Between ambitious trick-or-treaters (“Mom, I’m going to every house in the whole neighborhood!”) and stocking your own sweet supply to hand out, you’re bound to be overloaded with Halloween candy by the end of the month. Fear not—all those surplus “fun-sized” treats are good for more than just a stomachache. We’ve got seven ways to use up leftover candy that go beyond, well, just eating it.
1. Bake a next-level carrot cakeThis eye-catching cake is a dream come true for chocolate lovers. Take a shortcut and start with a boxed carrot cake mix. (Just amp up the flavors with carrot juice, coconut, and walnuts.) Then spread on the cream cheese frosting, and decorate with delectable chocolate and peanut butter candies.
Not just for Easter, this no-bake dessert is easy to whip up at the last minute if you need a thank you gift for teachers, neighbors, or coworkers. Begin by melting your favorite chocolate—white, milk, dark, or a combination—in the microwave, then spread it in an even layer onto a parchment-lined baking sheet. Chop leftover Halloween candy into small pieces, sprinkle over the chocolate, and refrigerate until completely hardened. Slice bark with a serrated knife or break into shards, and package in individual gift bags.
What’s better than a freshly baked cake? A freshly baked cake that’s filled with candy! Make this colorful dessert using boxed cake mix, then fill it with the lucky recipient’s favorite candies for an unforgettably sweet surprise.
When you need to feed midafternoon snack attacks—or movie marathons, road trips, or late-night study sessions—nothing beats the combo of savory and sweet. The sky’s the limit with ingredients to mix and match. Try chopped dried fruit, crunchy cereal, crackers, nuts, pretzels, and/or popcorn and toss with any of your favorite bite-sized candies.
It’s never too early to start thinking about the holidays! Stash leftover peanut butter cups and chocolate kisses in the freezer for these sweet, stacked trees. Kids will love assembling them almost as much as they love devouring them.
Warm, homemade cookies on demand? Yes, please! You can make this dough in advance and keep the pre-scooped cookies (which get loaded with leftover Halloween candy) in the freezer. Then, just bake one (or seven!) up when the mood strikes.