Skip to content

Top Navigation

Cooking Light Cooking Light
  • Recipes
  • Holidays
  • Cooking 101
  • Healthy Living
  • Shop
  • News
  • Good.Food.Fast
  • CL Diet

Profile Menu

Your Account

Account

  • Register/Join Now
  • Newsletters
  • Email Preferences
  • Manage Your Subscription this link opens in a new tab
Login
Logout
Pin FB

Explore Cooking Light

Cooking Light Cooking Light
  • Explore

    Explore

    • 31-Day Healthy Meal Plan

      Our 31-day calendar of meals and tips shows you how to cook more and love it with fun, family-friendly meals that come together quickly and deliciously. Read More Next
    • Dinner Tonight: Quick and Healthy Menus in 45 Minutes (or Less)

      Hundreds of delicious recipes, paired with simple sides, that can be on your table in 45 minutes or less. Read More Next
    • Our Favorite Healthy Air Fryer Recipes

      Who ever said that chicken wings, doughnuts, and pizza couldn't be healthy? Read More Next
  • Recipes

    Recipes

    See All Recipes
    • Breakfast & Brunch
    • Lunch
    • Dinner
    • Drinks
    • Recipe Makeovers
    • Quick & Healthy
    • Diabetic
    • Gluten-Free
    • Vegetarian
    • Cooking Light Live
  • Holidays

    Holidays

    See All Holidays
    • New Year, New You
    • Super Bowl
    • Valentines
    • Easter
    • Halloween
    • Thanksgiving
    • Christmas
  • Cooking 101

    Cooking 101

    See All Cooking 101
    • Essential Ingredients
    • Cooking Techniques
    • Meet the Chef
    • Cooking Resources
    • Budget Friendly
    • Smart Choices
  • Healthy Living

    Healthy Living

    See All Healthy Living
    • Weight-Loss
    • Health
    • Fitness
    • Home
    • Travel
    • Nutrition 101
  • Shop
  • News
  • Good.Food.Fast
  • CL Diet

Profile Menu

Your Account

Account

  • Register/Join Now
  • Newsletters
  • Email Preferences
  • Manage Your Subscription this link opens in a new tab
Login
Logout
Sweepstakes

Follow Us

CookingLight diet CookingLight diet
  1. Home Chevron Right
  2. entertaining Chevron Right
  3. 51 Freakishly Healthy (and Delicious) Halloween Recipes

51 Freakishly Healthy (and Delicious) Halloween Recipes

By Cooking Light
August 22, 2018
Skip gallery slides
Pin
Credit: Cooking Light
No tricks here. These healthy Halloween recipes make it more than possible to have a frightfully-fun night. We get that you're going to splurge during Halloween. When else do you have an over-abundance of all the classic candy favorites? Enjoy those, then break out these shockingly healthy Halloween favorites—find sweet treats, easy cocktails, fall menus, and kid-friendly snacks everyone can feel good about.
Start Slideshow

1 of 52

Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

51 Freakishly Healthy (and Delicious) Halloween Recipes

1 of 52

Advertisement
Advertisement

2 of 52

Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Muffin-Tin Pumpkin-and-Pear Stratas

Credit: Photo: Greg Dupree
View Recipe: Muffin-Tin Pumpkin-and-Pear Stratas

Here's a nifty way to make individual casserole portions. Nectar-sweet pears, earthy pumpkin, and tart cranberries are a wonderfully balanced combination of fall flavors. Bosc or Anjou pears will also work here, as long as they're ripe. Your bare hands do the best job of mixing the bread into the egg.

2 of 52

3 of 52

Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Chicken and Garlic "Vampire" Dip

Credit: Photo: Kelsey Hansen
View Recipe: Chicken and Garlic "Vampire" Dip

Chase away these Halloween ghouls with this creamy, cheesy, garlicky chicken dip. The garlic cloves will mellow and soften considerably in the slow cooker or on the stove; leave the cloves whole for the best result. A hearty dip with crisp, fresh vegetables is ideal for Halloween entertaining—a satisfying bite on a night filled with sugary treats. Thin the leftover sauce with water or stock and fold into hot cooked pasta for dinner on another night.

