The hunt begins for a wickedly delicious and hauntingly healthy Halloween dessert this spooky festive season. The cascade of leaves from the branches of the hollow trees may be the start of our demise, but surprise! We are not going on that route because we will enjoy this holiday with an array of festive and flamboyant treats that will feast not only our eyes but also our guts and health!

Chocolate Pumpkin Cups

Less carving and more baking for pumpkin! A luscious chocolate cups that are flavored with festive ingredients which are maple and cinnamon for a spark of brilliance and excitement.

Ingredients:

Chocolate Layers

  • 1/2 cup melted coconut oil
  • 1/2 cup cacao powder
  • 2 tablespoons maple syrup

Pumpkin Layer

  • 2 tablespoons melted coconut oil
  • 1/2 cup pumpkin purée (not pumpkin pie filling)
  • 3 tablespoons almond butter (or your favorite nut butter)
  • 2 tablespoons maple syrup
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon

Instructions:

  1. Line a muffin tin with cupcake liners.
  2. Combine all ingredients for the chocolate layer in a small bowl. Mix until well combined. I found that measuring out about 1/2 tablespoon (or a little less) into each cupcake liner was just enough to fill both chocolate layers. These layers are very thin! I made 10 chocolate cups. You may have to spread out the chocolate so it fills the whole liner. Freeze for 15 minutes.
  3. Meanwhile, prepare the pumpkin layer. Combine all ingredients for the pumpkin layer in a small bowl. Mix until well combined. I measured out about 1 tablespoon for each cup. Layer over the chocolate and freeze for 20 minutes or until firm.
  4. Finish by layering the leftover chocolate over the pumpkin layer and freeze for an hour or until firm.
  5. Transfer cups to a sealed container and store in the freezer.

Adapted From: The Glowing Fridge

Candy Skull Crushers

Let’s take the spooky level a little further by creating a field of creepy mini happy skulls. They are an amazing nibs of healthy treat that you can share with the children and will surely put a smile on their faces.

Ingredients:

Equipment/Materials

  • A blender / food processor
  • A candy mold or ice cube tray

For the “white chocolate” coating

  • 1/2 cup coconut oil
  • 1/2 cup cashew nuts
  • 1 tbsp raw honey
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1 tbsp raw almond milk

For the berry filling

  • 1/4 cup goji berries
  • 1/4 cup fresh blackberries (can be substituted with other berries)
  • 1/4 cup cashew nuts
  • 2 tbsp raw almond milk or milk of choice
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract

Instructions:

  1. To make the “white chocolate” coating, mix all ingredients in a blender or food processor until completely smooth. Add a tiny bit more milk if it’s hard to blend.
  2. Make the berry filling by separately mixing all ingredients in a blender or food processor until smooth and resembles a thick sauce.
  3. Fill your mold up to about 1/3 way with the white chocolate and freeze for a few minutes. (Should only take about 10 minutes for it to firm up.)
  4. Then spoon in about 1/2 tsp full of the berry filling, keeping it in the center of the mold. And freeze for a further 10 minutes.
  5. Now fill up to the top with the white chocolate and freeze or refrigerate to set for at least 30 minutes.
  6. Keep in the fridge or freezer so it will keep a nice solid texture. Will be fine at room temperature for about 15 minutes before it softens.

Adapted From: Wallflower and Kitchen

Be creative and go EXTRA as much as you want because after all this season is meant to celebrate the characters that made us feel happy, surprised, inspired, and confident.

fall season healthy food
Dr Stephanie Zgraggen
Dr Stephanie Zgraggen