15 Birthday Party Dessert Ideas That Aren’t Cake (Yes, Kids Will Still Love Them!)

This is just so fun. Top the tangy cream cheese frosting with the birthday kid’s favorite fruits, or whatever looks especially good at the store right now. It’s easy to customize!

The only thing better than a chocolate chip cookie? A giant chocolate chip cookie! I always wanted one of these for my birthday when I was growing up. No time like the present to push your own childhood desires onto your own kids!

These come together in less than an hour. Just bake one big cookie in a sheet pan, cut it in half, sandwich some softened ice cream in the middle, and cut them into individual sandwiches. You can make them an entire month ahead, which will save you from a last-minute scramble.

My mother has a soft spot for that plastic clamshell of soft, pillowy cookies. I ate a lot of them when I was growing up. This version has you press the dough into a sheet pan. You frost the whole thing at once and then cut the whole tray into cookies instead of rolling, shaping, and frosting each one. Saves so much work!

These are no-bake and call for a full cup of sprinkles. Sure screams “fun!” to me.

This sweet treat is typically seen at potlucks in Hawaii. It’s become more popular on the mainland as chewy treats like boba and mochi ice cream become more mainstream. Bonus: It’s naturally gluten-free.

Layer ice cream between ice cream sandwiches in a lined loaf pan. Freeze until ready to eat, then pop it out and spread over a layer of Magic Shell. Slice and serve with additional Magic Shell.

This is a showstopper. The homemade vanilla pudding makes all the difference, but the type of cake and fruit you use are very flexible. Use whatever the birthday kid likes!

Looking for your tweens to squeal with delight? These ube cheesecake bars are the ticket. Super vibrant, extremely photogenic, and so delicious.

These bar cookies are perfect for a fall celebration. Flavored with browned butter and reduced cider, they’re bursting with flavor — no deep frying required.

Homemade lemon curd makes this light and bright dessert. No raw eggs, alcohol, or coffee here — better for little tummies.

For the Reese’s-lover in your life! Just pure peanut butter and chocolate love.

Not actually a cake, but graham crackers layered with ganache and a marshmallow fluff-infused whipped cream. The layers soften in the fridge before being topped with toasted marshmallows and served.

Take a shortcut and use boxed pudding mix here. Layer with sliced bananas, boxed cookies, and whipped cream and you’re golden.

Simply layer ice cream into a quick Rice Krispies crust. Make sure you’ve got enough cherries for everyone to get one on top!