Ideas for Leftover Halloween Candy

Halloween in the United States is often celebrated by children seeking treats door-to-door. Trick or treaters ask for candy from neighbors and then count their edible treasure at home. More than likely, children receive more candy than they can eat or more candy that is good for them. Parents can divide out the amount of candy and use it in creative ways.

Ideas for Halloween Chocolate Candy

A favorite treat to hand out on Halloween is miniature chocolate candy bars. Parents can first say Happy Halloween and then can separate the different types of chocolate candy bars. Next, the candy can be unwrapped and placed in a food processor to be chopped into medium-sized bites. Finally, the candy can be placed in freezer bags and stored in the freezer for up to six months.

The candy bar bits can be a great addition to holiday baking. One example of this is using the candy with dipped pretzel rods. Instead of paying for gourmet pretzels, you can make them easily at home for a fraction of the price. The first step is to dip the pretzel rod in melted almond bark, then roll the pretzel in the candy bits. This can also be done with caramel apples.

Candy bits can be added to favorite cookie and bar recipes as well. Instead of adding chocolate chips to cookie batter, try the candy bar bits. The bits can also be used as a topping on cupcakes and bars. Use frosting first to anchor the candy in place.

Other ideas for using candy bits include

• Leftover Halloween Candy Cake
• Peppermint Patty Brownies
• Snickers Cheesecake

Ideas for Using Smarties

Smarties candy is a Halloween staple. Tubes of these candies can be found at the bottom of Halloween sacks well after all other candy is eaten. The candy is mostly flavored sugar, so eating them requires quite the sweet tooth.

Some recipes use Smarties as an ingredient. One example is in a snack mix. The recipe is open to personal preferences; however, the key is to mix salty and sweet treats together. Examples can include pretzels, nuts, Cheerios, chocolate chips, and of course Smarties.

Another idea is to crush Smarties into a fine powder. The powder can be dusted on top of brownies or other bars. Also, if using holiday stencils, you can sprinkle the powder on the stencil to make holiday themed outlines on top of sugar cookies.

Other Ideas for Using Halloween Candy

When ridding excess Halloween candy is a must, some recipes utilize all candy on hand. One recipe by a baker named The Cakespy, developed a simple pie recipe integrating all leftover candy. Her Leftover Halloween Candy Pie recipe includes a basic crust recipe and any candy on hand. Candy is placed in the pie and baked to melt. Pie can be served with ice cream or alone.

Another idea for using up candy is to start making a holiday gingerbread house. Once the foundation of the house is made, then you can use leftover candy to decorate the house.