These homemade Halloween treats strike the perfect balance between fun and festive and nutritious. Your kids will love them!
Ghosts, ghouls, goblins, oh my!
Halloween is such a fun time of year for both kids and adults (sometimes, we need an excuse to act like a kid, right?!). There are class parties, block parties, work parties, all needing a tasty treat. This week, we have some great ideas that are so much fun, kids (or adults) won’t realize they are eating healthy, whole foods.
The first recipe is one I created – Icy Banana Ghosts. The recipe uses whole foods with an option of no added sugar if you use raisins or dried cherries instead of chocolate chips for the face. And the best part is that it’s super easy and contains ingredients you probably already have in your pantry.
We have also rounded up 5 fun spooky, kooky sweet and savory treat ideas from some of our favorite blog sites.
Boo!
Banana Ghosts with Homemade Magic Shell
Ingredients
For the Ghosts:
- 4 bananas
- 1/4 cup shredded coconut (unsweetened)
- 2 Tbsp dark chocolate chips* (or dried cherries)
- Popsicle sticks
For the Magic Shell**:
- 1/4 cup coconut oil
- 1/4 cup cocoa powder or raw cacao powder
- 1/8 tsp pure vanilla extract
- 1/8 tsp cinnamon
Instructions
- Heat the coconut oil on the stovetop over low (be careful, it can burn!). Once the coconut oil is liquid and warm turn off the heat and whisk in the remaining ingredients until combined.
- Peel bananas and cut in half. Place a popsicle stick into the bottom of each half.
- Place shredded coconut in a bowl.
- Dip bananas in “magic shell” to coat evenly, then dip in shredded coconut. Add dried cherries for mouth and eyes.
- Lay bananas on a parchment or foil-lined baking sheet. Once cool, store in freezer (if putting in a container, separate layers with parchment or foil).
Notes
What is the nutrition like for these Icy Banana Ghosts?
Bananas (Vitamin B6, Vitamin C, Manganese, Potassium, Fiber)
You've likely heard that bananas have potassium but did you know that they're also a great source of vitamin B6, manganese and vitamin C? Bananas also have a lot of fiber, which is good for healthy digestion. Despite their high carb content, bananas actually help keep blood sugar level due to all of their fiber. Their high level of fiber also supports good digestion and a feeling of fullness after eating. The potassium found in bananas may benefit both your kidneys and blood pressure.
Coconut (Copper, Iron, Selenium, Manganese)
In addition to their other nutrients, coconuts are also very high in manganese, which is beneficial for metabolism and bone health. They also contain nutrients that aid red blood cell formation. Coconut is also high in medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs), a kind of fat that may support your immune system, brain health and even weight loss.
Dark Chocolate (Antioxidants)
Full of antioxidants, dark chocolate is good for your heart and may even help lower blood pressure.
Banana Ghost Variations
You can probably tell from looking at the recipe that you could easily vary this recipe. How fun would it be to use a variety of elements to make the faces? Here are a few ideas for variations:
- Use almond extract and cardamom instead of vanilla and cinnamon for a different flavor profile.
- Make different ghostly faces by using things like cacao nibs, mini chocolate chips, chopped nuts and different chopped dried fruit.
- Roll some of the bananas in hemp seeds instead of coconut, or leave some unrolled with just the magic shell.
5 Spooky, Kooky Homemade Halloween Treats Round Up Recipes:
1. Spooky Eyeball Caprese from Evil Mad Scientist
How cute are these?
I also love that these are a totally savory Halloween treat, which can be hard to find. These are so simple too, this would be a fun one to make alongside your kids.
2. Halloween Popcorn Hands from yummy healthy easy
**Note: If you want to go candy-free, we recommend using a couple of dried cherries as the fingernails.
I love homemade popcorn and this is such a fun way to package it! These would be fun to pass out as party favors at the end of a Halloween party or even to distribute as a candy-free alternative on Halloween night.
3.) Veggie Fingers Dip from Popsugar
These veggie fingers are creepy, but in a good way!
If you need a dairy free dip for your “fingers,” try my Paleo Ranch recipe.
4.) 3-ingredient Apple Bites from ohsheglows
This is such a fun way to put a creative spin on a classic! Apples and peanut butter are so tasty together and this would make a super fun display.
5. Spooky Spiderweb Eggs from Martha Stewart
These would look so beautiful on a Halloween party display table! They're fun to make too and would even be fun to include in your child's school lunch.
Looking for more homemade Halloween treats?
If you're looking for more homemade Halloween treats, I'm here for you! Here are a few of my favorite recipes, and other resources, perfect for Halloween:
Pumpkin Mousse: I love this one because it is incredibly easy to make, but could be super fun served at a party with an array of toppings available. This is also a make-ahead recipe to you can make the whole thing a couple of days in advance.
Pumpkin Swirl Brownies: These brownies are good any time but the addition of pumpkin definitely makes them a little more festive for Halloween.
Make Ahead Dinners for Halloween: Meal prep is always useful but for holidays, it's a must for me! I want to spend all of my Halloween night energy on costumes and face paint, not worrying about what's for dinner. These recipes are all kid-friendly and you can make them ahead of time for a deliciously stress-free Halloween.
What to do with Halloween Candy: Okay, so this one isn't a recipe, but I had to share my tips on what to do with all of that candy. If you're not quite as enthusiastic as your kids about having all of that candy in the house, these tips are for you!
What is your favorite healthier Halloween treat? Share your ideas and pictures on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram as @prepdish in all 3 places, or leave a comment below.
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