How to throw a DIY baking party

As parents, it can be a challenge to come up with party ideas that keep kids entertained and occupied throughout the event. If you’re looking for a unique party idea, I’d recommend making your kids’ next birthday party a DIY baking party.

When I started my own forays into the kitchen when I was young, I would love having my friends over to try out new recipes and experiment with trusty favorites. Even after many years as a chef, I still think back to those hours my friends and I spent giggling over batter and sprinkles—especially when I’m trying out new recipes in the kitchen.

Not only will your kids have a lot of fun baking and letting their creativity run riot, but they’ll also have some tasty treats to show for it!
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Here’s what you need to throw a baking party your kids will never forget :)

​Pick some fun cupcake recipes

​Now the first thing you need to do is pick some recipes for the kids to work on. I recommend baking cupcakes since they’re easy to make and easy for your guests to take home with them.

Here are my recipes for delicious vanilla and chocolate cupcakes:

Chocolate cupcakes:

• 1 ½ cups of all-purpose flour
• 1 ¼ cups of sugar
• ¾ cup of unsweetened cocoa powder
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• ¾ teaspoon of salt
• 2 large eggs
• ¾ cup of milk
• 1 teaspoon of lemon juice or white vinegar
• ⅓ cup of vegetable oil
• 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract
• ¾ cup warm water

Vanilla cupcakes:

• 2 sticks of unsalted butter (softened)
• 1 ¾ cups of sugar
• 4 eggs
• 3 cups of all-purpose flour
• 3 tablespoons of cornstarch
• 1 ¾ teaspoon of baking powder
• 1 teaspoon of salt
• 1 cup of milk
• 2 teaspoons of vanilla extract

*Each of these recipes is for 24 cupcakes. If this sounds like too many for your guests, these ingredients can be halved easily :)

Get some add-ins for the cupcake batter so the kids can try giving their cupcakes their own personal touch. Set up a little station with some chocolate chips, shredded coconut, raisins, and M&Ms. 

It may be a good idea to avoid adding any tree nuts in the mix, in case your guests have allergies.

​Have your cupcake pans and aluminum liners ready

When the kids are done with their batter, it’s time to pop them in the oven. Try using two pans so you can put as many cupcakes into the oven as possible—and avoid keeping your guests waiting too long :)

You can even use aluminum cupcake liners to bake your cupcakes. If you have enough of them, you can add them to your party favors!

Decorating cupcakes

Baking the cupcakes are fun but the kids will have an absolute blast when it’s time to decorate them. 

This calls for some good American buttercream!

Here’s a buttercream recipe that’s enough for 24 cupcakes:

• 2 sticks of unsalted butter (softened)
• 6 cups of powdered sugar (sifted)
• 3-4 tablespoons of milk
• 2 teaspoons of vanilla extract

Food coloring and fondant will let the kids add some extra color to their cupcakes. Have one package of food coloring and a packet of fondant (use white fondant so the kids can make colorful designs on them) at the ready. 
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Let’s not forget about the sprinkles! Have some sprinkles ready in zip-lock bags for each child at your party, this way they can take home any leftovers. 

Make the fun last with party favor

You’ll want to give the kids some mementos to take home with them once the party ends. Get some pastry boxes for each of your guests, so they can take their cupcakes home. 

You can set them up for more cupcake adventures by gifting your guests a piping bag and some nozzles, so they can decorate their cupcakes at home.
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You can even add some decorations like sugar beads, sprinkles, or M&Ms into the box!

The icing on top of the cake—decorating aprons!

If you want to give your guests the complete pastry chef experience you can let them decorate their own aprons before they get started. 

All you need is a cotton apron for each of your guests and fabric markers for them to share. 

Not only do they get to take part in a fun activity, but they also get to take their personalized aprons home :)

Make your DIY baking party one to remember

I’m a firm believer that the best bonds are made and the most fun can be had in the kitchen, for both kids and adults alike.
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A DIY baking party will allow your children and their friends to enjoy baking together and make precious memories (that are sure to last longer than the cupcakes).