Tricky treats: 15 healthy Halloween goodies
These spooktacular clean-eating Halloween treats are a great way to celebrate Halloween without all that junk!
I know, I know. The bowls of candy are everywhere you go. It’s impossible not to grab a piece at every stop as you work your way through your list of errands. But I’m here to tell you, it doesn’t have to be that way! Yes, it’s free candy, and no, a small amount isn’t going to end you. But when we indulge over and over again, those single pieces here and there can really add up!
So if you are looking to enjoy festive food this Halloween, give these healthier options a try! Some of them are great for taking into the office, and I’m sure many of your office co-workers will be grateful for the break from the candy. After all, if you eat enough of it, you really start to feel yucky. It’s great to have healthier alternatives!
Image Credit: The Gracious Pantry.
1. Halloween guacamole
No gathering is complete without a truly great guacamole recipe. Everyone loves it (or at least, most people do). But what makes the best guacamole recipes is a topic of hot debate.
If you’ve never made homemade guac before, this is your chance. It doesn’t get cleaner, fresher or more tasty than this. And it’s simple to make, too! (Go ahead, add some orange and black … I dare you!)
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2. Apple mummies
These adorable Apple Mummies are such an easy, healthy Halloween treat! Your little ghosties will gobble them up! A perfect fruit snack for Halloween parties, spook-tacular fruit trays, or a fun October after-school nibble.
Image Credit: TheGraciousPantry.com.
3. Halloween Brownies
Ever wonder if healthy brownies were possible? They are! Here’s how.
Brownies are an amazing dessert. I don’t think I’ve ever met a single person who doesn’t like brownies. But what does differ from person to person is the type of brownie they like.
Brownies come in so many different variations, and each person has a favorite. There is caky, gooey, chewy, peanut butter, mint, chocolate chip, white chocolate chip, cream cheese, black bean, walnut and pecan brownies, just to name a few. But no matter how you like your brownies, it’s always a happy treat when you get one, no matter what type or flavor it is.
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4. Orange jack-o-lantern cups
When it comes to holiday parties, the sugar that often loads the table is a lot. We have some amazing Halloween Food Craft Ideas, but in our most recent recipe, I wanted to provide a healthy snack option.
Have fun with this one and take a twist on the orange. Carve out a jack-o-lantern using an orange, and hollow it out and fill with fruit. It is the perfect healthy treat to take a Halloween class party or eat as an afternoon snack.
Image Credit: The Gracious Pantry.
5. Candied apples
There’s something about Candy Apples that just SCREAM Halloween. I love these tasty treats and I won’t apologize for it.But the truth is, I haven’t had one in years because I just cannot tolerate the sugar in regular caramel.
Here’s my version, however, so enjoy your Halloween knowing that there IS an alternative to all that candy. And it’s pretty easy to make, too!
Image Credit: AlexPro9500.
6. Cheese monsters
Make these cute little Cheese Monsters for Halloween! They are fun and delicious. And they are healthy party food.
A sharp knife (a filleting knife is perfect), a few googly eyes in different sizes, some non-toxic glue, a tiny bit of wool for hair and a couple of packets of mini Babybel cheeses all come together to make a plate of monsterlicious treats.
Image Credit: Joingate / iStock.
7. Frankenstein veggie platter
How about a spooky vegetable platter? All you need to make this guy are some snap peas, olives, sliced cucumbers and baby carrots. Kids gobble this up, the whole thing, and it will make you feel a teensy bit better about all the Candy Corn they’re eating.
Image Credit: Stephanie Frey / iStock.
8. Halloween deviled eggs
We love, love deviled eggs. In our humble opinion, a party really isn’t complete without them – including a Halloween party! I first whipped up this “scary” version of my favorite treat for a friend’s Halloween party and they’ve now become an annual tradition. The olives are a teeny bit of extra effort but totally worth the reaction – such a crowd pleaser! Even though adults love them, they are totally kid-friendly too.
Image Credit: Miniseries / iPhoto.
9. Halloween pasta salad
Stop! Put down that candy bar. I know we’re approaching Halloween and you need to get your fill of candy corn before the season’s end.
But what if I told you I have a recipe that’s just as special and festive as candy, but is also way better for you?
Enter this Healthy Halloween Pasta Salad, fun for the whole family to help make.
What’s so great about this recipe is that you can pretty much adapt it any way you want to fit your taste. Don’t like cucumber? Use zucchini instead. Not a fan of penne in your pasta salad? Swap it out for any other pasta.
Then, throw in any veggies you like and toss with any salad dressing of your choosing (or homemade)! The possibilities are endless.
Image Credit: My Gracious Pantry.
10. Graveyard dirt cupcakes
Halloween is my absolute favorite holiday of the year. I often decorate for it in September just so that I can enjoy it a little longer. And how about some spooky cupcakes to help celebrate? They make a fun presentation while offering a sweet treat that’s just a little bit healthier this holiday season
Image Credit: Roxiller / iStock.
11. Halloween sweet potato fries
Looking for a fun Halloween side that is healthier than all that candy? These home-baked sweet potato fries are all that — and quick and easy too!
Image Credit: Jenifoto / iStock.
12. Tangerine pumpkins & banana ghosts
Last Halloween I found this fruity idea on Pinterest and was enamored. A big thanks to the creative mom who engineered them. If you’re scrambling for a healthier Halloween treat idea, give this one a go!
Image Credit: Yulia Rodina / iStock.
13. Pumpkin cupcakes
These pumpkin cupcakes are made with whole grain flour and no processed sugar, and you know what? They still taste delicious! (gasp!)
For those of you who read my blog regularly or follow me on Facebook, you probably know that I do not feed my son any sugar. In fact, he eats really, really clean, and I’m really really proud of that.
Happy Halloween!
Image Credit: TheGraciousPantry.com.
14. Halloween stuffed peppers
Have you carved your pumpkin yet? If your answer is no, it’s okay. You can make these cute stuffed peppers instead!
Image Credit: Jenifoto / iStock.
15. Halloween veggie tray
We all want our kids to eat more vegetables, and when you make it fun for them it’s even easier. Halloween is coming, so how about some themed veggie tray. Follow a few simple guidelines and the rest is nothing but scary fun. Below you’ll find color schemes, so use them as a base and get creative.
ORANGE = Carrots, Orange Bell Peppers, Tomatoes, Roasted Butternut Squash, Orange Slices, Cantaloupe, Apricot, Papaya
GREEN = Cucumbers, Green Bell Peppers, Broccoli, Asparagus, Snap Peas, Honeydew, Kiwi, Grapes, Apples
This article originally appeared on TheGraciousPantry.com and was syndicated by MediaFeed.org.
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