3 of 52

Advertisement

4 of 52

Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Honey Cider-Beer Cocktails

Credit: Photo: Brian Woodcock
View Recipe: Honey Cider-Beer Cocktails

The cider-honey base of this fall beverage makes enough for a whole batch. Beer and cider are refreshing and lower in sugar and alcohol than stronger potions, which tend to go down a bit too easily. The cider syrup needs time to cool; let it rest while you get ready for your party.

4 of 52

5 of 52

Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Glazed Pumpkin Sugar Cookies

Credit: Photo: Jamie Vespa

We stayed away from artificial food coloring and instead added drama in other ways: A coating of black sesame seeds makes for creepy bats and spiders with great texture (we use chopped pistachios for the bats’ eyes), and ghosts become ghoulish with little more than a layer of glaze and either mini chocolate chips or black sesame seeds for eyes. Pumpkin puree adds rich flavor and a bit of golden color to the cookie dough.

5 of 52

6 of 52

Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Mini Chicken and Basil Meatball Hoagies

Credit: Photo: Kelsey Hansen
View Recipe: Mini Chicken and Basil Meatball Hoagies

These mini meatball subs, with olive “eyes” and basil “hair” are sure to get a laugh from trick-or-treaters and their parents. If you can’t find mini hoagie rolls, split larger rolls in half crosswise and scoop out some of the breading so the sandwiches can hold the filling. Look for ground chicken or turkey rather than ground breast meat for meatballs that are tender and flavorful yet still lean. Feel free to use thinly sliced baby spinach instead of the basil.

6 of 52

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

7 of 52

Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Devil Eggs

Credit: Cooking Light
View Recipe: Devil Eggs

These deviled eggs live up to their name thanks to the edible eye and horn garnishes. You could also skip the horns and use a single olive slice for a fleet of Cyclops eggs, or do a mix of both. We use pimientos again in this pimiento cheese-style filling; the sharp cheddar cheese gives the yolk mixture a Halloween-orange hue. 

7 of 52

8 of 52

Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Frosted Brown Butter Blondies

Credit: Photo: Brian Woodcock
View Recipe: Frosted Brown Butter Blondies

This festive fall dessert became an instant staff favorite. Brown butter imparts a rich flavor to blondies composed of bittersweet chocolate and cream cheese. A plastic zip-top bag makes it easy to pipe the web pattern onto the frosting.

8 of 52

9 of 52

Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Hibiscus and Blood Orange Punch

Credit: Photo: Kelsey Hansen
View Recipe: Hibiscus and Blood Orange Punch

The deep garnet color from hibiscus and blood oranges adds plenty of drama to this sparkling drink. The tea base also keeps the beverage much lower in sugar than soda or other juice-based punches. Make sure to let the tea bags steep in the hot water for the best flavor. Top off each glass with whatever sparkler you have on hand—sparkling wine for the adults or sparkling cider or seltzer for the kids. If you can’t find blood oranges, use navel oranges.

9 of 52

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

10 of 52

Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Chocolate-Peanut Butter Apple Wedges

Credit: Photo: Kelsey Hansen
View Recipe: Chocolate-Peanut Butter Apple Wedges

We make the classic candied apple snack-size by cutting into wedges before drizzling with all the goodies. Not only is the treat easier to eat, but you get more chocolate and peanut butter in each bite. Peanut butter powder adds an intense peanut butter flavor to the white chocolate drizzle; you can find it at most supermarkets. You can also use the powder as part of a breading for baked chicken or fish, stir it into a smoothie for a protein boost, or use as a coating for peanut-flavored truffles.  

