Sometimes, it seems like we never outgrow our love for whimsical treats. Desserts on a stick have an undeniable charm that transcends age. It’s not just the presentation – the idea of something ordinary made extraordinary by being placed on a stick is undeniably appealing.
Think about it, kabobs are essentially grilled meat and vegetables, but our fondness for them stems from their ability to be enjoyed as sticks!
Strawberry Shortcake Kabobs
Wrapped around the idea of transforming a classic dessert like strawberry shortcake, I was skeptical at first. It’s hard for me to believe that someone had found a way to put a new spin on it, but as far as taste goes, these kabobs aren’t an improvement – they’re actually fantastic in their own right. However, the thing is, perfection is hard to improve upon, and strawberry shortcake is indeed a perfectly crafted dessert that doesn’t need any tweaks.
Still, eating them this way, on skewers and drizzled with vanilla candy coating, makes it a lot more fun and engaging experience.
Fudgesicles
Rounding out our list of desserts on sticks is the classic popsicle, and specifically, fudgesicles are a crowd-pleaser. These creamy treats can be whipped up in just 10 minutes with only four simple ingredients: coconut milk, cocoa powder, maple syrup, and vanilla extract.However, don’t attempt to indulge in them immediately; they require at least 4 hours of freezing time to set properly.
Homemade Popsicles
For those who prefer their popsicles on the tangy side, there are plenty of options beyond the sweet and chocolatey treats that typically come to mind. Fruit lovers can choose from a variety of flavors, including berry lemon, rainbow fruit, coconut lime, or berries ‘n cream – each offering a unique twist on traditional popsicle recipes. If you’re feeling particularly adventurous, consider whipping up a batch of sneaky spinach popsicles.
While it may not be everyone’s cup of tea, this unexpected flavor combination is surprisingly palatable and makes for a fun and refreshing treat. Additionally, the vibrant green color of these popsicles makes them an ideal choice for festive occasions like St. Paddy’s Day or Green Eggs and Ham day at school.
Stained Glass Lollipops
Luscious lollipops are another standard dessert on a stick that have gained immense popularity in recent times. Their vibrant colors and unique flavors have made them a treat for both kids and adults alike. These particular lollipops are not only unbelievably gorgeous but also incredibly easy to make, requiring just four simple ingredients: sugar, water, corn syrup, and your favorite extract – along with neon gel food coloring that adds an extra touch of fun. The best part?
You can whip up more than a dozen in under thirty minutes, making them the perfect dessert for any occasion or gathering.
Fruit Skewers
Relying on traditional notions of desserts, it’s easy to assume that they must be rich, decadent, and high in sugar. However, this is not always the case. Simple slices of fresh fruit can be just as satisfying and indulgent, without packing on the calories or guilt. Whether you’re watching your weight or simply looking for a lighter dessert option, fruit is an excellent choice.
The versatility of fruit also means that you can use any combination of fruits and berries to create a unique and delicious dessert experience. To take it to the next level, try pairing your fresh fruit with a specially designed four-ingredient dipping sauce that’s not only tasty but also relatively healthy.
Grape Caterpillar Skewers
When it comes to creative desserts that are both healthy and visually appealing, few options beat fruit skewers. However, if you want something more decorative, why not try these grape caterpillar skewers instead? Not only are they low-fat and low-calorie due to their simplicity of being just grapes, but with the addition of two dollops of frosting and mini chocolate chips, they become irresistibly adorable.
The frosting and chocolate chips serve as eyes for the final grape on each skewer, transforming a straightforward row of grapes into a very hungry, yet tantalizingly tasty caterpillar!
Donut and Fruit Kabobs
Zest for adventure seekers and indulgence lovers alike can be found in a unique dessert option: donut and fruit kabobs. You’ll spear your favorite fruits and berries on skewers, alternating between juicy chunks and sweet treats.In between every few pieces of fruit, an ample chunk of sugar-coated donut holes will be added, bringing the perfect balance of flavors to this indulgent snack.
