Impress your kids and all the guests at your Halloween party with these spooky, delicious, and creative treats

If you’ve already sorted out your crew’s costumes and carved up your pumpkin, and you’ve still got time, how about crafting up a few easy Halloween treats? We’ve got all the goodies (and even Halloween-themed dinners) for kids you could ever want, from healthy(ish) picks to snacks inspired by creepy crawlers.

Cute Halloween Cat Treats

A black cat cookie with candy corn eyes
A Taste of Madness

Whole Wheat Black Cat Cookies. How cute are these kitty cookies from A Taste of Madness? You don’t need special cookie cutters to make them, and the kiddos can help top them off with adorable candy corn eyes. Using wheat flour helps make them a little more wholesome than your average dessert, too. 

Black Cat Oreo Treats.
These treats from Moments with Mandi are sure to impress your little ones—they’re (almost) too cute to eat. We love the wide eyes drawn on the chocolate candies and the chocolate chip “ears.” 

Classic Betty Crocker Black Cat.
Your kittens will go crazy for this delish cake from Betty Crocker. No fancy pans are required for this one—just round cake pans and a bit of clever cutting to make the cat shape. Topped off with licorice whiskers, it’ll be just as tasty as it looks.

Black Cat Cutout Cookies. For an easy but delicious treat, make these cutout cats from Cinnamon Girl. The recipe is pretty straightforward, and you can let your little sous chefs dot on watchful eyes once the cookies have cooled. 

Related: Easy Halloween Decorations You Can Make for About $5

Mummy-Themed Easy Halloween Treats

Madeleine cookies are decorated to look like mummies and Minions for Halloween treats
Sugar Bowl Bakery

Mummy Madeleines. These Madeleine Mummies and Minions look like you slaved away in the kitchen, but they're fuss free. Just put some white frosting in a piping bag with a cross-hatch tip, then make lines or zigzags before popping on some candy eyes and sprinkles. We tend to love these soft and fluffy traditional or pumpkin spice Madeleines from Sugar Bowl Bakery.

Mummified Oreos. How Does She serves up a spooktacular assortment of haunted treats, including to-die-for Mummy Oreo Suckers. And think about it: If you can make Oreos into something cute, what other cookies can you transform?

Halloweeño Jalapeño Popper Mummies
. If you’re a fan of spice, this hot idea from The Hopeless Housewife is sure to startle your taste buds. Terrifyingly simple to bake, these Jalapeño Popper Mummies make a great savory appetizer for your Halloween bash.

Mummy Pretzels. This salty, sweet, and spooky treat is scarily simple to make. The most difficult step according to Simply Being Mommy is waiting for the chocolate to cool and harden before eating!

Witch-Inspired Halloween Treats

Decorated chocolate kisses sit on top of Oreos to create the Halloween treat Witch Hat Cookies
Princess Pinky Girl

Witch Hat Cookies. This super easy recipe from Princess Pinky Girl results in adorable witch hat treats in no time flat. Gather up Oreos and chocolate kisses plus a few other ingredients for this party-ready dessert.  

Witch Guacamole Dip. Bright green guacamole glows from underneath a tortilla chip hat in Spicy Southern Kitchen’s Witch Guacamole.  Mash up some avocados or grab your fave store-bought guac as the base for this healthy Halloween treat. 

Butterscotch Brooms.
Every witch needs her broom, so you’ve got to whip up some cute broomsticks inspired by From Calculus to Cupcakes. They’re super quick to throw together, and they hit the perfect balance between sweet and savory.

Deathly Chocolate Graveyard Cakes. We think this spooktastic dessert from Half Baked Harvest is genius. With gravestones made out of brownies and witch legs made out of rolled wafer cookies, decorating them is half the fun. 

Easy Halloween Treats That Aren’t Too Sugary

Low-sugar pumpkin mousse sits in a bowl
Super Healthy Kids

Mousse Made Easy. Looking for a kid-approved party dessert that won’t scare away adults? Like a light, fluffy piece of pumpkin pie without the crust, this pumpkin mousse from Super Healthy Kids uses only six simple ingredients. Prep it in advance and make the most of your time with guests. 

Awesome Apple Cupcakes. Love the taste of old-fashioned Halloween treats? Take a trip down memory lane with luscious fall flavors of apple and cinnamon. These beautiful cupcakes from Sarah Bakes Gluten Free will remind you of the sweet caramel apples of your youth without too much of the sticky stuff.

Not-So-Basic Bark. Turn after-school grumps into giggly ghouls with this super-cute candy bark from Fork and Beans. Vegan and gluten-free with no icky preservatives, you’ll love getting your (somewhat healthy) chocolate fix. It’ll take a few steps to get to the finished product, but we promise this bark will make you want to take a big bite. 

