Dessert is more than just a sweet treat—it’s a chance for kids to explore flavours and textures they enjoy. But let’s be real. Navigating dessert time with picky eaters can feel like walking a tightrope. How do you balance their sweet tooth with healthy choices? 

The good news is, it’s easier than you think. With a few smart strategies, you can make dessert time a win for everyone. Curious about how? Check out these handy tips to keep your little ones delighted—and mealtime stress-free.

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5 Ways To Give Desserts To Picky Eaters

Turning dessert into a win with picky eaters is all about a fresh approach. When you make it an adventure in taste and choice, you can spark their interest while keeping it both enjoyable and balanced. Here are five clever and engaging ways to give desserts to even the fussiest eaters:

Incorporate Familiar Flavours

Kids are creatures of habit, especially picky eaters. If they love the taste of vanilla or strawberries, use those flavours as your dessert base. Vanilla yoghurt parfaits with a sprinkle of granola or fresh strawberries can be just what they need to feel comfortable with trying something new. The trick is to ease them into dessert time with flavours they already love.

Make Desserts Interactive

Let’s face it – picky eaters love having control over what they eat. So why not make dessert interactive? Set up a DIY dessert station where they can build their own fruit kebabs or create their own mini pizzas using healthy ingredients like berries, yoghurt, or even a drizzle of honey. When they get involved, they’re more likely to eat it and have fun while doing it!

Offer Small Portions

Big servings can be intimidating for picky eaters. Instead of a huge slice of cake, offer bite-sized treats like mini muffins, small scoops of ice cream, or a couple of chocolate-dipped strawberries. Smaller portions keep things manageable and ensure they don’t feel overwhelmed. Plus, they can always come back for seconds if they’re feeling adventurous.

Looking for tasty little bites your picky eaters will actually love? Check out this link for fun, small-portion recipes.

Include Healthy Ingredients

You can have your cake and eat it too – by sneaking in healthy ingredients. From mixing avocado into chocolate mousse to adding chia seeds to pudding, there are endless ways to boost nutrition without compromising on taste. Try making fruit-based popsicles or blending up a smoothie bowl topped with granola. Your picky eater will enjoy their dessert while getting a dose of vitamins and minerals on the side.

For creative ways to add a healthy twist to meals, check these fresh ingredient ideas perfect for picky eaters.

Present Desserts Creatively

Sometimes, it’s all in the presentation! Make dessert look as fun as it tastes by using colourful plates, funky bowls, or even cutting fruit into fun shapes. Turn a basic fruit salad into a rainbow masterpiece with different colours and textures, or serve up yoghurt in a waffle cone for a sweet twist. A little creativity goes a long way in winning over picky eaters.

What Is The Best Time To Give Dessert To Picky Eaters?

Timing is everything when it comes to serving dessert, especially for picky eaters. Knowing the right moment can turn a simple sweet treat into a delightful experience. Some of the best times to serve up those delicious desserts are:

After a Well-Balanced Meal

Serving dessert right after a balanced meal is a great way to make sure your little ones are getting the nutrition they need. It’s like the cherry on top of a healthy dinner! Whether it’s a slice of pumpkin pie or a scoop of fruit sorbet, a sweet treat can be the perfect way to end a family meal on a high note.

As a Reward for Trying New Foods

Encouraging picky eaters to try new foods can be a breeze when you dangle the sweet reward of dessert. After a brave taste of something unfamiliar, offer a small dessert like chocolate pudding or cheesecake bites. It’ll not only make them feel accomplished but also help them associate trying new things with a little sweet surprise.

During Family Dessert Nights

Make dessert a special occasion with dedicated family dessert nights. Choose a day each week to indulge in your favourite sweet treats together. It could be anything from vanilla cupcakes to homemade popsicles. This creates a fun routine that your picky eaters will look forward to, turning dessert into a joyful family affair.

