Between the haunted house parties and that trick-or-treating candy haul, the sugar highs (and lows) of Halloween are everywhere. Here at Foodsmart, we believe Halloween can have some nutritious qualities, too . Here are 10 halloween treats that aren’t candy for you to enjoy with your little ghosts and goblins.
1. Mini Mandarin Pumpkins: These adorable little pumpkins are simple enough for the littlest of hands to help out. Slice a celery stick into small ½-inch sticks and set aside. Peel each mandarin and gently push one of the celery stems into the top of the fruit. Serve alongside Banana Ghosts for a frightful fruit plate.
2. Banana Ghosts with Chocolate (Chip) Eyes: Peel and halve bananas, push 2 mini chocolate chip eyes into the banana (flat-side facing out) and one regular sized chip for the spooky mouth, or use a toothpick to dot melted chocolate if you feel like getting fancy. Stand the cut side on a platter and serve. Bonus points for serving them alongside the Mandarin pumpkins above.
3. Cinnamon Spiced Pumpkin Seeds: If you’re carving a pumpkin, you’re bound to have plenty of leftover seeds. Instead of scraping them into the compost bin, make Cinnamon-Spiced Pumpkin Seeds. Toss them with a little olive oil, cinnamon, nutmeg, and sugar. After a quick bake in the oven, they transform into crunchy, satisfying snack that’s perfect finger food for your next Halloween party.
4. Monster Yogurt Parfaits: Layer granola, fruit, and your favorite flavor of yogurt in small cups. Top with small apple slice fangs and blueberry eyes for a healthy, spooky treat that can be served for breakfast or a school party.
5. Candied Apples: Apples are at their best in the fall, and when coated in a healthier date-caramel and rolled in toasted toppings like coconut or almonds, these treats will satisfy any sweet tooth without the sugar spike. Look to this recipe for details and topping inspirations.
6. Popcorn Witches Hands: These treats are the perfect make-and-take scary snack. Push one candy corn or almond into the end of each finger of a food safe clear glove for witch fingernails and fill with kettle popcorn. Tie the witches’ hands at the bottom and serve.
7. Monster Apple Bites with Slivered Almonds: Here, the classic snack of peanut butter-smeared apple slices gets a Halloween twist. Slice apples, lay one flat and top with peanut butter. Dot with slivered almond “fangs” and a second apple slice to create a scary monster bite.
8. Spider Almond Butter and Honey Sandwiches: This lunchbox staple goes arachnid with the addition of pretzel stick legs and raisin eyes. Prepare the sandwiches and use a round biscuit cutter to transform them into a spider body shape. Push 4 pretzel stick into either side of the sandwich and top with the raisin eyes. Use a bit of honey or almond butter to help the raisins adhere.
9. White Chocolate Dipped Strawberry Ghosts: Here, the Tuxedo Strawberry gets a ghostly twist. Fresh strawberries are dunked in melted white chocolate and cooled on a sheet tray lined with parchment paper. When the chocolate has set, dot on dark chocolate eyes and a howling mouth.
10. Ghastly Meringue Bones and Ghosts: Meringue, a whipped mix of egg whites and sugar, can be piped and baked into billowy ghosts, swirled with black and orange food coloring, or the shaped into bones. The result is a crunchy, airy, sweet treat that kids and adults of all costumes will love.
With a little creativity and spooky skills, kids and adults alike can indulge their Halloween sweet tooth without all the candy. From frightfully fruity desserts to fearsome takes on classic desserts, we’ve got you covered. Happy Haunting!