 

(Sort of) Nutritious Halloween Treats

Mini monster sandwiches topped with olive eyes
My Own Road

Monster Sandwiches. What's a monster mash without monster sandwiches? This idea from My Own Road is an easy way to ensure that there's hearty food on your Halloween menu—you know, before the giant sugar rush. Plus, it's a cinch to customize these mini monster sandwiches with your fam's fave deli meat and fillings.

Halloween-Themed Sushi Balls. These adorable Halloween-themed sushi balls from Chopstick Chronicles are fairly easy to make, and you can change up the ingredients according to your little monster's palate. Put a bunch together as a main dish or spread them around as creepy little sides.

Frozen BOO-nana Ghosts. These ghost-shaped boo-nana popsicles are a fun treat the kids will love making as much as eating. Erin Clarke at Well Plated takes the healthy route and dips the banana shapes into vanilla yogurt rather than white chocolate—and you can turn these treats into mummies with a bit of peanut butter, caramel or nut butter, and coconut sugar.

Hooting Owls. Not as spooky as ghosts and gravestones but how can you resist these delicious Halloween owls? Spread peanut butter or cream cheese on crackers and add sliced and whole almonds for this nocturnal nibble from Charity Mathews at Foodlets.

Related: 30 Perfectly Spooky Halloween Books to Read This Year

Creepy, Crawly Treats

Bakerella

Spider Cake Pops. One bite of these creepy crawly cake pops and you might understand why the old lady swallowed the spider. Wriggle over to Bakerella to learn to make these eerily delicious arachnids. Hint: The placement is all about timing.

Dirt and Worms Pudding Cups. We dig this easy-to-make dessert from Like Mother Like Daughter. Great for serving the kids at your Halloween party, they’re also fun for spring and Earth Day, too.

Creepy Corn Dog Centipedes. Hungry Happenings transformed ordinary mini corn dogs into a Halloween centipede, complete with ketchup eyes. If your kids like creepy crawlers and enjoy playing with their food, this might be the snack for you.

Jello Worms. Mel’s Kitchen Cafe used straws and a package of gelatin to make this squirmy Halloween treat. While they might gross out older ghosts, these squiggly creatures are sure to be a hit with your little goblins, and they’re super easy to make.

Kooky Halloween Monster Treats

These Halloween treats are chocolate monster cookies with candy googly eyes, chewy chocolate chip cookies, and chocolate ganache.
Self Proclaimed Foodie

Chocolate Monster Cookies. We’d welcome these monster cookies from Self Proclaimed Foodie to any Halloween party. The secret lies in the edible googly eyes—but don’t forget the perfect chocolate chip cookies and chocolate ganache.

S’more Monsters. What’s better than s’mores? S’mores that look like monsters! You won’t need a campfire to create this delicious Halloween-themed treat from Jodi Levine over at Say Yes, but you will need cookies, marshmallows, and little helping hands.

Dangerous Donuts. Donuts get a monstrous makeover with this snack from A Spicy Perspective that the little ones will go crazy for. Either make ahead for your guests or lay out the supplies and let the kids take creative control. You’ll need some plastic vampire fangs, sprinkles, and you guessed it… candy eyes.

Chocolate Monster Pops. You’ll have plenty of little monsters gathering around a batch of these chocolate Frankensteins from Handmade Charlotte. The supplies include basic baking stuff: chocolate bars, coconut, and icing. We are especially zinging with delight over the Hershey Kiss neck bolts. 

Related: 36 Halloween Movies That Aren’t Too Scary for Kids

Ghost-Inspired Treats

Sugar Bowl Bakery

Brownie Bites with Fondant Ghosts. Need a last-minute Halloween treat? We love these adorable desserts from Sugar Bowl Bakery that use store-bought brownie bites and small pieces of fondant to create the perfect, non-scary ghost friend.

3-Ingredient Easy Ghost Cookies. The only thing scary about these cookies from Butter with a Side of Bread is how easy they are to make. All you need are Milano cookies, white chocolate, and small chocolate chips to whip up these friendly, Casper-style sweets.

Ghosts in the Graveyard Dessert Shooters. Don't worry, these alcohol-free treats from Sugarspun Run are for everyone! Think OREO dirt cup with a marshmallow ghost that is fun and easy to make.

Frightfully Easy Halloween Cupcake Treats

Easy to make RIP cupcakes with chocolate wafers, pumpkin shaped candy corn, vanilla wafers and chocolate frosting.
Christal Yuen

Ghoulish Graveyard. What you'll need: crumbled chocolate wafers, pumpkin-shaped candy corn, vanilla wafers, and chocolate frosting. What to do: After covering the chocolate cupcake with chocolate frosting, crush chocolate wafers and sprinkle them over the frosting as "dirt." Set a pumpkin-shaped candy corn on top and write "RIP" on the vanilla wafer before planting it in the "graveyard."