Afternoon Snack Time

Who says desserts are just for after dinner? Afternoon snack time is the perfect opportunity to serve a sweet treat! Think yoghurt parfaits with granola and berries or some baked apples drizzled with honey. It’s a great way to keep energy levels up while satisfying that sweet craving.

Special Occasions

Holidays, birthdays, or even just a sunny Saturday can call for a delicious dessert celebration. Use these moments to pull out all the stops with show-stopping treats like strawberry shortcakes or lemon bars. Special occasions are perfect for making memories and enjoying the sweet side of life.

6 Best Dessert Recipes For Picky Eaters

Finding the perfect dessert for picky eaters can be a fun adventure. We've rounded up a delightful collection of sweet treats that are sure to please even the fussiest of taste buds. Check out these ideas that will make dessert time the best part of the day.

Apple Streusel

Apple streusel is a delicious treat that’s perfect for picky eaters. Enjoy warm apples topped with a delightful crumbly streusel that adds just the right amount of sweetness. This dish makes a fantastic snack or dessert, and it’s even a tasty breakfast option when paired with a generous spoonful of yoghurt. It keeps well in the fridge for a few days, so you can savour it cold or pop it in the microwave for a warm treat. Plus, it's dairy and lactose-free when served without the yoghurt, making it a great choice for everyone!

Type: Vegetarian, Contains Nuts

Makes 3-4

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cooking Time: 25 minutes 

Ingredients

• Olive oil spray, for greasing
• 3 pink lady apples, chopped into small pieces
• Zest and juice of 1 lemon
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon 
• 1 ½ cups rolled oats
• 3 tablespoons honey
• 3 tablespoons almond butter 
• Greek yoghurt, to serve (optional)

Recipe

1. Preheat the oven to 180°C. Spray a small loaf tin with olive oil spray and set aside. 
2. In a mixing bowl combine the chopped apple, lemon zest and juice, and half of the cinnamon. Stir to combine. 
3. Transfer the apple mixture into the loaf tin. Spread the apples to cover the entire bottom of the tin. 
4. Add the rolled oats, honey, almond butter and the remaining half teaspoon of cinnamon into the mixing bowl. 
5. Stir well to combine. If your honey and/or almond butter are not liquid enough to stir easily, heat them gently in the microwave for 10 seconds at a time until runny. 
6. Sprinkle the oat streusel mixture over the top of the apples in the loaf tin. Place the loaf tin into the oven and bake for 25 minutes until golden. 
7. Divide the apple streusel into serving bowls, and top with a dollop of yoghurt. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Festive Stuffed Strawberries

Stuffed strawberries are a yummy addition to your dessert lineup, and they’re sure to impress even the pickiest eaters! These little bites are not only delicious but also super festive, with vibrant red strawberries decorated with green pistachios and red cranberries. They look like mini works of art! Just be sure to prepare them right before serving so they stay fresh and juicy. It’s the perfect sweet treat to add some colour and fun to your dessert platter.

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!

Stuffed Dates

Stuffed dates are a festive and impressive addition to any dessert platter! Not only are they naturally sweet, but they’re also perfect for picky eaters who love a little something different. These bite-sized delights can be made ahead of time and stored in the fridge for a few days, so they’re great for when you need a last-minute dessert option. Double or even triple the recipe if you’re hosting, because these are always a hit during the holiday season—or any time you want to impress!

Type: Vegetarian, Vegan, Gluten Free, Lactose Free, Contains Nuts, Snacks, Kid Friendly

Makes 10 dates

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cooking Time: 0 minutes 

Ingredients

• 10 Medjool dates
• 10 almonds, roasted
• 10 teaspoons 100% natural peanut butter
• ¼ cup pistachios, roasted
• 1 tablespoon dried cranberries

