15 Sweet Recipes for a Healthy Halloween

What do candy companies do during a pandemic to ensure Halloween sales stay strong? They market to you: The home-schooling mom or dad, the hardworking young professional or the Halloween enthusiast who “deserves” a piece—or more accurately, a supersize bag—of candy. Who needs Trick-or-Treaters, they argue; chocolate is for everyone!

It won’t be news to you to hear that self-indulgence has always been a part of the Halloween fun. But here’s a troubling fact: According to Fortune, Hershey reports that almost 50 percent of their Halloween candy sales come from people who buy it for themselves. “Those purchases begin well before the holiday, with the other half of the season’s sales occurring in the last two weeks of October and designated for trick-or-treating,” says Fortune.

We told you that to tell you this: You need a game plan this year. And we’re here with 15 terrific diversions. All are sweet. All are satisfying. And all are (believe it or not!) healthy. If you decide to buy Halloween candy for trick-or-treaters, don’t do it until October 31st. The store won’t run out, we promise!

Here are 15 sweet treats for Halloween:

1. Peanut Butter Cups >

Admit it: These are the candies you “taste test” out of your kiddos’ Trick-or-Treat bags. They’re the perfect blend of sweet and salty and they’re just the right size. Lucky for you, we developed low-carb peanut butter cups that you can have all to yourself. Enjoy without a single, solitary shred of guilt.

2. No-Bake Chocolate Tahini and Mixed Seed Protein Bars >

The chocolate no-bake cookie meets a healthier, heartier, no-bake bar complete with tahini (ground sesame seeds), pumpkin seeds, flax seeds, sunflower seeds and chia seeds. They’re perfect for Halloween, back-to-school and even Christmas cookie day. Whatever the occasion, you’ll want to add these easy, protein- and omega-3 fatty acid rich bars to the menu.

3. Chocolate Coconut Almond Smoothie >

The longer you stare at the Halloween candy in the bowl, the more likely you are to dip in. So before you even open the bag, make yourself a healthy, filling treat: This chocolate coconut milkshake. Like ice? Throw some in. It tastes just like one of your favorite Halloween candies.

4. Mini Pumpkin Cheesecake >

It tastes decadent. It looks decadent. And yet this pumpkin cheesecake is diet approved. (Queue the angelic singing.) To help you stick to your serving size, we made these in a muffin tin. Freeze the remaining cups for an on-demand treat. Want a crust? Put your favorite nuts, a little butter and stevia in a food processor and press the crumbs into the bottom of each liner before adding the batter.

5. No-Bake Strawberry Cheesecake Bliss Balls >

While we’re talking about cheesecake, we thought we should mention these little balls of bliss. Your taste buds will be surprised to know that there isn’t actually any cream cheese in this recipe. The buttery, creamy flavor comes from crushed cashews and coconut oil.

6. Mini Cocoa Swirl Cheesecakes >

Okay, we’ve given you pumpkin and strawberry. What’s the third most popular cheesecake flavor? Yep, chocolate. It’s not easy to develop a recipe for a tasty, 140-calorie cheesecake. After all, a slice of chocolate cheesecake at one popular chain restaurant contains 1,400 calories and over 100 grams of carbs. Yet, we’re pretty proud of this handheld treat. We like them chilled or frozen.

7. Creamy Apple Cinnamon Smoothie Bowl >

Chocolate, vanilla and strawberry are great. But sometimes you need a new smoothie recipe—especially when fall is just around the corner. This apple cinnamon delight tastes spicy and sweet but is cold and refreshing. It’s probably wise to make this smoothie in September because practice makes perfect. Plus, fall foods are too good to last only one season!

8. Chocolate Chip Cookies >

The world seems like a better place after a chocolate chip cookie. So who are we to say you can’t enjoy one? Almond flour, coconut oil, erythritol-based sweetener and chips bring these low-carb cookies to life. One recipe makes 16. Eat one; freeze the rest.

9. Apple and Almond Souffle >

Bet you didn’t know six grams of protein could taste so delightful. But that’s the beauty of a soufflé: They’re egg white based and this recipe also calls for protein-rich sliced almonds. Hosting guests? Soufflés impress. Save time by baking them in advance and reheating just before serving. Apples are the fruit of fall and make this dessert taste like a lightened-up version of apple pie.

10. Black Forest Chocolate Cherry Smoothie >

Three ingredients, one-step preparation. Simple recipes are sometimes the very best and this treat is no exception. Not a big fan of cherries? Try another frozen berry like raspberries, blueberries or strawberries. Or, try a combination of all three. You can also use regular cow’s milk if that’s what you have on hand.

11. Almond Jam Bars >

Coffee’s perfect compliment. What every cuppa tea needs. We suggest making these bars in every season and using seasonal jam. Now that it’s fall, use sugar-free apple or pear butter. In the winter, use apricot, grape or plum preserves. In the spring, try strawberry rhubarb. In the summer, raspberry, blackberry or strawberry.

12. Grain-Free Granola >

Love a crunchy treat? This granola is tasty on Halloween night (and will make your house smell divine!) and it’s also mom-approved for the following morning. Snack on this throughout the night and it’ll keep your mind off the candy.

13. Peanut Butter and Jelly Cookies >

Just when you thought a PB&J couldn’t get any better, we went and made a cookie. One serving is TWO terrific cookies and with every bite you’re treating yourself to protein, good healthy fat and fiber. Prefer crunchy peanut butter? Use it.

14. Carrot Cake Cupcakes >

Unless you’ve got super powers, you might not be able to work, make cupcakes, eat dinner and be ready to greet trick-or-treaters. So we suggest making these the day before and indulging when the candy cravings hit their peak. Cream. Cheese. Frosting. Is. Approved. You’re welcome!

15. Chocolate Peanut Butter Shake >

We began this list of Halloween treats with chocolate peanut butter. We’re ending on the same delicious note. Make this dessert your Halloween dinner. It counts as one Healthy Fat and one Protein on the South Beach Diet plan. Plus, it’s like a peanut butter cup in a glass.