Keeping the kids occupied can be a challenge at the best of times, but during a lockdown, it gets even harder. If you’ve finished a day of home-schooling and are struggling for ideas, you may want to give them a cooking project. We’ve pulled together 12 tasty recipes that are gluten free, fun and simple to make.

Why is baking a useful experience for kids?

Teaching kids to bake isn’t just about the eating, although that’s the fun bit. My daughter learned everything she needed to know about the metric and imperial systems, how to follow step-by-step instructions, what flavours work well together, and kitchen safety.

Depending on the child’s age, you’ll need to decide if they’re able to work solo or need your guidance. For the young ones, the fruit skewers or cake balls are great options; the older ones may want to try their hand at making gnocchi for your dinner tonight?

Gluten free recipes for kids

#1 Melting moments

Sandwich freshly made icing between two crispy biscuits to create a classic Australian snack, Melting Moments.

Also, known as yo-yos, they’re frequently found in cafe jars and everyone seems to love them. What’s more, younger kids get some serious enjoyment out of joining the biscuits together.

Recipe link: https://wellandgood.com.au/recipe/melting-moments

#2 Banana pancakes

A pancake stack is the ultimate in versatility. Cook them up and eat them for breakfast, lunch or dessert.

This recipe is for banana pancakes, but you can leave the fruit out and add for favourite savoury ingredients for a mid-week meal that’s quick and low-cost. Basically, any ingredient you use for tacos will also tasty amazing in a pancake.

Recipe link: https://wellandgood.com.au/recipe/fluffy-banana-pancakes

#3. Double choc macadamia cookies

Chocolate and macadamia nuts combine to make a fantastic cookie. Few can turn down the temptation of this nut/choc combination.

This is a fail-safe recipe that is ideal for those on a gluten free diet.

Recipe link: https://wellandgood.com.au/recipe/double-choc-choc-macadamia-cookie

#4. Sweet potato and pasta pie

Take a break from the sugar and make this simple pastry-free pie that serves two.

Toss in some extra frozen vegetables (or fresh ones) for some extra nutritional goodness.

Recipe link: https://wellandgood.com.au/recipe/sweet-potato-and-pasta-pie

#5. Cake batter fudge

Got a cake mix sitting in the pantry but you don’t feel like cake? How about cake batter fudge instead?

This is a no-bake recipe, suitable for even the youngest budding chef.

Recipe link: https://wellandgood.com.au/recipe/cake-batter-fudge-recipe

#6. Fruit cobbler

This is a much-loved dessert in the United States, originating from the early settlers.

In our version, you basically fill the bottom of a baking dish with fruit and bake until almost soft. Then pour over cake mix batter and cook until set. The result is something similar to an apple crumble, and it’s a useful way to increase the fruit intake of fussy young (and old) eaters.

Recipe link: https://wellandgood.com.au/recipe/gluten-free-fruit-cobbler

#7. Mud cake mini towers

These delicious towers of cake will prove an excellent challenge for kids who love Masterchef, Cake Boss, or any of the many cooking shows.

Bake the cake as you would normally, then use a circle cookie cutter to create layers of delicious cake. Fill the layers with cream and in-season fruit.

Recipe link: https://wellandgood.com.au/recipe/mud-cake-mini-towers

#8. Cake balls

Another fun project for the kids. Instead of just baking the cake, there the the extra steps of mixing the cooked cake with additional ingredients, then rolling into balls.

For some extra indulgence, dip in chocolate, or leave out to cut back the sugar content.

Recipe link: https://wellandgood.com.au/recipe/gluten-free-cake-balls

#9. Brownie fruit skewers

Kids love eating food off a stick! Provide them with all the ingredients you’d like to be skewered then leave the children to make them.

Younger ones may need some help so that they don’t spike themselves with the skewers.

Recipe link: https://wellandgood.com.au/recipe/brownie-fruit-skewers

#10. Quiche

If you’ve got some miscellaneous vegetables sitting in the fridge, you may find a quiche is a great option for using them up.

A colourful gluten free quiche is perfect for lunch or dinner – some even love it for breakfast.

Recipe link: https://wellandgood.com.au/recipe/gluten-free-quiche-recipe

#11. Gnocchi

Who would have thought that combining cooked potato and flour would result in such good pasta? Our recipe leaves out the eggs, which aren’t essential if you’re going to eat them immediately.

If you make this gnocchi in advance then you’ll want to include an egg as a useful binder.

Recipe link: https://wellandgood.com.au/recipe/gluten-free-gnocchi

#12. Savoury muffins

Instead of a sweet muffin, why not add some grilled veggies, ham and cheese for a tasty savoury snack.

Another simple recipe for kids to make at home.

Recipe link: https://wellandgood.com.au/recipe/savoury-muffins