Wicked Witch. What you'll need: green icing, one straw cut in half, and gum drops. What to do: Frost your cupcake in plenty of bright green frosting. Snip your straw in half, and slice a red gum drop down the center, so you have two identical halves (and a pair of ruby slippers). Stick one to each end of the straws and lay the "legs" on your serving platter. Now lay your cupcake house upside down on top of the legs. We can almost hear Dorothy trotting away in glee. 

Not-So-Scary Mummy. What you'll need: Mini M&Ms and white frosting. What to do: Using a piping bag (either store-bought or DIY), place lines across your cupcake to form your mummy's bandages and then two affix candy eyes.

Caught in a Spiderweb. What you'll need: White frosting and black gel icing. What to do: After frosting the cupcake in white, use your gel icing to make three concentric circles on top. Take a toothpick and, starting in the center, drag the toothpick through the icing to the edge (imagine slicing a pizza) to create the spooky spiderweb effect.

Step outside the box (of cake mix) and make one of these show-stopping treats for your kiddo’s next big bash

We get it—sometimes cake doesn’t cut it. If you’re looking for the perfect unique birthday dessert, we’ve found 25 show-stopping birthday dessert alternatives that are sure to satisfy any sweet tooth. From ice cream to cookies, there’s something here to make your celebration extra special. Don’t forget the party favors! 

Fried Ice Cream

They love ice cream and french fries, so it’s not too much of a stretch to say they’ll probably go nuts for fried ice cream. Add a little fudge and whipped cream, and it’s birthday dessert heaven. Get the recipe from Six Sisters Stuff.

Sprinkle Cookies

We dare you to find a more cheerful cookie than these sugar masterpieces from The View from Great Island. They’re perfectly festive for any birthday soiree, and a cinch to whip up. Use a whole assortment of sprinkles or customize the colors for your tot!

Birthday Charcuterie Boards

unique dessert charcuterie board
iStock

What's better than one dessert? A whole bunch of desserts, on one giant platter. Whether it's a cocoa-themed spread or you want to go full-on birthday-themed, the hottest new trend in food is taking over the party, too. Birthday charcuterie boards are where it's at! 

Churros

Peanut Butter & Peppers

Is there anything better than the cinnamon-sugar goodness of a county fair churro? For those looking to recreate this particular magic at home, we present this recipe from Peanut Butter & Peppers. The secret here is that the churros are baked, not fried—which means they have all the sweet, doughy crunch you expect but you can skip the greasy frying. 

 

Related: Party On! The Trendiest Birthday Themes for This Year  

Mini Brownie Bowls

lifeloveliz

Because cones are so ordinary, right? Up the ice cream sundae bar game by opting for a super sweet bowl the gang can eat: these mini brownie bowls from Life Love Liz are perfect because you can serve them warm or cooled down, depending on how much time you have before you need them. 

Unicorn Sundaes

birthday desserts
Cutefetti

Why do unicorn cake when you can serve up unicorn-themed sundaes? The best part about this amazing treat from Dawn at Cutefetti is her low-cal version that still has all the whimsy and the taste. 

Colorful Macarons

unique birthday desserts
Rose Elena via Unsplash

These popular French cookies can be made in a variety of colors and flavors and have an extra-festive birthday appeal—plus it's easy to portion control sugar intake for the younger kids. While they can be a bit challenging to make for the novice baker, Sally's Bakings Addiction has a step-by-step tutorial that just might help you win this whimsical dessert. If you're not feeling up to it, patisseries across the country sell these delectables. You can also order up a batch from [ma-ka-rohn] where you'll also find gluten-free varieties. They ship across the US. 

Brownie Pops

The Cookful

Brownies go sophisticated with this fun recipe from The Cookful. Just whip up a batch using your favorite recipe (or a boxed mix), and dip them into a simple ganache to up the fancy factor. 

And for more desserts on a stick, click here

Baked Birthday Donuts

unique birthday desserts
If You Give a Blonde a Kitchen

Do not be surprised if these funfetti-filled donuts become a new birthday tradition. They’re simple to make and super colorful. They’re also perfect for a crowd. Don’t forget the glaze! Get the recipe from If You Give a Blonde a Kitchen.

Cheesecake Flan

A Little Yumminess

Are you a fan of flan? How about the creamy goodness of cheesecake? You can have ‘em both with this recipe from A Little Yumminess. It’s more firm than flan and lighter than cheesecake—perfect for a birthday cake alternative that’s a little outside the box. Click here for the how-to!

Party Cannoli

Hungry Gems

It’s easy to add cannoli to your birthday party lineup with this genius idea from Hungry Gems. Picture it: smooth ricotta, vanilla paste speckles, and fluffy sugar. Don’t forget the colorful sprinkles for that extra special touch! 

