PLEASE NOTE: This post was originally published in 2020.
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Halloween was on. Then is was off. Then is was definitely happening (albeit with candy bowls on the front porch). Now the experts at the CDC are recommending new alternatives to traditional trick-or-treating. So what’s a mom with five bags of Halloween candy languishing in the pantry to do? (Asking for a friend.)
Bake!
Whether you’ve got bags you bought on spec or the kids still have a haul from a pandemic-friendly Halloween activity, I thought it might be useful to have a few fun recipes on hand to tackle that sweet stash.
After all, we get an extra hour of together time this weekend (goodbye Daylight Savings!), so let’s bake the most of it!
Use whatever you have on hand in these Leftover Halloween Candy Blondies from one of my go-to recipe blogs: Just A Taste.
This one is for those with a serious sweet tooth! (Confession time: I would be all over this!). Candy corn on the cob from Delish.
I love any excuse to break out my trifle bowl, but I bet this Halloween Candy Brownie Trifle from The Kitchen Magpie would taste just as delicious in any vessel.
Planning a Halloween movie night? Turn that candy into these Leftover Candy Halloween Popcorn Clusters from the Giadzy Kitchen (Giada De Laurentiis’ website).
Sneak in a little fruit with this Candy Bar Apple Salad from Taste of Home. Hey, caramel apples are a thing, so why not?
Butterfingers are one of my favorite candy splurges, so I was excited to find this DIY recipe for Butterfinger Bark from Crunchy Creamy Sweet. Only 3 ingredients! (And you’ll never guess what gives it that spot-on Butterfinger color!)
You could follow this 3-ingredient recipe for Snickers Ice Cream Sandwiches from Delish, or simplify even more by just chopping up your favorite candy bars and rolling the edges of your store-bought ice cream sandwiches in them.
Who doesn’t love an opportunity to multitask? These Pumpkin Butterfinger Blondies from Frugal Foodie Mama will take care of the Halloween candy plus that can of pumpkin puree you still have leftover from last Thanksgiving (don’t worry, I have one too.)
I know it looks like pure sugar overload, but upon closer inspection you’ll find that this Candy Corn Fudge from Woman’s Day blends ingredients that are crunchy, tart and sweet.
You could toss pretty much anything in these Leftover Halloween Candy No-Bake Chocolate Cheesecakes from Butterlust. I love the idea of using mini springform pans to make individual portions that are still big enough to share!
Peanut Butter Cereal Treats from Taste of Home are a new spin on the ol’ Rice Krispie standby.
Sometimes the simplest ideas are the best. Like this Leftover Halloween Cookie Dough from The Baker Mama. You can even freeze the dough in ready-to-go nuggets and pop them in the oven whenever someone is craving cookies!
Candy Corn Cookie Bark from Love from the Oven makes a fun snack or an easy gift! Yes, it is totally legitimate to re-gift your Halloween candy if you upcycle it first 🙂
Short on time? Just pile ALL that candy on this Halloween Candy Cake from Cookies and Cups and call it a day! For a twist on this version, you could also make this Piñata Cake (candy on the inside). I made that one for my older son’s birthday this year and it was a HUGE hit!
Hope these sweet ideas inspire you to make some kitchen magic with your little ones this season! Enjoy!
LOVE THIS POST? HERE ARE A FEW MORE YOU MIGHT ENJOY!
Step away from the knife! We’ve got dozens of ideas for no-carve pumpkin decorating!
All treats, no tricks! Our list of not-so-scary Halloween fun for 2020.
Need more ideas for fall fun? Check out our list of over 20 events and activities for fall 2020!
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