Before I had my two littles, I quit my job in corporate America to pursue my passion for baking and started a little home-based baking business for weddings and events. I loved every minute of it, even the nights I was baking until after midnight.
While I don’t make wedding cakes and dessert tables like I used to, I love any excuse to bake, especially when my kids want to join in on the fun. My daughter, Hayden, LOVES to help in the kitchen, and it makes my heart so happy to watch her learn, ask questions and attempt recipes all on her own.
These layered desserts were actually her creation, and we loved remaking them for you. They are fun, easy, and would make the perfect addition to your 4th of July BBQ!
Hayden’s Patriotic Parfaits
All you need is 4 simple ingredients:
- Vanilla Pudding
- Whipped cream
- Strawberries
- Blueberries
You will also need 4-6 clear cups so you can see the layering in action!
Ingredient notes:
- Any vanilla pudding will taste great, but this organic version from Whole Foods was delicious and made with much healthier ingredients.
- Store-bought whipped cream works (but homemade tastes better) and takes less than 5 minutes to make. Just add ~1/2 tbs sugar + splash of vanilla extract to 8 oz whipping cream and whip in your mixer until soft peaks form.
To assemble the parfaits:
Alternate layers of pudding, berries, and whipped cream. Let your kids get creative: make a pattern with the berries, add a berry garnish, or a dollop of whipped cream on top. You really can’t mess these up!
Note: You can use a spoon to layer the ingredients into the cups, but I found a piping bag makes layering easier. Hayden loves any excuse to use a piping bag and fun piping tip, but a Ziploc bag with the corner cut-off works if you don’t have piping bags.
Kids in the kitchen CAN be stressful. I’m a baking perfectionist, so I had to change my mindset when my kids wanted to join me in the kitchen. Here are a couple of tips to help make cooking & baking with your kids FUN!
- Pre-measure and cut ingredients before you start. This will allow you to focus on the fun of teaching and mixing versus stressing if you added the correct amount.
- Let go of it being “perfect.” Let your kids enjoy creative freedom. Your creation doesn’t have to be picture-perfect. They will be so proud to show off (and eat!) their creation no matter what it looks like!
- Embrace the mess! I promise you will have more fun. Let them taste-test. Expect spills and don’t overreact. If it takes 10 more minutes to clean up the kitchen, that’s ok. It’s all about making memories!
Happy 4th of July and Happy Baking!
Hayden’s Patriotic Parfaits
Equipment
- 4-6 Clear Cups
Ingredients
- Vanilla Pudding
- Whipped cream
- Strawberries
- Blueberries
Instructions
- Alternate layers of pudding, berries and whipped cream.
- Let your kids get creative: make a pattern with the berries, add a berry garnish or a dollop of whipped cream on top. You really can’t mess these up!
Notes
- Any vanilla pudding will taste great, but this organic version from Whole Foods was delicious and made with much healthier ingredients.
- Store-bought whipped cream works but homemade tastes better and takes less than 5 minutes to make. Just add ~1/2 tbs sugar + splash of vanilla extract to 8 oz whipping cream and whip in your mixer until soft peaks form.