Marshmallow Pops
Understanding the time-saving benefits of dessert-making, you may want to consider trying these marshmallow pops instead of cake pops. Unlike traditional cake pops that require baking and assembling, marshmallow pops are quick and easy to prepare using just a few simple ingredients: large marshmallows, bittersweet chocolate chunks, lollipop sticks, and any additional decorations you prefer. The best part? You can produce up to half a dozen in under 5 minutes.
Chocolate-Dipped Frozen Bananas
Working with frozen bananas is quite effortless, and these chocolate-dipped treats are no exception. Similar to the marshmallow pops, all you need to do is freeze a banana for at least an hour beforehand. After that, insert your banana on a skewer, pop it into the freezer until solid, then dip it in melted chocolate, allowing yourself plenty of time for creative decoration and embellishment.
Caramel Apples
Justly regarded as the epitome of stick-based desserts, caramel apples surpass all other divine desserts on sticks in my opinion. It’s not just about following a recipe, but rather about using only the finest ingredients to achieve perfection. The Granny Smith apple is the cornerstone of this dessert, and I implore you to avoid settling for any lesser variety. Its tartness provides the perfect balance to the sweetness of the caramel, making it an unbeatable combination.
When preparing the caramel, be sure to melt your caramels with heavy cream over low heat, stirring constantly until you reach a smooth, rich consistency. This is crucial in creating a topping that will coat the apples evenly and add depth to the overall flavor profile. While some may suggest adding chopped nuts or chocolate for extra flair, I firmly believe that these caramel apples are best enjoyed au naturel.
The combination of textures – sweet, tart, crunchy, and juicy – creates a truly unforgettable experience that doesn’t require any embellishments.
Chocolate-Covered Oreo Pops
Often considered a classic treat, chocolate-covered Oreo pops are an innovative way to enjoy the beloved cookie in a new form. They consist of Oreos that are speared on sticks, dipped in candy melts, and decorated with various toppings or designs.
Pancakes on a Stick
Year after year, pancakes remain a beloved breakfast staple, but when it comes to serving them in large quantities, they can become a logistical nightmare. Making a few adjustments to the presentation can greatly enhance the dining experience and alleviate some of the mess.
By turning regular-sized pancakes into bite-sized morsels on skewers with fresh strawberries, bananas, and blueberries, you’ll not only retain their signature flavor but also offer a convenient and visually appealing way for guests to enjoy them. Plus, serving maple syrup dipping sauce on the side adds an extra layer of indulgence, making this clever twist a clear winner.
Chocolate-Dipped Strawberry Skewers
Delightfully sweet and visually appealing, chocolate-covered strawberries have long been a crowd-pleaser. The addition of skewers takes this classic treat to the next level, presenting it in an elegant and refined way with a delicate white chocolate drizzle adding a touch of sophistication. This convenient format also makes them easier to handle and enjoy without making a mess.
Rice Krispies Pops
Making Rice Krispies treats a bit more manageable is not only fun but also practical. The sticky fingers issue often associated with them can be easily solved by placing them on a stick or skewer, specifically a cake pop stick in this instance. Moreover, this convenient approach streamlines the dipping process, allowing for an effortless addition of candy melts and sprinkles to create an even more delightful treat.
S’mores Kabobs
Harking back to classic campfire treats, these no-bake alternatives may appear unconventional, yet still manage to capture the essence of s’mores without any of the associated risks. Unlike their melty counterparts, they lack a gooey centre, but are every bit as rich in chocolatey flavour, marshmallow-like fluffiness, and crunchy graham cracker texture.
Banana Split Kabobs
Among the delightful aspects of these banana split kabobs is that they’re virtually ice cream-free, yet they still manage to tantalize your taste buds with an irresistible decadence. Although they may not contain a scoop of creamy goodness, the combination of fresh strawberries, bananas, and pineapple slices, all expertly layered together, creates a flavor experience that’s hard to resist.
As a banana split enthusiast, you’ll likely adore these kabobs for their creative twist on a classic treat, even without the presence of ice cream.