Nutella Whoopie Pie

unique birthday desserts

When a dessert has “whoopie” right in the title, you know it’s a reason to celebrate. These delish, unique birthday desserts have a hint of orange, a whole lot of Nutella, and are just the thing to amp up a birthday party. (Psst! They also make great gifts!) Score the recipe by clicking here.

Related: How to Plan a Kid’s Birthday Party on a Budget

Strawberry and Sprinkles Pancakes

unique birthday desserts
Averie Cooks

Give your usual birthday dessert a flip with this sweet idea from Averie Cooks: pancakes! These phenomenal flapjacks are bursting with sprinkles, topped with strawberries, and the perfect way to begin or end a birthday. 

Ice Cream Tacos

unique birthday desserts
A Subtle Revelry

Who says tacos have to be savory? Check out how A Subtle Revelry puts them together (And if you're looking for more dessert taco ideas, we've got them). 

Strawberry Rice Crispy Pops

unique birthday desserts
Tast-e

We love these adorable pops from Tast-e, and not just because they look like something that belongs in a cotton candy castle. They’re just as easy to whip up as your run-of-the-mill rice krispie treats, and the little ones are sure to gobble them up.

Ice Cream Cupcakes

ice cream cupcakes are awesome birthday desserts
The Flair Exchange

These may look like boardwalk-style chocolate-dipped cones, but don't be fooled—they're cupcakes! The Flair Exchange shows how to bake the cupcakes right into the ice cream cones and dip them in a chocolate shell topping. 

Banana Split Ice Cream Pie (In a Jar)

unique birthday desserts
Around My Family Table

Around My Family Table's great idea combines all the best parts of a banana split into a cute mason jar, making it the perfect individual treat for kids. Layer up graham cracker crumbs, different types of ice cream, and fruit toppings for a unique birthday dessert that rocks.

Ice Cream Cake Pops

unique birthday desserts
Better Recipes

We’re obsessed with these yummy ice cream cake pops from Better Recipes—and they’re easier to make than normal cake pops. Just scoop mini portions of ice cream, then roll them in your favorite cake flavors.

Oreo Ice Cream Sandwiches

Frosting and a Smile

Oreo lovers will go crazy for these ice cream sandwiches with a twist from Frosting and a Smile. You can customize the toppings based on taste or to match the party's theme—either way, your guests will gobble 'em up.

Cookies and Cream Dessert Pizza

Amuse Your Bouche

Combine your kid’s two favorite things—pizza and cookies—and you’ll get this insanely delicious dessert from Amuse Your Bouche. This version is topped with marshmallow fluff, Oreos and chocolate, but you can get creative topping it with your favorite sweets and fruits. 

Balboa Bars

unique birthday desserts
Half Baked Harvest

These ice cream bars from Half Baked Harvest are a step above your usual picks from the ice cream truck. Customize them with Oreos, chocolate chips, sprinkles, and nuts—the sky's the limit. This unique birthday dessert can be made ahead of time or little chefs can get involved in topping their creations themselves. 

Funfetti Cake Batter Popsicles

Unusually Lovely

For a birthday-appropriate twist on popsicles, try this clever idea from Unusually Lovely. It’s super easy to whip up with the help of cake mix, rainbow sprinkles, and heavy cream. 

Dirt Dessert

Mooshu Jenne

This unique birthday dessert from Mooshu Jenne is perfect for an outdoor party. Layer chocolate pudding, whipped cream, and crushed chocolate cookies for "dirt" that's sure to be delicious. 

Peanut Butter Oreo Ice Cream Cake

Lauren's Latest

Guests of all ages will be wowed by this impressive cake from Lauren's Latest. It's pretty easy to throw together using Oreo cookies, chocolate ice cream, and a seriously delicious peanut butter caramel sauce. 

Circus Animal Truffle Bark

unique birthday desserts
A baJillian Recipes

Turn your kid's favorite cookie into this colorful truffle bark from A BaJillian Recipes. This would also work perfectly as a take-home treat for goodie bags. 

—with additional reporting by Taylor Clifton

 

 

 

 

 

 

Show off your patriotic pride with playful food creations that are deceptively simple

The 4th of July is a day of parades, fireworks, and lots of celebrating with friends and family. Make the holiday extra special by whipping up a few festive appetizers, snacks, and some creative dessert ideas, too. From red, white, and blue dips to wow-worthy cookies and cakes, we’ve gathered up a bunch of red, white, and blue recipes to make your day next-level amazing. For the kids, check out these 4th of July crafts that’ll keep them busy while you prep.

Greek Yogurt Popsicles

Of all the sweet treats to serve on the 4th of July, these are light and delicious. They don’t take long, and they”ll cool off your crowd.

