7 sweet and savoury treats for kids’ birthday parties

So, there’s a kids’ birthday party on the horizon and you’re feeling a little uninspired. Obviously, there will be cake. But what else? If your shopping list has stalled at “Fizzers and chips without too much MSG”, never fear, we have seven smart ideas for getting some creative (and easy!) treats on the table in no time.

1. Mini potato pizzas

We think every kids’ birthday party menu should include these because they’re cute and easy to handle, not to mention really tasty. The recipe needs a little prep (go on, try your hand at letting dough prove, it just requires some resting time), but otherwise it’s very easy. The grown-ups will enjoy it, too.

Mini potato pizzas recipe here

2. Bakery-style banana bread

There’s banana bread and then there’s this bakery-style version, which takes the humble loaf to a whole new level. Bake this treat just before the party starts, slice it at the table, spread with a little butter, and watch every crumb evaporate.

Bakery-style banana bread recipe here

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3. The best-ever crunchies

Long live the oat crunchie, workhorse of lunchboxes the world over. This winning version by Khanya Mzongwana does double duty as a delicious party snack thanks to a drizzle of melted white chocolate over the top (sprinkles would not go amiss either, if you want to up the party vibes).

Oat crunchies recipe here

4. Melon-and-coconut ice lollies

We need some fruit, right? Something fresh and vibrant to counter the sweets and the carbs. As it happens, melons are coming into season and so are kiwis, so hop to it! Make these cute lollies the day before your party for the ultimate fuss-free, refreshing treat.

Melon-and-coconut ice lollies recipe here

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5. Chocolate bark with popcorn

We know the temptation to plop a bowl of popcorn on the table and let the kids help themselves is almost impossible to resist, but in the interest of avoiding one of the many (many) school viruses that have been doing the rounds this year, may we present this individual popcorn treat instead? It’s cute, it’s pretty, there’s a version for grown-ups and we’re rather enamoured with the minimal prep and cooking time, too (7 minutes, plus 10 minutes in the freezer).

Chocolate bark with popcorn recipe here

6. Easy home-made sausage rolls

It’s a good idea to have something with a little substance for the kids to munch on between all that running around – a little bite of protein to line the tummies. Do you have some pork bangers in the freeze, and some puff pastry? You’re halfway there! Just remember to omit the chilli flakes and you’re all set.

Easy home-made sausage rolls recipe here

7. Banana fritters with apple spice

Searching for a way to use up those very ripe bananas in the fruit basket without resorting to banana bread? These cute banana fritters are super-easy to whip up, and we predict they’ll go down a storm if you pass them around in paper cups, dusted with the excellent apple spice – it’s so good you might want to make some extra for future use.

Banana fritters with apple spice recipe here