Fall has barely begun and already our lunch-packing, after-school-snack-making game has started to droop. We’re assembling sandwiches in our sleep and have seen enough applesauce pouches and granola bars to last a school year. Oh — and what’s that? It’s time to sign up to bring a fun, festive snack for the whole class, too? Great, now we have to figure out a fun, healthy-ish snack to feed 30 sugar-loving kids!
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Luckily October has swooped in to save us, with the promise of Halloween and all the inspiration it brings. Whether a mom is searching for a healthy bite or a sweet treat for a crowd, check out these wonderful Halloween-inspired snacks, all sure to delight the kids. (And any adult who loves delicious food with a side of whimsy.) Bonus: Assembly doesn’t require a master’s degree in crafting — they’re so easy!
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We found some of the easiest, tastiest, and best-looking Halloween treats to sneak into kids’ lunches or to make any school Halloween parties a little more spooky! Take a look at these treats perfect for any little boy or ghoul!
And let us know: Which treat looks the best of all?
Pumpkin Mandarin Orange Cups
Tonya of The Sweatman Family counts the ways these Pumpkin Mandarin Orange Cups are the perfect Halloween snack, including how quick and easy they are to make. Tuck one into the lunchbox, or decorate a bunch for a healthy party option.
Pumpkin Patch Pudding Cups
Pumpkin Patch Pudding Cups marry two treats that “were made to be together,” says Rachel of Bubbly Nature Creations. Chocolate pudding combined with crushed Oreos make for a deliciously festive fall dessert.
Witch's Broomsticks
Robin of Mom Foodie suggests making these Harry Potter-esque Witch’s Broomsticks for a Halloween party, noting, “I especially like that you can keep extras of the three ingredients needed and whip some more witches’ broomsticks together in the bat of a newt’s eye.” When your guests gobble them up, you can easily make more mid-party.
Halloween Spider Crackers
Use cream cheese or peanut butter to fill these cheery little Halloween Spider Crackers, and serve as soon as possible to prevent them from getting soggy, says Katie of La Jolla Mom. They’re a perfect way to liven up a healthy after-school snack for your squad.
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Frozen 'Boo'-nana Pops
White chocolate–dipped frozen bananas transform into adorable ghosts in this Frozen ‘Boo’-nana Pops recipe from Gina at Skinny Taste. When adding the chocolate chip eyes, work quickly before the white chocolate hardens, but little hands should be up to the challenge. (Even slightly askew ghost faces are yummy when they’re made out of chocolate.)
Halloween Candy Corn Popcorn Hands
As Jen of Yummy Healthy Easy points out, you don’t have to be crafty to make these Halloween Candy Corn Popcorn Hands. The super-easy treats are practically Pinterest fail-proof and will make for a happy lunchbox surprise.
Candy Corn Pretzel Hugs
These Candy Corn Pretzel Hugs from Sally’s Baking Addiction are simple to make and totally tasty. If you want to mix it up (or you just don’t like candy corn!), Sally says, “You could also get a little crazy and top with an M&M, Reese’s Pieces, or even a pecan.”
Cheese Monsters
These whimsical, googly-eyed Cheese Monsters were a joint effort from Danya of Danya Banya and her nearly-4-year-old daughter, with mom handling the cutting job, of course. The result is a fun addition to Halloween parties or after-school snacks, and is “great option for kids with allergies, as they are nut-free and egg-free.”
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Fall Snack Mix
With candy corn, Reese’s pieces, and mini marshmallows, file this Fall Snack Mix under special treat, fitting for a fall weekend dessert. Or, as Chrissy of Stick a Fork In It suggests, “For a slightly healthier version, you could easily add in some nuts, raisins, or dried fruit” and turn it into a lunchbox-worthy snack.
Witches' Hats & Broomsticks
Maria of Real Life Dinner plans to take these sweet, super-simple Witches’ Hats and Broomsticks to her neighborhood Halloween parties, but even the most craft-challenged among us could whip up one or two peanut butter cup and pretzel broomsticks for a sweet treat.