Frozen Berry Muffins

These frozen berry muffins are a great way to use up that fruit sitting in the freezer. This tasty recipe is so simple, you’ll be enjoying the 4th of July in no time.

Red, White, and Blue Pastries

Not only is this gorgeous treat perfect for patriotic holidays, but it is also delicious!

Red, White & Blueberry Almond Frozen Yogurt Bites

red white & blue recipes for 4th of July
Katie Kick via Good Life Eats

Perfect for a hot holiday, these adorable mini frozen yogurt bites have plenty of healthy fruit too. With no added sugar (just vanilla Greek yogurt), and a crunchy nut bottom, make a batch ahead of time and pull out right before the fireworks go off. Get this red, white, and blue recipe from Katie Kick over at Good Life Eats.

Red, White, and Blue Skillet S’mores

A skillet with toasted marshmallows, strawberries and blueberries for Memorial Day
3 Scoops of Sugar

Ready for a s’mores recipe that will knock your patriotic socks off? This simple idea from 3 Scoops of Sugar, which is full of strawberries, bananas, and blueberries, will give a new twist to your s’more expectations! It’s extra festive and easy to pull off with your handy dandy skillet. 

Patriotic Push Pop Cake

red, white and blue recipe for push pops
Love from the Oven

For an adorable dessert that won’t require you to turn on the oven, you’ve got to make these push-pop cakes from Love from the Oven. With some store-bought pound cake and colorful frosting, this 4th of July recipe will come together in no time. 

American Flag Cheese Plate

A tray of fruit, cheese and crackers for Memorial Day
The Kitchen Prep

Get inspired by The Kitchen Prep to make a festive cheese plate for your holiday bash. It’s easy to customize to fit your family’s tastes and makes a delicious appetizer before your barbecued feast.

Patriotic White Chocolate Pretzels

Pretzel sticks drizzled with white chocolate and patriotic sprinkles for 4th of July
Beyond the Chicken Coop

Get the kiddos involved in making these fun chocolate-covered pretzels from Beyond the Chicken Coop. They’ll love decorating each one with a splash of sprinkles.

Flag Parmesan Garlic Chip Dip

Red, white and blue recipe for parmesan garlic dip for 4th of July
The Creative Bite

We’re obsessed with this dip idea from The Creative Bite—the cutest appetizer ever! Pair blue corn chips with a garlic parmesan dip and cherry tomatoes, and you’ve got a flag-inspired appetizer that your whole crew will love. 

Patriotic Cake Cookies

red, white and blue recipe for cookies
Tuxedo Cats and Coffee

These cookies from Tuxedo Cats and Coffee are everything we want from a patriotic dessert: easy, delicious, and pretty. They’re made using cake mix, so you don’t have to be a baking expert to pull off this one. 

4th of July Cake

red white and blue recipe for a USA cake
Jacks & Kate

We’re gaga for this uber-creative cake. It’s colorful, fruitful, and doesn’t require any fancy cake pans—really! Now that’s what we call a show-stopping red, white, and blue recipe. Find out how to carve your own country over at Jacks & Kate.

Vegan Watermelon Cake

A vegan red white and blue cake made out of watermelon
Abbey’s Kitchen

Looking for a red, white, and blue recipe that’s vegan, low-calorie, gluten-free, and totally wow-worthy? You’re in luck because this watermelon cake fits the red, white, and blue recipe bill! Learn how to make your own at Abbey’s Kitchen.

Patriotic Pancake Stacks

Mini pancakes with whipped cream, strawberries and blueberries for Memorial Day
Modern Parents Messy Kids

Serve up the breakfast of champions with this perfect patriotic pancake idea. Think kid-sized pancake stacks, fresh berries, and a healthy dollop of whip cream. Yum! Get the full scoop at Modern Parents Messy Kids.

Vanilla Cream Fruit Tart

red white and blue recipe for vanilla cream fruit tart
Homemade Food Junkie

We love how this fruit tart is equal parts sweet and creamy. (Psst! The crust uses coconut oil, which adds an extra dose of delicious flavor.) Visit Homemade Food Junkie for the full recipe details.

Patriotic Mocktail

A red, white and blue mocktail for Memorial Day
The Merry Thought

We're awarding major points to this drink for having a patriotic presentation AND being completely kid-friendly. Now that's something we can all toast to! Get the whole how-to at The Merry Thought.

Brownie Flag

red white and blue recipe for brownie cake
Spicy Southern Kitchen

This sweet, red, white, and blue recipe couldn't be easier (hint: the prep time is only 15 minutes!). You can even make the brownies from a store-bought mix. Get the full lowdown on this jaw-dropping idea at Spicy Southern Kitchen.