Brownie Fruit Kabobs
Zeroing in on creative dessert ideas? Look no further! If you’re a fan of rich, chocolatey treats, consider making these easy-to-assemble kabobs instead of a traditional banana split. To get started, simply gather the following ingredients: brownies (either homemade or store-bought), blueberries, strawberries, and marshmallows. Once you’ve added all the pieces to your skewers, feel free to drizzle them with hot fudge sauce for an extra burst of flavor.
Candy Kabobs
Here’s the thing about desserts – or any food – on sticks: there’s no limit to what you can make with them. You’re only restricted by your imagination and the types of ingredients you have available. Take, for instance, these candy kabobs that showcase this concept perfectly. Unlike traditional desserts that require cooking, these treats are ridiculously easy to prepare. All you need to do is head over to your local store and pick up your favorite candies.
Then, simply thread them onto skewers in a way that creates a visually appealing arrangement. Trust me when I say that people will be utterly impressed by your creativity – but, at the same time, they’ll also appreciate how effortless these desserts are to make.
Apple Pie Pops
Drawing inspiration from classic apple pies, these bite-sized treats are undeniably adorable and appetizing. Each one boasts a crispy, golden-brown crust that’s both buttery and perfectly baked. The filling is also noteworthy, featuring tender baked apples infused with the warmth of cinnamon and nutmeg.
While they may look like miniature versions of their full-size counterparts, these pastry delights are essentially miniaturized apple pies, requiring only a fraction of the ingredients and effort.
Hot Chocolate on a Stick
Not only is hot chocolate on a stick an unusual concept, but it’s also surprisingly easy and deliciously rewarding. To make it, you’ll combine heavy cream, sweetened condensed milk, and dark or semi-sweet chocolate chips in perfect harmony. The result is an indulgent treat that’s rich, creamy, and indulgently fudgy, with the added bonus of being incredibly versatile.
Feel free to get creative by adding edible decorations like sprinkles, crushed candy canes, mini marshmallows, or even a drizzle of caramel sauce to give your hot chocolate on a stick a unique twist and tailor it exactly to your taste preferences.
Grilled Pineapple Kabobs with Honey and Lime
Everyone who enjoys combining flavors will adore these sweet, tangy, and slightly smoky grilled pineapple kabobs. Not only are they remarkably easy to prepare, but they also require just five ingredients and can be cooked in under 20 minutes, making them an ideal choice for any summer gathering or cookout – whether as a sweet treat or a side dish.
Crunchy Peanut Butter Pie Pops
Taking inspiration from my love of combining two culinary greats – peanut butter and chocolate – I’ve added a special treat to this list that brings them together perfectly. Typically, my recipe lists don’t include something as decadent as a crunchy peanut butter pie pop, but this one is an exception. The combination of cream cheese, crunchy peanut butter, sugar, heavy cream, Biscoff cookies, dark chocolate, and chopped roasted peanuts creates a taste experience unlike any other.
However, for those who prefer a slightly more subtle flavor, skipping the roasted peanuts and adding a sprinkle of sea salt as a garnish can make all the difference.
Mini-Cupcakes on a Stick
Generally speaking, cupcakes on sticks are a crowd-pleaser. Their enchanting appearance makes them perfect for any holiday or occasion. To create these treats, follow your usual baking and decorating routine for mini cupcakes. Once they’re ready, attach each one to a lollipop stick using half a gumdrop as a stabilizer to prevent it from sliding off. Finally, add a decorative ribbon, place them in a cute serving container or gift basket, and you’ll have a delightful presentation!
Peppermint Bark White Chocolate Pretzels
Breaking out of traditional chocolate-covered pretzel molds, this recipe uses oversized pretzel rods to create a more dramatic presentation. Instead of using mini twists or sticks, the oversized rods provide a longer surface area for the melted white chocolate and crushed candy canes to adhere to. This sweet and salty combination is then amplified by the peppermint flavor of the crushed candy canes, making it an ideal treat for the holiday season.
Laura Hauser is a food writer and editor passionate about authentic, approachable home cooking.
