It can be easy to overbuy when it comes to Halloween candy–I mean, who knows how many kids will actually show up at your door–not to mention how much candy your neighbors are going to weigh your monsters down with. No worries. There are so many great ways to use that yummy candy that won’t rot your kids’ teeth immediately. Whether you get crafty or make delicious turnovers, there’s lots you can do with leftover Halloween candy–and not have to fight your children over it.
What to Do with Leftover Halloween Candy
Get Crafty
Want a fun craft for the kids or yourself? Take loose candy and glue it to a canvas. Use different colors to create a beautiful masterpiece (or just some monstrosity to get rid of the candy). You can then spray a layer of adhesive on top of the candy to seal the picture and prevent ants from eating it (or just commit to throwing it in the trash later in the day) . If you want to be able to eat the candy, create a pretty picture on top of a frosted cake.
Create a Fall Centerpiece
Did you buy too much candy corn? It happens all the time to me–all the time. You eat one or two pieces, say “yuck” and then have several bags left over (please don’t tell me it’s just me). Thankfully, candy corn can be used to make a beautiful centerpiece for your Thanksgiving buffet. Just fill a large hurricane vase half full with candy corn and then settle a large white candle into the candy. You can even tie a ribbon around the vase (or leave it plain, whatever). Simple, yet elegant.
Make Milkshakes
Who says you can’t have milkshakes in fall? Take the leftover candy and chop it up before adding to a blender with your favorite ice cream and milk. Blend until smooth and top with whipped cream and additional candy pieces. Best. Milkshake. Ever.
Jazz Up Homemade Pancakes
If you want a real treat, add chopped candy bars to your pancakes. It’s a wonderful Saturday morning surprise for the kids. You could also stuff the candy bars into a large slice of bread to make chocolate stuffed French toast–though I haven’t tried it, so just be aware that it might not end up being THAT simple. Just have fun with it. What’s a little ruined candy?! LOL!
Bake Turnovers
This is so simple. Just take store bought pie dough and cut it into smaller circles. Cover half of each circle with chopped candy, fold the dough over, and crimp the edges. Brush the top with egg white and dust with coarse sugar. Bake at 350 degrees until the pie dough is golden brown (about 10 minutes). Serve with with a scoop of ice cream. Brilliant!
Make Hot Cocoa
Ok. I seriously love this so much–I do it with candy before Halloween (oops, was I supposed to admit that?!). But it’s so good, so rich and just ridiculously flavorful. I can’t help myself. You can see a great (and easy) recipe here.
Seriously, you don’t have to let leftover Halloween candy go to waste–or fight with your kids over this immutable fact. There are so many simple and, sometimes, delicious ways to use it (if you can’t sneak it out of the house like a ninja). Whether you make milkshakes or a beautiful centerpiece, there are ways to use leftover Halloween candy that won’t make your kids bust a gasket.