Healthier Halloween Recipes
Hey there, SIS, Happy Halloween!
We’re almost to the big day that’s literally defined by stockpiling candy. Candy doesn’t have the same appeal for me as it did when I was a kid, but I still love to be a little “extra” this time of year. That’s why this week I’m sharing eight healthier (than a candy stash) Halloween recipes.
Are you looking for
Fruit, but make it festive?
Candybars, but, like, not?
Cute finger food? (Literally.)
I got you! You’ll find recipes for healthier homemade candy bars, themed ideas favorite fruits and vegetables, and sweets-from-scratch that you might make beyond this season.
You’ve gotta give these Twix bars a try. They’re more macro-friendly than the original and happen to be plant-based and gluten free.
Homemade Twix Bars
INGREDIENTS (FOR THE CRUST)
2/3 cup coconut flour
3 tablespoons pure maple syrup
1/3 cup coconut oil, solid (use refined for no coconut flavor)
INGREDIENTS (FOR THE CARAMEL FILLING)
1/2 cup creamy almond butter
1/3 cup pure maple syrup
1/3 cup coconut oil, melted, use refined for no coconut flavor
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
INGREDIENTS (FOR THE CHOCOLATE TOPPING)
1/4 cup coconut oil, melted, use refined for no coconut flavor
1/4 cup cocoa powder
2 tablespoons pure maple syrup
1/4 teaspoon flaky sea salt
INSTRUCTIONS
Preheat the oven to 350ºF. Grease a 8×8” square pan with coconut oil (I recommend lining the pan with parchment paper as well if your pan doesn’t have a removable bottom).
Put coconut flour in a bowl. Add the maple syrup and stir until fully combined and crumbly. Add the room temperature coconut oil and mix until a large dough ball forms, pressing out any clumps of coconut oil. I used my hands at the end to bring the dough fully together.
Press the dough into the prepared pan. Bake for 9-11 minutes, or until golden brown around the edges. Let cool completely.
For the filling, combine all of the ingredients in a small saucepan and heat until all of the ingredients are melted and throughly combined. Pour over the crust and let cool in the refrigerator until set before topping with chocolate layer.
For the chocolate topping, whisk together all of the ingredients and pour over the cooled caramel layer. Smooth evenly and sprinkle with flaky sea salt. Let cool until set. Slice into 1-inch slices. Keep stored in the refrigerator.
So. Good.
Speaking of plant-based and gluten-free, wouldn’t trick-or-treating stink if you were a kid who followed a not-so-mainstream diet? Consider adding your house to the map at The Teal Pumpkin Project. You get to hand out non-food treats and kiddos with allergies get to join all the fun!
What is trick-or-treating without candy? Instead, you could pass out
Bouncy balls
Stickers
Pens, pencils, or notepads
Fidget toys
Bubbles
What if you have kiddos with absolutely NADA concerns about eating allthecandy?
If you have more candy in your home than you want, consider donating it.
Check to see if there is a candy buyback program in your area. This is commonly associated with dental offices!
See if there is a Treats for Troops collection program in your area.
Some chapters of Ronald McDonald House charities accept candy donations. Contact your local chapter to see what their guidelines are.
I hope you love the Twix recipe. Click the link below for more candy, fruit, and snack recipes to try. It’s going to be a SWEET week!