baking activities for kids to celebrate opposites day

Fun Baking Activities with Kids to Celebrate Opposites Day

Fun Baking Activities with Kids to Celebrate Opposites Day

Opposites Day is supposedly celebrated on January 25th each year but really can be celebrated whenever you need a fun way to engage kids and help them learn about the concept of opposites while you do it!

Opposites Day is all about doing things backward, upside down, or in a completely unexpected way. 

Baking with kids is the perfect medium to play with the concept of opposites, mixing flavors, colors, and designs in hands on and delicious ways.

Here are some fun and creative baking activities to embrace the spirit of Opposites Day!

Bake an “Upside-Down” Cake

There’s no better way to celebrate opposites than with an actual upside-down cake! Pineapple upside-down cake is a classic, but you can mix things up with other fruits like apples, peaches, or berries. We often use whatever is in season! This is also a great way to eliminate food waste by using things you have and need to be used up in creative ways! 

This is one of my favorite upside down cake recipes: Caramel Apple

For an extra twist, make mini upside-down cakes in muffin tins.

Sweet and Savory Mash-Ups

Combine opposites in flavor by blending sweet and savory in your baked goods. Some ideas include:

Bacon and maple cupcakes for a mix of salty and sweet.

Cheddar and apple scones for a surprising flavor combo.

Chocolate chip cookies with salted pretzels for a delightful balance of flavors.

Reverse and Contrast Your Colors

Decorate your baked goods in reverse! For example:

Use black or dark-colored frosting on white cupcakes (I love using black cocoa powder to make artificial dye free black frosting).

Bake a cake with colorful layers on the outside (like rainbow sprinkles on the frosting) and plain white or chocolate on the inside.

Make black-and-white cookies

Make “Inside-Out” Desserts

Turn desserts inside out by surprising people with unexpected fillings.

Inside-out cupcakes: Instead of frosting on top, pipe frosting into the center of the cupcake after they are cooled.

Stuffed cookies: Fill cookie dough with a surprise like Nutella, caramel, or peanut butter.

Cheesecake-filled brownies: Bake a layer of cheesecake inside a brownie for a delicious twist.

Bake Giant and Mini Versions

Play with size by baking opposites:

Giant cookie cakes: Make one massive cookie and decorate it as you would a cake.

Mini treats: Bake bite-sized versions of your favorite desserts, like mini cupcakes, tiny pies, or small tarts. Place them side-by-side to emphasize the size contrast!

Bake Your Way Through Opposites Day

Opposites Day is a chance to break the rules, think outside the box, and have fun in the kitchen. Whether you’re flipping cakes upside down, playing with unexpected flavors, or decorating with contrasting colors, these baking activities will help you celebrate the day in the most delicious way possible.

Happy Opposites Day—and happy baking!