Halloween Special: Healthier Candy Recipes

Halloween is known for spooky decorations, creative costumes, and of course, the endless supply of candy. But let’s not spook-up our bodies with sugar filled store-bought candies. 

Indulging in store-bought candies is a hallmark of a holiday, it’s no secret that these candies are often packed with refined sugars, artificial additives, and unhealthy fats. 

This year, avoid the usual supermarket candy aisle completely and whip up healthier alternatives with a little creativity. Whether you're planning a Halloween party, preparing treats for trick-or-treaters, or simply looking for guilt-free snacks, these healthier candy recipes will keep your festivities on track without sacrificing flavour. 

Ingredients: 200g of dark chocolate (50% or higher), 1 cup of raw almonds, and sea salt for sprinkling.

Method:

• Melt the dark chocolate in a microwave or double boiler until smooth.
• Spread the melted chocolate on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
• Sprinkle raw almonds evenly over the chocolate.
• Add a pinch of sea salt to enhance the flavour.
• Let the chocolate harden in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes.
• Once set, break it into pieces and enjoy!

Ingredients: ¼ cup cocoa powder, ½ cup canned unsweetened pumpkin puree, ½ cup peanut butter, 1 egg, ⅛ tsp sea salt, 1 tsp vanilla extract, ½ tsp baking soda, and ¼ cup maple syrup.

Method:

• Preheat you over to 350 degrees. In the meantime, add the peanut butter, canned pumpkin puree, egg, maple syrup, and vanilla extract in a mixing bowl. Fold them up together nicely till all the ingredients have mixed well.
• Once the wet ingredients have combined well, put together all the remaining dry ingredients and mix well.
• Line the baking dish with parchment paper and pour the mixture into the baking dish. Bake for around 25 minutes. 
• Once cooled completely, you can decorate these brownies to match the Halloween spirit. Like using two chocolate chips for the eyes. 

Ingredients: Popcorn kernels, 1 cup butter, 2 cups brown sugar, 1 tsp salt, 1 tsp vanilla extract, and ½ tsp baking soda.

Method:  

• Using a pressure cooker, pop the popcorn kernels by adding some butter. Once the popcorns are ready, let them cool for a bit by spreading them over in a baking dish. Ensure they do not lose their crunch.
• Then start by preheating the oven to 250 degrees. Separately, prepare the caramel mixture by melting the butter over medium heat in a stainless steel saucepan. 
• Slowly introduce the brown sugar, avoiding any lump formation. Add salt and corn syrup while stirring continuously. Bring the mixture to a boil and let it simmer for about 3 to 4 minutes.
• Turn off the heat. Add vanilla and baking soda. You will see the mixture turning foamy. Pour it over the popcorn in a thin stream.
• Bake the coated popcorn in the preheated oven for approximately 40 minutes.

Ingredients: 3 cups of pureed fruit (strawberries, apples, or mangoes), 1-2 tablespoons of honey or maple syrup (optional).

Method:

• Preheat your oven to its lowest temperature, typically around 60°C (140°F).
• Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and spread the fruit puree evenly onto the sheet.
• Bake for 4-6 hours, or until the fruit is dry but still pliable.
• Once cooled, peel the fruit leather off the parchment and cut it into strips.

When we say these are healthier candy recipes, we mean they are healthy alternatives to store-bought candies. When you prepare homemade candies, you know what ingredients have been used and the quality of these ingredients. This is why these healthier candy recipes will help you celebrate Halloween without the guilt of overindulging in sugary, processed treats. Not only are these homemade goodies better for your health, but they also add a personal touch to your Halloween festivities. So, get creative in the kitchen and enjoy a spooky, healthy, and delicious holiday!