Healthy Homemade Candy

With Halloween just around the corner, kids tend to snack on more sweets than usual. Skip the store-bought sugar overload and for naturally sweetened homemade treats instead. From fruity gummies to nutty chocolate bites, these DIY snacks bring all the fun with none of the mystery ingredients.

JUICY FRUIT GUMMIES

These spooky little bites are packed with real fruit juice and natural sweetness, making snack time a fun and wholesome treat. Use any of your favorite fresh or store bought juice mixes for a fun vitamin boost. 

Makes approximately 24 gummies

Ingredients

1 cup fruit juice 

3 tablespoons gelatin

2 tablespoons honey

Directions

1. Combine and whisk together the juice and gelatin in a small saucepan. Let it sit for 5 minutes. It will be a thick consistency.

3. Heat and whisk the mixture until the gelatin dissolves, about 2-3 minutes. Do not let it boil.

4. Whisk in the honey.

5. Pour into silicone molds and set in the refrigerator for 1 hour. For easier transport, set the silicone molds on a baking tray before filling.

*Store in an airtight container for one week. 

CEREAL CRUNCH BARS

Made with better-for-you ingredients, these simple bars are the perfect treat for any chocolate lover. You can use dairy or sugar free chocolate chips, sunflower butter or other nut butter, and any crunchy cornflake, cereal O's or puffed rice that you prefer.

Ingredients

1 cup dates (pitted & chopped)

pinch of salt

1 cup creamy natural peanut butter

2-3 tablespoons milk of choice

1 teaspoon vanilla

3 cups crunchy cereal

1 cup chocolate chips

Directions

1. Line an 8x8 baking dish with parchment paper. 

2.Combine the dates and salt in a food processor and process until a thick paste is formed. Add the peanut butter and milk and process until smooth.

3. Pour the mixture into a microwave safe bowl and microwave for 1 minute. Stir in the vanilla.

4. Add the cereal to a large bowl and crush the cereal with your hands to create uneven pieces. Pour in the peanut butter mixture and mix until combined well. 

5. Pour mixture into the prepared baking dish and flatten with a spatula. 

6. Melt chocolate chips in a microwave safe bowl. 

3. Pour melted chocolate mixture over the bars and spread evenly. 

4. Refrigerate for 2-3 hours until firm.

5. Cut into bars or bites or bites.

*Store in an airtight container at room temperature or in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.