Cheesecake Popsicles

red white and blue recipe for cheesecake popsicles
The Midnight Baker

Give the traditional popsicle a patriotic makeover! This idea has granita-like fruit layers and a rich cheesecake center you won't be able to resist. For the full rundown, visit The Midnight Baker.

Watermelon Star Bites

red white and blue recipe for watermelon star bites
Weelicious

Do as we say: put down the melon baller. These star bites burst with flavor and will be a hit at your BBQ. Bonus: it's easy to get your kids involved in making this treat. Hop on over to Weelicious for easy instructions.

Flag Candy-Coated Pretzels

pretzels covered in white chocolate and sprinkles to look like the American flag for Memorial Day
Poca Cosa

These treats are a little salty, a little sweet, and great to munch on between backyard games. We dare you to stop at one. Thanks to Poca Cosa for sharing these awesome patriotic treats.

Red, White, and Blueberry Salad

red white and blue recipe for a festive salad
Shared Appetite

Give your standard caprese salad a blueberry upgrade. Remember: if you're short on time before your big BBQ you can always prep the ingredients in advance. Get the full red, white, and blue recipe over at Shared Appetite.

Kettle Corn

red, white and blue recipe for kettle corn
Food Pusher

Major props to Food Pusher for this easy patriotic kettle corn. Simply pop your popcorn like you normally would and add food coloring. Voila! You've got yourself a bag of red, white, and blue bite-sized treats.

Watermelon and Blueberry Salad with Feta

red white and blue salad recipe for patriotic holidays
Wholesomelicious

This refreshing salad only takes 15 minutes to make but the result is totally memorable. The full recipe can be found at Wholesomelicious.

Independence Punch

red white and blue punch for Memorial Day
Big Bear's Wife

Summer games can build up quite a thirst! This patriotic punch uses cranberry juice, your favorite blue-colored sports drink, sparkling water (or a diet clear soda), and ice. Check out the red, white, and blue recipe (and quench everyone's thirst) at Big Bear's Wife.

Red, White, and Blue Trifles

red white and blue trifles
Boulder Locavore

Here’s the lowdown on this oh-so-pretty trifle: it’s got angel food cake squares, fresh blueberries and a fresh cherry sauce that’s easy to make. And if you want to top it all off with a dollop of freshly whipped cream? Well, we wouldn’t blame you at all. Boulder Locavore has the full trifle scoop, so click on over ASAP.

Red, White & Blue Potato Salad

red white and blue potato salad for Memorial Day
Proud Italian Cook

Potato salad is pretty much a requirement at any summer holiday picnic, but why not give this classic dish its own patriotic twist? With the help of some colorful spuds and a drizzle of olive oil, you can whip this up in no time. Get inspired to make your own over at Proud Italian Cook.

Dairy Free Pops

dairy free red, white and blue popsicles for Memorial day
Pass the Plants

These delicious popsicles from Pass the Plants are not only an easy red, white, and blue recipe to make, but they're also dairy free. Beth from Pass the Plants shares some great tips for getting them just right!

Fruit Sparklers

Emily from One Lovely Life

One of our fave summer fruits gets to be the "star" of the show with these fun patriotic sparklers! Leave it to Emily from One Lovely Life to come up with this fantastic way to serve fruit at your BBQ.

Related: 4th of July Snacks the Whole Family Will Love

 

 

Candy corn is ubiquitous with celebrating Halloween, and its iconic status has inspired plenty more yellow-orange-white recipes that are both sweet and savory. From healthy treats to decadent sweets, these eats in those classic candy corn colors will get the whole family excited to celebrate the season. Scroll down to see them all.

Striped Quesadillas

Boulder Locavore

This savory take on candy corn puts three colors of cheese to work to create that quintessential look. Just put Monterey Jack, Sharp Cheddar and Tillamook on your shopping list for a quesadilla with a Halloween twist. Head to Boulder Locavore for the recipe.

Candy Corn Parfait

Let's Lasso The Moon

Sweet-toothed ghosts and ghouls are sure to find this fruity snack satisfying. Pineapple and tangerine are topped with whipped cream to get that all important candy corn rainbow. Decorate with a real candy cane, and you have a playfully Halloween-inspired dessert. Head to Let's Lasso the Moon for the recipe. 

Skewered Candy Corn Colors

Kitchen Fun

This recipe from Kitchen Fun makes use of candy cane-colored fruit for a healthy makeover of the confectionary. This time, the appropriately colored fruit is banana, cantaloupe and pineapple. Jill at Kitchen Fun has the how-to.

Candy Corn Cupcakes

The Girl Who Ate Everything

Carefully selected food coloring in the batter or frosting can turn simple cupcakes into spongy homages to the candy corn. This version puts vivid orange and yellow in the mix, to be topped with white frosting and sprinkles. Let your creativity run wild or head to The Girl Who Ate Everything for this specific recipe.

