Creative and Healthy Halloween Treats Using Bobo's Oat Bars

Now that summer is wrapping up, children everywhere are looking forward to All Hallow's Eve. Prior to Halloween, billions of dollars of sugary sweets will be purchased and eventually handed out to masses of adorable trick-or-treaters.

A growing number of people are on the lookout for healthier treats and other non-candy alternatives. Some containing less sugar, fewer preservatives, and additives compared to traditional Halloween candy. Proactive parents are turning to their kitchens to create these treats themselves. Whether we're making sweets solely for our family, friends and nearby neighbors, these creative choices are not only fun, they're much healthier compared to the majority of candy choices.

5 Healthy Halloween Snacks For Kids

1. Please Sir, Can I Have S'more?

S'mores are a popular year-round favorite, especially during cooler Autumn months. For a healthier alternative, substitute some Bobo's Oat Bars in place of graham crackers! Not only are they better for you, but they also hold up much better compared to their cracker counterparts. Adding different flavor combinations at the base of these lusciously layered treats give these melty favorites an added crunch and punch to this classic culinary creation. And for some extra fun, check out Bobo's Chocolate Peanut Butter S'mores recipe.

2. Healthy Haunted House

In a previous post, we presented a way to make holiday houses using Bobo's gluten-free snack bars or the walls, base, and roof. Using a recipe for Homemade Vegan Peanut Butter Frosting, this concoction makes an excellent "cement" to be used during the construction process. Also, the grainy, outward appearance of the bars adds to the rustic appearance of these DIY haunted houses. 

Snap bars in half either vertically or horizontally to make different sizes and shapes of "lumber". If they aren't breaking apart neatly, consider scoring them with a serrated knife in the direction you want the breakage to occur. These planks and squares (or even triangles) will make excellent fencing, shutters, windows and trim for these creations.

3. Sugar-Free Caramel Popcorn Balls

Nothing screams Halloween like caramel coated favorites and this includes popcorn balls. However, many pre-packaged, convenient caramel cubes found on grocery store shelves are often packed with preservatives, tons of sugar and other unhealthy ingredients. Preparing a home-made, sugar-free caramel sauce will deliver a similar effect and taste with fewer calories and a lot less sugar. 

It's important to note the result of these recipes will usually be thinner than regular caramel mixtures. But don't worry, there are different ways around this dilemma. When it comes to caramel-coated popcorn balls, this lighter consistency won't make that much of a difference. However, it won't stick to the skin of an apple in the same way as traditional, thicker sauces will even if you peel away the exterior as showcased in our next example.

4. Apples Need SOS (Sauce On the Side)

Instead of dunking apples in the caramel, serve the sauce on the side. Cut and core the apples, slice them into wedges and voila! As an added treat, crush up some nuts or Bobo's Oat Bars and put into a separate dishes for double-dipping. This creamy, caramel sauce is also a delicious addition to many dessert dishes and can be used as a filling between two Bobo bars. 

5. Decorate With Bobo Tombstones

From our recipe archives, making a Lemon Meringue Pie from My Real Dish can be mildly altered to create a makeshift, circular graveyard. Add a few drops of green vegetable dye to the meringue mixture to make a grass-like surface that resembles a cemetery lawn. Using your favorite flavor of Bobo's Oat Bars as a base, decorate them to appear as makeshift tombstones to place upright on the pie. This spooky and delicious graveyard will be a healthy snack your kids will love!

With a bit of imagination, a few healthy substitutions and a splash of creativity, it's easy to make healthy sweet treats and snacks for our families. Be sure to include your children when creating these delicious alternatives. This precious time spent with your beloved youngsters could lead to some traditions and priceless memories that will last a lifetime. And remember, adding some Bobo's Oat Bars to any family gathering will make it that much tastier!

Happy Halloween and healthier eating habits from our family here at Bobo's Oat Bars to yours!