Baking and cooking are both great ways to keep someone with dementia feeling involved, useful, and happy. Keep in mind that not every recipe or activity is ideal for everyone at all times, and every individual with dementia might need different levels of assistance. Some people with dementia might be able to take the lead on a baking activity, with minor guidance and assistance from a carer when needed, but some individuals may prefer to simply sit and watch. Play it by ear, and remember that the most important part of the activity is that the person with dementia was on some level involved and felt positive feelings throughout – even if it doesn’t seem like a lot to you, it is so beneficial for them!
We’ve compiled a list of yummy treats (especially fitting for the holiday season), and have included easy, moderate, and even some more difficult recipes to try. A lot of these little gems are also great for gifting, and selling at bake sales and fundraising events. We hope you’ll enjoy them as much as we do!
Dried Cinnamon Apple Crisps
What an easy, tasty, and low calorie snack! These apple chips are festive, decorative, budget friendly, and can be used for multiple purposes (eating and decorative). Eat these apple slices as is for a healthier crispy snack, add a slice to your hot tea for an apple cinnamon flavour boost, or create old fashioned tree ornaments that give off a lovely apple and cinnamon aroma. For the full instructions and recipe visit Carrie’s Experimental Kitchen.
Apple Pie Bites
When you’re craving a little bit of apple pie, but don’t want to indulge in a whole slice, these apple pie bites are just the thing you’re looking for. But we must warn you that they taste so darn good, you might just end up eating more bites than you would find in the average pie slice at the end of the day anyway. Either way, these simple rolls are a great activity for the seniors in your home, and a great rewarding snack after they come out of the oven. For the full instructions see the Blonde Cook site here. **Tip: This recipe is easy to experiment with in terms of ingredients. Try adding some caramel, or perhaps substituting the apple slice with strawberries or chocolate. The possibilities are endless for this little dessert.
Caramel Apple Grapes
Who doesn’t love the look of caramel apples. They’re so decorative, and they do taste amazing, but they tend to take quite a long time to eat. Not to mention a whole caramel apple, including extra toppings, can be a whopping calorie intake and leave a mess no mater how carefully you eat. For a cute and quick alternative (also much easier to make and eat), create miniature caramel apples using grapes instead. Pop green, red, and purple grapes on toothpicks, and watch as everyone has a great time dipping grapes and choosing which toppings to add. For step by step instructions take a look at the recipe here. Please note: the recipe on the website provided is an alcoholic version of the snack. We suggest you omit the addition of alcohol when using this recipe in your care homes.
Ice Cream Cone Cupcakes
A fun take on traditional cupcakes, these Ice Cream Cone cupcakes are a visually stunning win (while being ridiculously easy to execute). The only real difference with making these cup cakes is that you simply add a cone before you pop them in the oven and Voila! That’s it. Literally. This is the perfect way to enjoy a cone in the middle of winter, without getting a chill! For the full instructions take a look at the Glitter & Bubbles Website.
Hot Chocolate Spoons
Sipping on hot chocolate while sitting by a fireplace while the snow billows outside is really as good as it gets during the Christmas season. Residents can create these one-time use instant hot chocolate spoons so they can enjoy their own hot chocolate creations for days to come. These also make great gifts and can be wrapped up together with a festive mug to make a cute present for anyone. The instructions for this lovely idea can be found on the Fork & Beans website here.
Rainbow Fruit Skewers
Fresh fruit is a great way to keep vitamins within anyone’s diet. Buy a bunch of different colour fruits, and let residents create rainbow fruit skewers by sticking the fruit onto wooden bamboo skewers. Resident’s can practice lining up the fruit in rainbow order, they can sort the different colours, and they can practice their dexterity by putting the fruit on the skewer. The instructions can be found on the Bitz & Giggles Blog here. Note: Skewers are sharp and might not be a great option for some residents. You can alter the activity for them by providing less sharp items like Popsicle sticks.
Oreo Truffles
These decadent little balls of creamy chocolate cheesecake goodness are fun to make, and the results are seriously cool. You’ll almost feel bad for eating something so darn decorative and cute. But then your taste buds will get the better of you, and you won’t be able to stop indulging in these little truffles every time you walk by. Make Christmas tree ornaments, little reindeer, and even little Christmas jumpers. For the full instructions take a look at the TipBuzz Blog here.
Snowman Biscuit Pops
Easy and fun to make, tasty, and oh so cute. These Snowman Biscuit pops will be a hit with your care home residents without a doubt! All you’ll need are some wooden bamboo skewers, Jammy Dogers, Oreos, melted white chocolate, pretzels, chocolate chips, and orange food colouring for frosting for those carrot noses. For the full instructions take a look on the Tastemade website here. Note: Wooden bamboo skewers are sharp so be careful! This activity might be a little more difficult for some.
If you’re looking for some great arts and crafts ideas for seniors in your care home, or a loved one with dementia, check out our article on 9 Winter Craft Activities for Your Care Home here.
We hope you like our recipes and baking ideas for your care home residents. If you try any of these post and tag us on social media @myworkmode. We’d love to see your creations! If you have any more great recipes that you’ve tried, or any comments about the ones we’ve posted here leave us a comment and we’ll get back to you as soon as possible.
