Halloween. It’s back better, bigger, and scarier than ever. Whether you’re donning a costume (you’re never too old for dress up), hosting or attending a Halloween party, or taking the kids trick or treating, you need to make these treats.

All of them are dead easy (see what I did there?) to make, and kids and adults love them. Use them as treats for a party, as homemade trick-or-treat booty, even as a surprise gift for your kid’s school Halloween celebration.

For us? Well, The One loves chocolate, so Graveyard Cupcakes and Halloween Hot Chocolate are on the menu.

Boo, baby!

The word "David" written in script.
Nine Halloween mummy Rice Krispies treats with googly candy eyes on a black background.
David Leite
1 of 9

Halloween Mummy Rice Krispies Treats

Halloween mummy treats are both spooky and sweet treats that are also a cinch to make. Melt some chocolate, dip some Rice Krispie squares, and decorate. Perfect for sharing with your favorite little monsters.
Recipe
Several plates with fluorescent glowing Jello molds.
Georgia Glynn Smith
2 of 9

Glow in the Dark Jello

Glow in the dark Jello shots (or larger party centerpieces made in a Bundt pan) are an essential party trick that’s part science project, part Halloween decor, part nifty excuse to knock back some gin and tonic in unique form under black lights. Here’s how to make them.
Recipe

Hands down COOLEST libation EVER!!! Love this! Thanks for posting!

Jessica
12 graham cracker squares topped with various candy bar pieces.
Molly Gilbert
3 of 9

Candy Bar S’mores

“Fun-size” Halloween candy definitely fits the bill (I’m into mini Kit Kats and Almond Joys or regular-size Reese’s cups), but luckily, leftover candy from Easter, Valentine’s Day, and Christmas make it possible for us to have creative holiday-themed s’mores year round.
Recipe
Halloween meringue bones piled on a paper plate and scattered on a black cobweb tablecloth beside the plate.
Amy Lv
4 of 9

Halloween Meringue Bones

Halloween meringue skeleton bones are a scary sweet that's perfect for kids of all ages, whether you decorate a cake with them or pass them out at your All Hallow's party.
Recipe
Pumpkin swirl brownies, uncut, in a large rectangular baking pan.
Susan Barnson Hayward
5 of 9

Pumpkin Swirl Brownies

These pumpkin swirl brownies are made with cream cheese and taste as if pumpkin spice cheesecake swirl collided with chocolate fudge brownies.
Recipe

I made these last night for a party. I came home with an empty pan. They were gobbled up in seconds. Moist, rich, not overbearingly sweet, and very relevant for this time of year.

Carlin
Four chocolate covered apple slices with a spider web design in a jar.
David Leite
6 of 9

Halloween Chocolate Covered Apple Slices

These chocolate dipped apple slices are a simple way to get your kids into the Halloween spirit. Easy enough for them to make, with a little help, these treats come together quickly and look amazing even without a lot of decorating skills. They're the perfect treat for a Halloween party, trick-or-treating, or munching when no one is looking. Oh, did we mention that they taste great, too?
Recipe

What a tantalizing treat! Crispy, tart, sweet, and creamy. These spider web apple slices were perfection on a stick! Boo!

Gorm3sa
An Irish coffee mug filled with butterscotch beer with foam on top and a drizzle of butterscotch sauce.
Alana Al-Hatlani
7 of 9

Butterscotch Beer

Made with simple ingredients and not too much mess, these sweet and creamy lemon-lime drinks are sure to be a hit with everyone, kids and adults alike. No one can resist the combination of flavors and the foamy texture.
Recipe
Leftover Halloween candy bark broken into pieces.
Andrew Purcell
8 of 9

Leftover Halloween Candy Bark

Leftover Halloween candy bark takes those bottom-of-the-bag bits and repurposes them into something altogether inspired. Use your favorites or any combination that tickles your fancy.
Recipe
Caramel apples with branch sticks sitting on a metal dish, with more in the background.
Brent Hofacker
9 of 9

Halloween Caramel Apples

These caramel apples are enrobed in a buttery caramel coating made with butter, sugar, cream, maple syrup, and dark molasses. A great Halloween treat for the kids.
Recipe

This caramel apple recipe is absolutely delicious! I tried it over the weekend and it turned out perfectly – and the picture makes it impossible to not try this yourself!!

Matt

Halloween Recipe FAQs

What types of Halloween Party foods can be made in advance?

Most sweet Halloween treats, such as cookies, cupcakes, and candy apples can be made a day in advance.

Can you suggest some savory Halloween food ideas?

Sure! If you’re hosting a Halloween dinner, make this cheeseball in the shape of a pumpkin, or offer pumpkin soup, creamy pumpkin mac and cheese, or roasted spiced pumpkin seeds.

What are some Halloween recipes that kids can make?

Although it may require a little adult supervision, kids can help to make these mummy Rice Krispies treats and or my favorite–chocolate-covered Halloween apple slices.

Continuing your festivities into the Day of the Dead or Dia de los Muertos? Check out this Day of the Dead Bread recipe. It’ll be a welcome addition to your celebration.




About David Leite

I count myself lucky to have received three James Beard Awards for my writing as well as for Leite’s Culinaria. My work has also appeared in The New York Times, Martha Stewart Living, Saveur, Bon Appétit, Gourmet, Food & Wine, Yankee, Los Angeles Times, Chicago Tribune, The Washington Post, and more.


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2 Comments

    1. Thanks, Marilyn. We are always accepting applications for new testers. Head on over to our recipe tester page to apply!