10 of 52

11 of 52

Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Chocolate Halloween Cutout Cookies

Credit: Photo: Randy Mayor
View Recipe: Chocolate Halloween Cutout Cookies

If orange food coloring isn't available, combine red and yellow to create an orange hue. Either way, these adorable, festive cookies are sure to impress your Halloween guests. When it comes time to decorate, let your kids help out for a fun holiday craft. Undeniably rich and sweet, we think these cookies are way better than a store-bought chocolate candy bar.

11 of 52

12 of 52

Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Slow Cooker Chicken Chili

Credit: Photo: Brian Woodcock
View Recipe: Slow Cooker Chicken Chili

Get the chili started in the morning and keep warm in the slow cooker while you're out. Calling for a mixture of beans and hominy, this recipe boasts bold, rich flavor, something that can often be dulled in a slow cooker. Whirring some of the beans in a food processor thickens the soup, lending a heartier texture to the dish. We suggest serving the soup with green onions, cheese, cilantro, peppers, and plain yogurt, a great substitute for sour cream. Serve with Cheesy Jalapeno-Sour Cream Corn Muffins (next slide).

12 of 52

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

13 of 52

Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Cinnamon-Cider Candied Apples

Credit: Photo: Romulo Yanes
View Recipe: Cinnamon-Cider Candied Apples

These blood-red cinnamon and brandy-spiked candy apples make for a deliciously gruesome centerpiece on the table at your next Halloween blowout.

 

13 of 52

14 of 52

Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Peel 'N' Pop Pumpkins

Credit: Cooking Light
View Recipe: Peel 'N' Pop Pumpkins

These pint-sized tangerine pumpkins are a healthy (and adorable) alternative to candy. Serve a platter at your next Halloween party with a bowl of homemade hummus for the celery “stems.” Nut-free shopping tip: Always check package labels before you purchase any ingredients. The U.S. Food Allergy Labeling and Customer Protection Act (FALCPA) requires any major food allergens (milk, eggs, fish, shellfish, peanuts, tree nuts, wheat and soy) to be listed on all packaged food labels, whether in the ingredient list or in an accompanying statement.

14 of 52

15 of 52

Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Black Sesame Cupcakes

Credit: Photo: Caitlin Bensel
View Recipe: Black Sesame Cupcakes

There's nothing artificial about these dramatically hued treats. Supermoist (and whole-grain) chocolate cupcakes get their blackout color from black sesame seeds and antioxidant-rich dark cocoa powder. These desserts are delicious and better for you, with every bit of fun, festive flair you crave.

15 of 52

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

16 of 52

Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Granny Smith Moscow Mule

Credit: Photo: Kelsey Hansen
View Recipe: Granny Smith Moscow Mule

Warm winter spices like cinnamon and whole allspice give this cocktail a seasonal spin. We also add green apple for a subtle tart-sweet note. Look for bottled ginger beer such as the Ginger People or Reed’s; ginger ale is too sweet and won’t have enough kick. Ginger beer is also usually nonalcoholic; just omit the gin for a nonalcoholic beverage. Vodka or bourbon would also be delicious if you’re not a fan of gin.

16 of 52

17 of 52

Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

White Chocolate-Pumpkin Pie Caramel Apples

Credit: Photo: Randy Mayor
View Recipe: White Chocolate-Pumpkin Pie Caramel Apples

Caramel apples are easy to make and invite endless potential for sweet, salty, tangy, and crunchy nut-free toppings. For these show-stopping apples, we infuse caramel with pumpkin pie spice for a Halloween twist.

17 of 52

18 of 52

Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Spooky Spider Cupcake Toppers

Credit: Photo: Randy Mayor
View Recipe: Spooky Spider Toppers

Halloween is a holiday for pulling out all the stops, for having fun with all kinds of ghoulish decorations. Here's a scary-good way to go big and give kids and grown-ups a thrill—3-D chocolate spiders that perch on top of cupcakes and definitely give you the creepy-crawlies. Dare you reach for a sweet treat, lest these spiders crawl onto your hand? The chocolate arachnids are frighteningly easy to make, requiring readily found craft-store ingredients and just a few steps. Any leftover chocolate can turn into eerie spiderwebs. 