Candy Corn Cookies

The Gracious Wife

Candy corn lovers will drool over these peanut butter cookies. Half the corn is folded into the dough before it goes in the oven while the other half are reserved and pressed into the tops of each cookie while they are still hot. Check out the recipe at The Gracious Wife.

Giant Candy Corn Cookie Pizza

Munchkin Munchies

It's the size of a pizza, has the taste of a cookie and the colors of candy corn; this golden cookie makes for a fun Halloween dessert. The recipe uses a boxed cookie mix which makes the cooking a cinch. Head to Munchkin Munchies for the instructions.

Candy Corn Pops

Eighteen25

Trick-or-treating heralds a drop in temperature with fall approaching—get the snacks to match with these refreshing, frozen treats. Easy to make, and delicious to eat, pop over to Eighteen25 for the recipe and layering instructions.

Candy Corn Macarons

Persia Lou

These classic French macarons are dressed up in candy corn hues, making a fun tri-colored Halloween treat. Seasoned and ambitious bakers can find the recipe at Persia Lou.

Candy Corn Pretzels

Liz On Call

Dipping pretzel rods in yellow, orange and white candy melts makes for a delicious Halloween snack. It's easy enough to achieve with the kids on hand to help. Check out the details at Liz on Call

Pizza Candy Corn-arita

CEC Entertainment, Inc.

Here's a candy corn-inspired pizza that's easy to replicate. Chuck E. Cheese produced this seasonal option last year and with a pizza base and some grated cheese you can too! Leave the mozzarella exposed in the center and grate orange and yellow cheddar around the edge for your own Halloween candy corn special. 

Candy Corn Marshmallows

Kids Treats by Katie Wyllie

Who can resist these cute ghostly candy corn mallows? Just two ingredients needed. To reproduce these at home, this recipe from our archives explains how. 

Candy Corn Rice Krispie Treats

candy corn recipes
Lil'Luna

Candy melts come to the rescue again to create these tasty Rice Krispie candy corn treats. They're super simple to make, just add some food coloring to the melted marshmallows, cut into triangles instead of squares, and dip them in white and yellow candy melts. Lil'Luna has the recipe. 

—Emily Meyers with Lauren Hill

 

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Scared of all that sugar that comes with Halloween? Never fear. Whether you’re looking for a treat to satisfy all those classmates or cooking up some fun for your little boo, we’ve got healthier versions of all your favorite recipes. Read on for dessert ideas that make for a not-too-sweet but perfectly spooky season.

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photo: Sarah Bakes Gluten Free

Awesome Apple Cupcakes
Love the taste of old-fashioned Halloween treats? Take a trip down memory lane with luscious fall flavors of apple and cinnamon. These beautiful cupcakes will remind you of the sweet caramel apples of your youth without too much of the sticky stuff. Get the recipe here.

 

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Fork & Beans
photo: Fork and Beans 

Kid-Friendly Frankenstein 
Your little monsters will grin when they see these irresistible Frankenstein Rice Krispie Treats. Blogger Cara from Fork and Beans updates a classic using brown rice cereal, vegan marshmallows, and all-natural food coloring. Get the recipe here.

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photo: Gluten Free on a Shoestring

Perfect Pumpkin Cookies
Nicole at Gluten Free on a Shoestring loves to scare up delicious gluten-free treats for her kiddos. These soft baked sugar cookies taste bakery fresh If you’ve ever tried rolling out gluten free dough you know it can be tricky, so follow Nicole‘s great tips for creating these cookies and you won’t be scared away by the process again. In fact, she has a whole section on her blog for making gluten-free baking a snap. Get the recipe here.

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photo: The Green Forks

Green Monster Muffins
Looking for a sneaky way to get your little monsters to eat their greens with a smile? Halloween is the perfect time to surprise them with these fun muffins from The Green Forks. The kids will be excited to unwrap this unusual green treat and you’ll be excited as they gobble up their spinach! Click here to get baking.

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photo: Sarah Bakes Gluten Free

Boo-tiful Cupcakes
Little ones will love these ghost cupcakes from Sarah Bakes Gluten Free that are more friendly than spooky. You’ll love that these sweet treats use simple ingredients and are a piece of cake to make. Think gluten-free goodies have a bad rap for being dry and crumbly?  The trick is in letting your batter rest for 20-30 minutes before popping it into the oven.  Get the details here.

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photo: Flo and Grace

All Wrapped Up
Making these adorable mummies from Flo and Grace won’t wrap up all your time. Drizzle frozen bananas with an unrefined sugar candy coating and top with an eyeball (or three). You’ll love how wickedly easy these treats are to create. Click here for the details.

