Halloween Treat Ideas
Spooky season is here, and Halloween is just around the corner. And the fall season is rife with nature’s best sweet treats, making healthy indulging easy! When getting into the kitchen to stir up something sweet this season, take inspiration from these delicious desserts that are frighteningly good and healthy, too.
Date-wrapped apples — Rather than wrapping apples in artificial caramel sheets this season, opt for dates! Soft, fresh dates make the perfect covering for apples, and they can be finished with delicious toppings such as chocolate shavings, coconut shreds, chopped nuts or a drizzle of melted nut butter. To prepare, line a sheet pan with parchment paper. Then place about 10 dates on the paper. Using clean fingers, press them together to form a “sheet” that can be wrapped around a clean, dry apple. This can take a little massaging, but it’s worth it! Once the date wrap is secure around the apple, let the decorating begin! This is a fun, customizable and wholesome treat for all ages.
Pumpkin cream cold foam — Cold foam is all the rage, but those store-bought ones can be loaded with sugar. But cold foam can easily be made at home with the season’s most popular flavor — pumpkin!
Mix together:
- 1 c. heavy whipping cream or 1 c. fat-free whipped topping
- ½ c. sweetened condensed milk (regular or fat-free)
- 2 tsp. vanilla extract
- 3 Tbsp. 100% pumpkin puree
- 1 tsp. pumpkin pie spice
- 1 tsp. cinnamon
Once blended, plop a spoonful into a cold brew or coffee and enjoy. Place the remainder in an air-tight container and store in the refrigerator.
Apple pie smoothie — An apple pie smoothie is like sipping in the season while enjoying a delicious and natural treat. Chop up two apples (any variety) and toss them in a blender with the following:
- ¼ c. almond or oat milk
- ¼ c. rolled oats
- 1 c. Greek yogurt (plain or vanilla)
- 1 tsp. vanilla extract
- ½ tsp. cinnamon
- ½ tsp. apple pie spice
- 1 Tbsp. honey or maple syrup
- 2-3 ice cubes
Pour into a glass, top with whipped cream if desired and sip away!
These delicious treats don’t have to be reserved for the fall season, but they certainly evoke the feelings and flavors of autumn. Regardless of the season, enjoying nature-inspired treats can taste as good as they feel!