18 of 52

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

19 of 52

Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Toffee Dip with Apples

Credit: Photo: Greg Dupree
View Recipe: Toffee Dip with Apples

Crunchy toffee bits stirred into a creamy dip make this impossible to stop eating. It’s kid and adult friendly. Coating the apples with pineapple juice prevent them from browning.

19 of 52

20 of 52

Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Chocolate-Almond Butter Cups

Credit: Cooking Light
View Recipe: Chocolate-Almond Butter Cups

The popular chocolate-coated peanut butter cup candies are actually super easy to make at home. Almond butter stands in for peanut butter here. Dark chocolate and a sprinkle of chopped almonds and flaky salt make these cups sophisticated treat. You could also use two different kinds of chocolate for the top and bottom layers; simply use one bar of each and microwave separately.

20 of 52

21 of 52

Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Cookies & Cream Marshmallows

Credit: Photo: Kelsey Hansen
View Recipe: Cookies & Cream Marshmallows

Homemade marshmallows have an incredibly soft, pillow-y texture that you can’t get from store bought. You’ll be amazed at how much these marshmallows taste like the classic combination of cookies and cream. Remember to add the hot gelatin mixture slowly so as not to deflate the whipped sugar mixture. Coat your knife in powdered sugar and keep it dry so it won’t stick as you cut the marshmallow into cubes. Skewer the cubes for serving or stack in narrow cellophane bags for a take-home treat.

21 of 52

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

22 of 52

Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Cheesy Jalapeño-Sour Cream Corn Muffins

Credit: Photo: Brian Woodcock
View Recipe: Cheesy Jalapeño-Sour Cream Corn Muffins

What is chili without corn muffins? Pickled jalapeños add a little extra zip and dimension without too much heat. You can omit them or substitute minced cilantro if you like. Make the corn muffins a day or two ahead and refrigerate then leave out at room temperature with the Kale, Jicama, and Orange Salad and Frosted Brown Butter Blondies. The addition of sour cream makes these muffins incredibly tender—they won't dry out if made in advance. Looking for a spooky spin?  Use blue cornmeal; it'll turn the muffins a greenish blue.

22 of 52

23 of 52

Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Sweet & Spicy Snack Mix

Credit: Cooking Light
View Recipe: Sweet & Spicy Snack Mix

Halloween snacks are meant to be munched by the handful, which is why we love this crunchy, spicy, savory-sweet snack mix. Whole-grain air-popped popcorn is an excellent “filler,” adding volume to the mix without upping more sodium- and calorie-heavy ingredients. We love the pungent kick and crunch of wasabi peas; you can leave them out or substitute unsalted roasted or smoked almonds.

23 of 52

24 of 52

Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Slow Cooker Chicken, Bacon, and Potato Soup

Credit: Photo: Iain Bagwell
View Recipe: Slow Cooker Chicken, Bacon, and Potato Soup

The slow cooker gently coaxes out delicious flavors from simple, hearty ingredients. This soup is perfect for ushering in fall: It's hearty enough for the beginning of soup season, yet brothy and veggie-packed so that it doesn't feel too heavy. Pair it with a slaw or kale side salad and crusty whole-grain bread for a light, satisfying dinner. This recipe is ideal for a weekend, when you can check on the slow cooker after just a few hours; though you won't be able to leave the soup unattended all day, this still offers the benefit of hands-free, fuss-free cooking. Either baby red, Yukon Gold, or fingerling potatoes will work well here, as they'll maintain their shape nicely during cooking.

