4 Paleo Halloween Candy Alternatives
Written by Invictus Member Rachel Ragosa
Halloween marks the beginning of the holiday food frenzy. For those of us who try to stay health-minded, we may struggle during the next few months with our diets. Thankfully, there are many Paleo-friendly alternatives to your Fall favorites. No, this isn’t a trick, just a treat. While these snacks may take some planning and cooking, your body will thank you for eliminating the processed sugars, preservatives and other junk that can be found in traditional Halloween treats. Remember though, these are still treats and should be eaten in moderation!
1. Paleo Halloween Chocolates
This recipe was from the great website Paleo Palate. Check out their website for more fantastic healthy alternatives.
Serves 32
Ingredients
– 3/4 cup Organic Coconut Butter
– 1 1/2 Tbsp Organic Coconut Oil
– 1/8 cup shredded Coconut
– 1 Tbsp Raw Cacao Powder, for chocolate candy
– 2 Tbsp Macadamia Nut Butter, for nut butter candy
Process
1. Melt together coconut butter and coconut oil and then mix in shredded coconut.
2. Add to each candy mold and place in refrigerator until candy is hardened. This should take about 20-30 minutes.
3. For chocolate option, simply add cacao powder to mixture.
4. For nut butter option, simply add nut butter to mixture.
5. Leave any leftovers in the refrigerator to maintain hardness.
2. Chocolate and Cream Truffles
This great recipe was found on Hold the Grain. Tess makes some really delicious Paleo-friendly meals.
Serves: 11
Ingredients
– 6 Tbsp Unsalted Butter
– 1/2 cup Pure Maple Syrup
– 1 tsp Pure Vanilla Extract
– 1 cup Arrowroot Powder
– 1 pinch Sea Salt
– 1/2 cup Semisweet Chocolate Chips
– 1 tsp Organic Coconut Oil
The Process
1. In a stand mixer, beat the softened butter with the maple syrup and vanilla until whipped and well combined. Scrape down the sides with a rubber spatula as needed.
2. With the mixer on medium speed, slowly pour the arrowroot flour into the butter. Allow the mixture to beat until thickened and well combined. fold in the sea salt.
3. Divide the filling between two lined baking sheets, and scoop into 10 equal sized balls. (5 per tray) I used a cookie dough scoop for the this step.
4. Place the trays in the freezer for at least 2-3 or up to overnight. The more frozen, the easier to work with.
5. Melt your chocolate chips with the coconut oil using a double boiler method (or microwave in 30 second increments if preferred).
6. Take out one tray and quickly roll one ball into an egg-shaped, roll in chocolate to coat and place back onto the tray.
7. Repeat with each truffle and return the tray to the freezer. Repeat with the remaining tray and, as always, enjoy!
Notes
It is recommended that you store the eggs in the freezer or refrigerator.
3. Spooky Cashew Coconut Date Rolls
This great recipe is by Gourmande who has a whole collection of Paleo-friendly, delicious recipes.
Ingredients
– 14 large soft Medjool dates, pitted
– 2 Tablespoons/30g raw cashew butter
– 2 Tablespoons/30g coconut oil (at room temperature)
– The seeds from half a vanilla bean
– A good pinch of sea salt
– ¼ cup/28g raw cashews, finely chopped
– Unsweetened shredded organic coconut for rolling
The Process
1. Place dates, cashew butter, coconut oil, vanilla bean seeds and salt in the bowl of a food processor and pulse until smooth and mixture starts to come into a ball.
2. Stir in chopped cashews and place in fridge to firm for 10 minutes.
3. Using lightly greased hands roll date mixture into a long rope and cut into bite sized pieces.
4. Place shredded coconut in a shallow dish and roll each date log completely in the coconut.
5. Serve immediately or place in fridge to firm and enjoyed chilled.
Note: Date rolls will keep in an airtight container in the fridge for at least two weeks.
4. Paleo Gummy Bears
These scrumptious gummies are made using three fall flavors: Pomegranate, Apple Cinnamon, and Cranberry Orange. They are flavored with fruit juice and made with gelatin, which is fantastic for workout recovery. Feel free to substitute any fruit juice to suit your taste.
This post was featured on Bakerita and sponsored by Vital Proteins.
Makes: 200 gummies
Ingredients
Apple Cinnamon
– 1 cup pure apple juice
– 1 tablespoon cinnamon extract*
– 2 tablespoons maple syrup
– 4 tablespoons Vital Proteins Grass-Fed Gelatin
Pomegranate
– 1 cup pure pomegranate juice
– 2 tablespoons honey
– 4 tablespoons Vital Proteins Grass-Fed Gelatin
Cranberry Orange
– 1 cup pure orange juice
– 2 tablespoons pure cranberry juice
– 2 tablespoons honey
– 4 tablespoons Vital Proteins Grass-Fed Gelatin
The Process
1. In a small saucepan, combine the juice and the maple syrup or honey and heat over medium heat until steaming hot (just before boiling).
2. Lower the heat to the lowest setting and if using, stir in the cinnamon extract.
3. Whisk in the gelatin one tablespoon at a time, making sure each tablespoon is fully dissolved in the liquid before adding the next.
4. Once the gelatin is fully dissolved, remove from the heat and use a dropper to put in your gummy molds.
5. Put in the refrigerator to firm up completely – It should only take about 10 to 15 minutes for them to firm up enough to pop out.
If you don’t have enough molds to use all the gummy mixture at once, you can pour the extra into a small pan and cut them into squares, OR you can gently reheat/melt the mixture over low heat when your molds are empty and ready to be used again (I did the second option).
Store the gummies in a sealed container in the refrigerator. Repeat for other flavors!
Enjoy these frighteningly delicious Paleo-friendly treats and have a safe, fun, and healthier Halloween!
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