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Recipes

10 Easy Treats Better Than the Candy You Got Trick-Or-Treating

This article is written by a student writer from the Spoon University at MSU chapter.

Candy—a trick or a treat? Even though candy may seem like a treat, sometimes it’s more of a trick because of its long list of ingredients and icky additives

These treats take the “treating” part of trick-or-treating to a whole new level. They’re way prettier and way more fun than candy. Yes, they might take more time to make, but I promise you they taste way better than conventional candy. 

1. Caramel Apples

halloween cake sweet
Margaret Davenport

One of the best things about fall is apple season. What better way to use fall’s favorite fruit than to slather it in caramel? It’s a classic fall treat that you can customize to your liking by covering it in your favorite toppings: candy, sprinkles, chocolate chips, crushed nuts, cookies, popcorn, or pretzels. Go bananas. Or should I say go apples?

2. Chocolate Candy Halloween Bark

halloween fudge brownie
Ellie Haun

What’s better than candy? Candy covered in chocolate, of course. Add your favorite sugary treats to some melted chocolate to make this simple and sinfully delicious bark.

Want to try other types of barks? Check out this white chocolate version or this sprinkle-filled version.

3. Homemade Crunch Bars and Peanut Butter Cups

halloween milk cookie
Ariana Pergola

Why buy candy when you can make your own? Make your own Crunch bars and peanut butter cups that put Reese’s to shame with these three mouthwatering recipes. Your health and your wallet will thank you for DIY-ing instead of buying.

4. Healthy Homemade Butterfingers

halloween banana butter
Ellie Haun

I have made these countless times and let me tell you, they’re addicting. I think they taste better than the original and they don’t get stuck in your teeth as much. Plus they’re healthier than the OG so you can eat double the amount… right? 

5. Spooky Rice Krispie Treats

halloween cake cream
Krista Stark

Take your everyday Rice Krispies up a notch (or five) by making these Halloween-themed Rice Krispie treats. They’re the perfect way to get into the spooky spirit. You can make them in your dorm room, so there’s no reason not to make them.

6. Pumpkin Pizza “Candy Corn” Cookie

halloween vegetable rice
Katherine Baker

Why eat real candy corn when you can eat cake shaped like it? This simple cake is full of fall flavors from pumpkin to white chocolate. 

7. Banana Monster Pops

A photo posted by Fork & Beans (@forkandbeans) on

These creepy treats are a fun way to get your daily serving of fruit. All you need to make them are a banana, white chocolate, coconut, dates, and seeds.

8. Candy Corn Cookies

halloween parties
Angela Kerndl

What are your feelings on candy corn—love it or hate it? If you love it, you’ll love these candy corn-filled cookies. They’re a much sweeter way to eat candy.

9. Candy Corn Cupcakes

not so scary Halloween party pumpkin vegetable
Vitoria Freitas

Notice a trend here? Candy corn everything! These cupcakes are a simple and cheap way to enjoy a taste of Halloween. 

10. Pumpkin Halloween Trail Mix

halloween popcorn bacon
Kate Avdellas

Are you sick of sugary sweet candy? Then try this pumpkin peanut butter mix. This trail mix is perfect for an afternoon snack or for dessert. Grab a handful or two and chow down.

Make any one of these festive treats and you’re sure to have a sweet Halloween!

Ellie is a senior studying food science at Michigan State University. Her favorite foods are chocolate, peanut butter, and carrots. When she's not baking cupcakes or taking pictures of food, she's probably running with the MSU running club or practicing yoga. Check out her blog, "Peanut Butter & Ellie," if you love all things peanut butter!