24 of 52

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

25 of 52

Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Pumpkin Flan

Credit: Photo Courtesy of Oxmoor House
View Recipe: Pumpkin Flan

Flan, a custard-based and caramel-topped dessert, is a stunning, gluten-free treat that’s sure to impress guests. Here, pumpkin pie spice and canned pumpkin give the classic recipe a touch of autumn.

25 of 52

26 of 52

Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Chocolate-Toffee Apples

Credit: Photo: Johnny Autry
View Recipe: Chocolate-Toffee Apples

These candied apples combine the buttery richness of caramel apples with the fun crunch of candied ones—two old standards twisted together.

26 of 52

27 of 52

Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Black Cat Sandwich Cookies

Credit: Photo: Johnny Autry
View Recipe: Black Cat Sandwich Cookies

These yummy (and slightly spooky) confections are a tasty blend of shortbread-like cookies with a layer of soft chocolate.

27 of 52

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

28 of 52

Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Peanut Butter Caramel Corn

Credit: Photo: Oxmoor House
View Recipe: Peanut Butter Caramel Corn

Just enough butter for caramel goodness. Peanut butter for heart-healthy richness.

28 of 52

29 of 52

Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Chocolate Spider Cupcakes

Credit: Photo: Romulo Yanes
View Recipe: Chocolate Spider Cupcakes

It's easy to make spiderweb designs on cupcakes: Simply pipe concentric circles and drag a wooden pick through wet frosting to create a webbed effect. No bourbon? Use water instead in the frosting.

29 of 52

30 of 52

Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Spiced Pumpkin Biscuits

Credit: Photo: Becky Luigart-Stayner
View Recipe: Spiced Pumpkin Biscuits

These light, flavorful biscuits are the perfect complement to a fall meal, especially when paired with Orange Blossom Honey Butter. A light hand with the dough will help to ensure tender biscuits.

30 of 52

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

31 of 52

Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Candied Apples

Credit: Cooking Light
View Recipe: Candied Apples

When we prepared these Candied Apples in our Test Kitchens, we were won over by their simple charm. In particular, we liked the way the cinnamon candy coating complemented the sweetness and cool crunch of the fruit in a classic flavor match. Our recipe uses cinnamon candies (Red Hots are a good choice) instead of the cinnamon and red food coloring used in other versions.

31 of 52

32 of 52

Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Pumpkin Pie Shake

Credit: Howard Puckett
View Recipe: Pumpkin Pie Shake

This simple shake has all the flavors of pumpkin pie, but requires a quarter of the work. Kids will be all over this fun, fall-inspired indulgence.

32 of 52

33 of 52

Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Beef Daube Provencal

Credit: Photo: Randy Mayor
View Recipe: Beef Daube Provençal

This classic French braised beef, red wine, and vegetable stew is simple and so delicious we named it one of our 25 best recipes ever. The flavor and texture allow you to keep it warm for your guests. Buy a whole-grain baguette, bagged salad greens, and bottled vinaigrette to round out the meal.

33 of 52

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

34 of 52

Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Caramel Apple Pie

Credit: Photo: Ellen Silverman
View Recipe: Caramel Apple Pie

You can't go wrong with a classic! A touch of kosher salt adds depth to the caramel topping.

34 of 52

35 of 52

Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Chocolate Cupcakes with Vanilla Cream Cheese Frosting

Credit: Photo: Becky Luigart-Stayner
View Recipe: Chocolate Cupcakes with Vanilla Cream Cheese Frosting

Instant coffee intensifies the chocolate richness of these cupcakes. To repeat the Halloween theme, decorate them with plastic cake toppers, licorice, jelly beans, or candy sprinkles.

35 of 52

36 of 52

Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Candy Apple Punch

Credit: Photo: Howard L. Puckett
View Recipe: Candy Apple Punch

Cinnamon candies and cranberry-apple drink help give this party-ready punch its fun, bright red color. For a toddy version, adults can substitute 1 cup rum for 1 cup water.

36 of 52

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

37 of 52