No matter how much you -- and your kids -- like candy, chances are you'll have a stash remaining after the Halloween rush is over. Instead of throwing it out, consider incorporating it into some of these tasty and unique sweet treats. For optimal results in these recipes, do not use candy that has passed its expiration date.
Candy Meringues
Candy meringues are a great choice for those looking to satisfy a sweet tooth. The final recipe produces 12 meringues, or 12 servings.
Ingredients
- 2 large egg whites
- 1/2 cup white granulated sugar
- 36 plain M&M'S (or Skittles, if preferred)
Directions
- Pre-heat oven to 200 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Place egg whites in a large mixing bowl, and beat with an electric mixer for one minute, or until frothy.
- Gradually add sugar, and continue to beat for five to eight minutes, or until stiff, glossy peaks form.
- Place tablespoon-sized dollops of the mixture onto the parchment-lined baking sheets.
- Top each dollop with three M&M'S or Skittles.
- Bake for 1 1/2 to 2 hours, or until meringues are dry to the touch. Be aware that M&M'S may melt a bit during the extended baking process.
Adjustments for High Altitude Baking
If you live in a high altitude area (3,000 feet or higher), add a third egg white to the ingredients and beat for approximately three to five minutes longer to reach the right consistency.
Frozen Banana Pops With Halloween Candy
Instead of reaching for the ice cream, consider making frozen banana pops with Halloween candy that have a yield of six servings.
Ingredients
- 6 wooden popsicle sticks
- 3 bananas, peeled and cut in half cross-wise
- 8 ounces milk chocolate chips
- 6 fun-size chocolate candy bars, chopped into 1/4-inch pieces (Reese's, Milky Way, Snickers, or Kit Kat all work well)
Directions
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Place a popsicle stick into the bottom of each banana half.
- Freeze bananas for two hours, or until very firm.
- Freeze chocolate candy bar pieces for two hours, or until very firm.
- Place chocolate chips in a microwave-safe bowl.
- Heat chocolate chips in the microwave at medium heat for one minute, stirring after 30 seconds and 60 seconds. If chips are not completely melted after this time, continue to heat in microwave, stirring after every 15 seconds.
- Dip the frozen bananas into the melted chocolate mixture, and coat well.
- Place the chocolate-covered bananas on the parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Sprinkle the chopped chocolate candies over the chocolate-covered bananas.
- Freeze the bananas for 10 to 15 minutes, or until firm.
Chewy Candy Trail Mix
Chewy candy trail mix is a healthier option that provides a sweet and savory crunch and provides a yield of six servings.
Ingredients
- 4 cups commercially-made caramel corn
- 1 cup pecan halves
- 1 1/2 cups chewy candy of your choice (Twizzler Bites, Skittles, gummy worms, etc.)
Directions
- Use a pair of kitchen shears to cut larger pieces of candy into one-inch pieces if needed.
- Toss candy with caramel corn and pecan halves.
Candy Bar Cookies
No matter your candy of choice, these cookies are a great way to get rid of leftovers. Total recipe produces a yield of four dozen cookies.
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 sticks unsalted butter, softened
- 4 tablespoons cream cheese
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 egg yolk
- 1/3 cup sugar
- 2 1/4 cups flour
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 1/2 cups chopped chocolate candy bars, any variety
- Powdered sugar, if desired
Directions
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
- With an electric mixer, beat butter, cream cheese, vanilla, egg yolk, and sugar in a large mixing bowl for three to five minutes, or until light and fluffy.
- Combine flour and salt.
- Slowly combine flour and salt with creamed butter mixture.
- Roll dough into tablespoon-sized balls.
- Place dough balls onto parchment-lined baking sheets.
- Press three to five chunks of candy into the tops of each cookie ball.
- Bake cookies for 10 to 12 minutes, or until lightly browned.
- Dust cookies with powered sugar, if desired, once cooled.
Peppermint Patty Brownies
Shake up traditional brownies by adding peppermint patties. The recipe produces 16 servings.
Ingredients
- Butter, for greasing the baking pan
- 19-ounce boxed brownie mix, plus ingredients from back of the box
- 16 fun-size peppermint patties
Directions
- Grease an eight-inch square baking pan.
- Prepare the brownie mix according to the directions on the box.
- Pour half of the brownie mix into the baking pan.
- Place the peppermint patties on top of the brownie mixture, leaving a half-inch border of brownie around the edge of the pan.
- Pour the remaining brownie mix over the top of the peppermint patties.
- Bake according to the directions on the box.
- Allow brownies to cool, then cut into 16 pieces.
Candy Crush
For a dessert that is sure to please kids of all ages, consider the use of leftover Halloween candy. Your family is guaranteed to keep coming back for more!
