Can you believe that Halloween is around the corner? It's the time of year for celebrating scary movies, spooky decorations and sweet treats. But just because trick-or-treating encourages children to eat candy with artificial flavors, preservatives and refined sugars, doesn't mean they have to!
Instead of feeding your kids poison from the SAD diet, share some of these delicious wholesome treats! Not only are they tasty, but they're nutritious and simple to make.
Here are some of our favorite Halloween treat alternatives:
1. Peppermint Patti
Reminiscent of the classic candy, this healthy version is just as delicious and it's guilt-free!
Ingredients:
- 2 cups pecans
- 2 cups pitted dates
- 2 cups fresh mint leaves
- 1/2 cup Hallelujah Diet raw carob powder
Directions:
Place all ingredients into a food processor, mixing until well-combined. Once the mixture forms into a dough ball, remove from the processor. Use your hands to roll dough into small balls, then flatten to desired thickness. Place in the refrigerator to chill and set, then enjoy!
2. Lemon Coconut Truffles
Get your kids in the kitchen to help you create this easy and tasty treat.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup dates - pitted
- 1 cup unsweetened shredded coconut, plus more to coat the truffles
- 1 cup raw cashews - pre-soaked and dried
- 1/2 tablespoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 cup lemon juice Zest of 1 lemon
- 1/4 teaspoon sea salt 2 to 3 tablespoons of water
Directions:
First, place the cashews in a blender, mixing down into a fine meal. Then, add the coconut and pulse until blended. Add dates, vanilla, lemon juice, zest and sea salt, blending well and stopping often to scrape the sides. Slowly add water to help mixture blend and form together until it reaches the perfect dough-like consistency. Use your hands to roll the dough into 1-inch balls, then toss in the leftover shredded coconut. Place in the refrigerator to set for a few hours, then serve and enjoy!
3. Raw Fudge
Who doesn't love fudge on Halloween? Make this treat for your kids to take to school.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup rolled oats
- 3/4 cup raw carob powder
- 1/4 cup sunflower seeds - ground fine
- 1/2 cup raw almond nut butter
- 4 to 6 Medjool dates - pitted, soaked 4 hours, drained (save soaking water)
- 1/4 cup date soaking water
- 1/2 to 1 cup walnuts or pecans - chopped
- 1/4 cup sesame seeds - ground
Directions:
First, prepare an 8-inch square pan with a light coating of coconut oil. Place all ingredients - excluding the nuts - in a food processor, blending well. Slowly add date soaking water until mixture forms into a dough ball. Remove mixture from the food processor. Transfer into a large bowl and fold in the nuts. Press finished mixture into prepared pan, then place in the refrigerator to chill. Cut, serve and enjoy.
4. Date Coconut Logs
This is a delicious, simple and tasty treat that takes minutes to create. Your kids will love it!
Ingredients:
- 2 cups organic dates - pitted
- 1 cup water
- 1 cup unsweetened shredded coconut
Directions:
Dip each individual date in water, then dip into the shredded coconut. Continue until all dates are covered. Place on a sheet pan and place in the refrigerator until serving, or package in plastic wrap for your children to take to school.
5. Walnut Candy
Not only are these candies delicious and healthy, they're great for an energy boost after lunch time!
Ingredients:
- 1 cup ground or finely chopped walnuts
- 1 cup grated coconut
- 1/2 cup raw carob powder
- 1/2 cup honey Sesame seeds
Directions:
Place all ingredients - besides the sesame seeds - in a food processor, blending until it reaches a dough-like consistency. Remove dough from processor and roll into 1-inch balls. Roll each dough ball into sesame seeds. Place on a tray and let set in the refrigerator for a few hours. Enjoy!
6. Fantastic Raw Pecan-Almond Treats
This recipe makes a flavorful snack your kids will request year-round.
Ingredients:
- 1 1/2 cups raw pecans - soaked 4 hours and drained well
- 1 1/2 cups raw almonds - soaked 4 hours and drained well
- 2 cups Medjool dates - pitted
- 1/2 vanilla bean or 2 teaspoons vanilla
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
- Pinch of clove powder
- Pinch of Celtic Sea Salt
- 2 tablespoon ground flaxseed
- 1/2 cup coconut flakes
Directions:
Place all ingredients - besides ground flaxseed and coconut flakes in a food processor, blending until it reaches a thick consistency. Transfer mixture to a large bowl, add the flaxseed and mix well. Roll mixture into 1-inch balls, then toss in coconut flakes to coat. Place in the refrigerator to set.
7. Plum Drops
We had to sneak a delicious snack for the parents in here - make this treat for yourself once the kids' treats are finished!
Ingredients:
- 1 cup dried plums
- 1 cup cashews
- 1/4 cup agave nectar
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 3 tablespoon ground flaxseed
Directions:
Place all ingredients in a food processor, blending until it forms into dough. Remove from processor and roll into 1-inch balls. Chill and enjoy! To learn how to make more of our favorite treats or dinners, smoothies and juices, check out our database of recipes!