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photo: Super Healthy Kids

Mousse Made Easy
Looking for a kid-approved party dessert that won’t scare away adults? Like a light, fluffy piece of pumpkin pie without the crust, this mousse uses only six simple ingredients. Prep it in advance and make the most of your time with guests. Get the recipe here.

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photo: Happiness is Homemade

Chewy Gooey Caramels
Ever tried a piece of homemade caramel? Thanks to Heidi at Happiness is Homemade you can dig into sweet, chewy deliciousness that is so good and so easy you’ll want to share. Wrap these dreamy caramels up for a sweet gift for a friend or give a teacher a treat she deserves after a long day. Made with all natural agave, these caramels take just three steps to make. Get the easy 1,2,3 here.

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photo: Fork and Beans

Not-So-Basic Bark
Turn after-school grumps into giggly ghouls with this super-cute candy bark. Vegan, and gluten free with no icky preservatives, you’ll love getting your chocolate fix in a healthy way. It’ll take a few steps to get to the finished product, but we promise this bark will make you want to take a big bite. Yum! Get the recipe here.

 

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photo: Courtesy of Sugar Bowl Bakery

Mummified Madeleines
Sugar Bowl Bakery makes Halloween cookies ultra easy.  This family-owned bakery uses quality organic ingredients to makes delicious, light treats such as their signature Madeleines. You can find them in grocery and chain stores nationwide. Ever bought a box or four at Costco? To make these creative Halloween goodies, simply pipe frosting in a crisscross pattern and add edible eyeballs to transform them into spooky after school snacks. Sugar Bowl Bakery’s whole line of delicious treats will be available for purchase online soon. Learn more here.

 

 

Winter desserts are no longer limited to milk and cookies. Garnish your s’mores with flavored marshmallows, make edible pinecones or create a gourmet hot chocolate bar. Yum! We snooped around blogs for the most inspired dessert ideas, so scroll down for six ways to spice up your favorite meal of the day.

Snowflake-Filled Snowman Cookies
These snowman cookies are elegant, whimsical and sure to delight your winter bunny. They’ll be having such a blast shaking their treat like a snow globe that you’ll actually have to remind them to take a bite. Visit Hungry Happenings, a festive food blog, for the recipe.

photo: Hungry Happenings

Sprinkle-Rimmed Milk Cups
Dip the rim of your cup in sprinkles before adding the milk! This bright and fun addition is an easy way to spice up your kiddo’s regular drink. This was great idea is apart of Style Me Pretty‘s amazing Sprinkle Party, which you can see more of here.

photo: Style Me Pretty

Chocolate Snowy Pine Cone
Can you believe this crunchy dessert is made up of breakfast food? Cereal is stuck together with fave spreadings like peanut butter and Nutella for a result that’s almost too pretty to eat. Visit DIY blog Handmade Charlotte for the tutorial on constructing your edible pinecone.

photo: Handmade Charlotte

Gourmet S’mores Table
Take a break from ice cream and step up your s’mores game with a little color and extra zest. Try adding toasted coconuts, almonds or even a change in chocolate flavor. This ooey-gooey dessert will turn any chilly day into a toasty experience of sweet fun. Check out the flavorful options by boutique cookie baker Jennifer Burkhart of Cookie Creatives.

photo: Cookie Creatives 

 

Marshmallow Apple Dump Cake
Nothing warms us up from head to toe better than apple cider, which is why we’re super excited about Frugality Girl’s dump cake. It’s like having our favorite winter drink in a cake. Find out how to get that cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg flavor combined with a crumbly top over at Frugality Girl here.

photo: Frugality Girl

 

“Frozen” Dessert Table
Chances are your snow princess or prince is still singing a few tunes from this popular movie and will squeal at the sight of any Frozen-themed dessert. Craft and party planning blog Two Sisters’ Craft made a truly spectacular Frozen dessert table filled with blue rice krispies, snowflake pretzel bites and more. See the full spread here.

photo: Two Sisters’ Craft

Hot Chocolate Bar
Keep those hands warm with a cup of cocoa — but not just any ordinary hot chocolate. Create a spread of delectable toppings so your shortstop can pick and choose whatever his or her heart desires. Creative blog Ginger Snap Crafts presents the most appetizing add-ons, from mini marshmallows to candy cane stirrers. Click here to get more sweet inspiration.

photo: Ginger Snap Crafts

Edible Snow
Guests of Kojo Design’s Snow Bunny party thought these decorations were plain cottons balls at first, but smiles broke out all over when they found out it was edible white cotton candy. Kudos to lifestyle and DIY project blog Kojo Design for coming up with this amazing, yet simple idea that’ll transform any dessert table into a winter wonderland.

photo: Kojo Design

What dessert is your go-to on winter days? Share them with us in the Comments below! 

— Christal Yuen