Recipe

1. Use a small knife to slice each date open lengthwise and remove the pit. You don’t want to cut all the way through the date, just along one side so that you can remove the pit. 
2. Stuff one roasted almond into each date, in place of the pit. 
3. Add one teaspoon of peanut butter into each date, adding it into the middle cavity where you have stuffed the roasted almond. 
4. Gently pinch each side of the date together to stick the edges together slightly.  
5. Chop up the pistachios and dried cranberries into small pieces. Sprinkle the pistachios and cranberries over the stuffed dates, ensuring that they stick to the peanut butter filling. 
6. Arrange the stuffed dates onto a festive serving platter. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Chocolate Mousse

Trust us—this chocolate mousse is going to be a game changer! There’s a secret ingredient that might surprise you… tofu! But don’t worry, you won’t even taste it. Trust the process, and by the end, you’ll have a rich, creamy dessert that even the pickiest eaters won’t be able to resist. It’s also vegan if you skip the optional yogurt topping and use dairy-free dark chocolate. So, go ahead and whip up this tasty treat—it’s perfect for satisfying a chocolate craving while keeping things a little lighter!

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 on 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!

Apple Crumble

Apple crumble is the ultimate cosy dessert when you’re craving something sweet after dinner. It’s warm, filling, and surprisingly healthy! This recipe is perfect for a big family dish, but if you’re flying solo, you can easily divide it by six to whip up a single serving. Want to get creative? Toss in some frozen berries or stone fruit with the apples for an extra fruity twist. It’s also a great way to use up any overripe fruit hanging around in your kitchen. Yum!

Serves 6

Prep time: 15 minutes

Cooking time: 15-20 minutes

Ingredients

• 6 medium apples (you can use a variety eg. Pink Lady and Granny Smith)
• 1/3 cup water
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1 teaspoon nutmeg
• Zest of 1 orange
• 1 cup rolled oats
• ½ cup desiccated coconut
• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• ¼ cup raw almonds, roughly chopped (Walnuts or macadamias also work well)
• Greek yoghurt, to serve

Recipe

1. Remove apple cores and roughly chop apples in bite sized pieces, keeping the skin on. Place chopped apples into a large saucepan with the water, cinnamon, nutmeg and orange zest.
2. Cook apple mixture over a medium-high heat for approximately 10 minutes. Stir every few minutes, until the apples are heated through and tender. Pour the cooked apple mixture into a baking dish and set aside. 
3. Preheat the oven to 180°C.
4. To make the crumble topping combine the oats, coconut and olive oil and mix together well. Spread the crumble mixture evenly over the top of the cooked apples in the baking dish. Sprinkle with the chopped almonds.
5. Place the baking dish into the oven and cook for approximately 15-20 minutes until heated through and golden on top. Remove from the oven, and serve warm with a dollop of Greek yoghurt.  

Mango Frozen Yoghurt

Mango frozen yoghurt is the ultimate refreshing summer treat, perfect as an ice cream alternative! The best part? It only takes two minutes to whip up. You can make it on the spot when those cravings hit, or prep it ahead of time and store it in the freezer for later. Either way, it’s a sweet and tangy dessert that picky eaters (and everyone else) will love.

Type: Vegetarian, Gluten Free

Serves 2

Prep Time: 2 minutes

Cooking Time: 0 minutes

Ingredients

• 2 small mangoes, frozen (alternatively use store-bought frozen mango chunks)
• ½ cup Greek yoghurt

Recipe

1. Add frozen mango and yoghurt to a blender and blend for approximately 1 minute until ingredients are combined into a smooth soft serve consistency.
2. Pour frozen yoghurt out of the blender and serve!

Final Thoughts

Handling dessert with picky eaters is easier than it seems! With a little creativity and the right timing, you can turn dessert into a positive, rewarding experience that everyone looks forward to. Whether you’re sneaking in some extra fruit with stuffed strawberries or keeping it simple with a classic apple crumble, there’s always a sweet way to satisfy those selective taste buds. So go ahead, try out these tips, and make dessert time something to celebrate! After all, who doesn’t love a little sweetness in life?

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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.