Summer may be coming to a close, but that just means that the spooky season is upon us! And what better way to get into the Halloween spirit than by getting creative in the kitchen? As the leaves start to change color and the air gets cooler, our minds turn to thoughts of Halloween candy. But before you load up your cart with sugar-loaded treats, take a look at my list of healthier alternatives just for you that will satisfy your sweet tooth without breaking the bank. If you’re a busy Mom like me then you also don’t have time to research a bunch of creative, fun, and great tasting ideas so, let me help. This is a full list of several healthy things you can make this October with your kids. They won’t take a long time, and they’re budget friendly. So go ahead and indulge your sweet tooth this Halloween – your body will thank you for it!
Dark Chocolate Pumpkin Seed Bars – These no-bake bars are perfect for a quick and easy treat. Made with only a few ingredients, they are also gluten-free and vegan.
Ghost Meringues – These bite-sized meringues are shaped like ghosts and dipped in chocolate. They’re fun to make with kids and can be easily customized to be dairy-free or nut-free.
Candy Corn Fruit Cups – A healthier take on candy corn, these fruit cups are a fun and easy way to get your fruit fix. Simply layer oranges, pineapple, and yogurt in a cup and voila! You have a healthy snack that looks like candy corn.
Chocolate Covered Pretzels – A classic fall treat, these chocolate covered pretzels are a cinch to make at home. Simply melt your favorite chocolate and dip the pretzels in. You can also get creative and add Halloween sprinkles or drizzle with white chocolate.
Chocolate Covered Strawberries
Chocolate covered strawberries are a classic treat that can be easily made at home with just a few ingredients. All you need is some fresh strawberries, dark chocolate, and a little bit of coconut oil. Simply melt the chocolate and coconut oil together in a bowl, dip the strawberries in, and let them cool on a sheet of parchment paper. You can even add some sea salt or other toppings to change things up!
Spiced Apple Cider
This is a great fall treat that is both healthy and delicious! You can make your own spiced apple cider at home by simmering apples, cinnamon sticks, cloves, and oranges in water on the stovetop. Once it’s finished boiling, strain the mixture and enjoy! You can also add a touch of honey or maple syrup to sweeten it up if you like.
Pumpkin Seeds
Pumpkin seeds are not only a healthy snack option, but they’re also perfect for this time of year! You can roast them in the oven with a little bit of olive oil and your favorite spice blend. Some great options for spices include pumpkin pie spice, cinnamon, ginger, or even just salt and pepper. Once they’re roasted, let them cool and enjoy!
Caramelized or Frozen Bananas
This is a great way to make bananas even more delicious! Simply slice some bananas into rounds, sprinkle them with sugar (coconut sugar works great!), and then cook them in a skillet over medium heat until they’re browned and caramelized. Remove from the heat and let them cool before enjoying! You can also add some chopped nuts or chocolate chips for an extra special treat. If you’re looking for a cold and creamy treat, frozen bananas are the perfect solution. Just slice up some bananas, put them in an airtight container, and pop them in the freezer. You can eat them as is or add them to a smoothie for a boost of flavor and nutrition. And if you’re feeling adventurous, try dipping them in chocolate or covering them in peanut butter for a delicious treat.
Ghost Pepper Popcorn
This popcorn is not for the faint of heart but it’s definitely a fun treat for Halloween! Popcorn is a whole grain food that’s low in calories and high in fiber. It’s also a great source of antioxidants. Just be careful not to overdo it on the popcorn kernels or add too much flavorings like butter or salt. A little goes a long way when it comes to making popcorn taste good. Instead of using microwavable popcorn bags, try popping your own kernels on the stovetop or in an air popper for a healthier alternative. Once it’s popped, sprinkle on some ghost pepper powder (be careful not to add too much!) and mix it around so that the popcorn is evenly coated. Enjoy immediately while it’s still hot!
Homemade granola bars – Store-bought granola bars can be full of sugar and preservatives. But making your own at home is easy, and you can control the ingredients to make it as healthy (or unhealthy) as you want. Just mix together oats, honey, peanut butter, and whatever other ingredients you like in a bowl. Then press the mixture into a baking dish and refrigerate for an hour or so until it’s firm. Once it’s set, cut into bars and enjoy!
With these healthier alternatives and affordable treats, you can have your Halloween snack and eat it too! – give them a try this October! Happy haunting!
