essence and maple syrup.
4. Start the mixer at a slow speed. Once the ingredients are combined, increase the speed to medium-high.
5. Continue to mix for at least 10-15 minutes until smooth. Scrape the bowl at regular intervals and continue to mix.
6. Transfer the mousse mixture into 6 small glasses or ramekins. Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, but ideally overnight.
7. Before serving, top each mousse cup with a spoonful of yoghurt (optional) and fresh fruit.
8. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Mango Chia Puddings
A bright and refreshing option to add to your Easter treats for kids, this layered mango chia pudding is naturally sweet and perfect for make-ahead mornings. Stored in jars in the fridge, it’s an easy grab-and-go choice for busy Easter days.
Type: Vegetarian, Gluten Free, Kid Friendly
Serves 4
Prep Time: 10 minutes (+ 3 hours refrigeration)
Cooking Time: 0 minutes
Ingredients
- ½ cup chia seeds
- 1 ¼ cups milk
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 2 cups Greek yoghurt
- 2 cups frozen mango, chopped
- 1 cup water
- Chopped fruit or nuts/seeds to top the chia puddings (optional)
Recipe
1. Add the chia seeds, milk, and honey to a mixing bowl. Stir well to combine, then place into the fridge for at least 3 hours until thickened. The chia seeds should soak up the liquid and create a pudding-like consistency.
2. Meanwhile, add the Greek yoghurt, frozen mango, and water to a blender. Blend well to combine. Place into the fridge until required.
3. Once the chia pudding has set, remove it from the fridge along with the blended mango mixture. Layer the chia pudding and mango mixture between 4 small jars.
4. Store jars in the fridge until ready to serve. Top each jar with fresh fruit or nuts/seeds if desired.
5. Serve and enjoy!
Lemon and Blueberry Cheesecake Overnight Oats
A delicious flavour combination reminiscent of a decadent baked cheesecake. You can easily increase the quantities of this recipe if you want to prepare your breakfast for the week in advance. If you have some extra time, swap the blueberries out for 1 cup frozen berries; heat gently over the stove and stir to make a warm berry coulis to serve over your oats.
Type: Vegetarian, Breakfast
Serves 2
Prep Time: 5 minutes (+overnight refrigeration)
Cooking Time: 0 minutes
Ingredients
- 1 cup rolled oats
- 1 cup milk
- ¾ cup reduced fat cottage cheese
- Zest of 1 lemon
- Blueberries, to serve
Recipe
1. Combine the oats, milk, cottage cheese and lemon zest in a medium bowl.
2. Stir everything together until well combined.
3. Divide the mixture between 2 serving bowls, or containers if taking on the go.
4. Place into the fridge overnight. Top with blueberries before serving and enjoy!
Final Thoughts
At the end of the day, Easter treats don’t have to mean a house full of sugar-crashing kids. These recipes prove that you can still have all the festive flavours and bright colours without the massive sugar high. Whether you're putting together a big platter, spending time baking with the littles, or just prepping the fridge for the long weekend, these Easter treats kids (and parents!) will actually enjoy are a total win for the whole family.
Looking for more Easter treats that go beyond chocolate overload? These Simple Snacks For Picky Eaters are perfect for balancing fun treats with easy, kid-approved options.
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Meet Dr Nick Fuller
My Story
As a father, I know first-hand that raising healthy and happy children is tricky. Children are fussy, particularly at the end of the day when they are shattered. We also live in a society where companies seek to profit from what we feed our kids; incorrect and damaging advice is pushed on us and marketed towards our children, and we have no time.
But with these recipes and resources, you and your children can enjoy simple and well-founded food and lifestyle choices for lifelong health.
About Dr Nick Fuller
Dr Nick Fuller is the founder of Interval Weight Loss and is a leading obesity expert at the University of Sydney with a Ph.D. in Obesity Treatment. Dr Fuller is also the author of three best-selling books and his work been published in top ranked journals in the medical field, including JAMA, Lancet and American Journal of Clinical Nutrition.