As we all know, Halloween isn’t just about spooky costumes; it’s also a celebration filled with candy and various sweet treats. But… what do you do when you’re trying to maintain a healthy diet or even lose weight? The good news is that you can still enjoy Halloween festivities without the guilt that tends to follow and without worrying that you’re sabotaging your weight loss journey! With 3 ideas for healthy Halloween treats that are light and nutritious, you can embrace the festive atmosphere (at least, in my opinion, 😉) while sticking to your diet. So, even if you’re in the middle of a weight loss process—which is why we’re here, there’s no reason to give up on the treats. You just need to choose them wisely.
Why Pumpkin is the Star of 3 Ideas for Healthy Halloween Treats?
And, of course, you can’t really talk about Halloween without mentioning the pumpkin! Pumpkin is everywhere during this holiday, and not just because of its design, unique taste, and beautiful color, but also due to its impressive nutritional value. Among other things, it’s rich in dietary fiber, which, as we know, helps maintain a feeling of fullness for a longer time and contributes to weight loss.
Beyond the fiber, pumpkin—an integral part of our 3 Ideas for Healthy Halloween Treats—contains other components that can support the weight loss process:
- Low-calorie content: According to the USDA, pumpkin is very low in calories—about 26 calories per 100 grams, making it a food you can enjoy generously without adding too many calories to your daily intake.
- High water content: Pumpkin is over 90% water, helping to maintain hydration and a feeling of fullness. Foods rich in water tend to have a larger volume, which promotes satiety without overloading the digestive system.
- Vitamin A: Pumpkin is rich in beta-carotene, a natural pigment that the body converts into vitamin A. Numerous studies have shown that consuming vitamin A can help regulate fat metabolism and improve metabolic health, which directly supports weight loss.
- Antioxidants: Pumpkin contains antioxidants, such as vitamin C and beta-carotene, which have anti-inflammatory properties and help reduce inflammation in the body. Chronic inflammation can impede weight loss.
- Potassium: Pumpkin contains a good amount of potassium, a mineral that helps maintain proper fluid balance. Potassium reduces bloating and supports metabolic processes that can aid weight loss.
Combining these components makes pumpkin an ideal ingredient for any Healthy Halloween Treats recipe. Thanks to these recipes, you can enjoy the holiday’s unique flavors while staying on track with your weight goals. Whether craving something sweet or savory, pumpkin provides the perfect solution for any desire.
Shall we begin? Let’s begin!
Pumpkin Carpaccio
Gather Your Goodies
1 medium pumpkin (about 800 grams)
2 tablespoons olive oil
30 grams of grated Parmesan cheese or a vegan cheese alternative
2 green onion stalks, chopped / 1/2 small white onion, finely chopped
A handful of coarsely chopped walnuts
A handful of unsweetened cranberries
2 tablespoons of peeled pumpkin seeds
1/2 teaspoon coarse sea salt
1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
Juice from half a lemon
1 tablespoon of reduced balsamic vinegar
A handful of fresh arugula leaves
How to Whip it Up?
- Preheat the oven to 400°F.
- Peel the pumpkin and slice it into thin slices (using a mandoline is recommended for even, thin slices).
- Arrange the pumpkin slices on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Brush the slices with 2 tablespoons of olive oil, and sprinkle with 1/2 teaspoon of coarse sea salt and 1/4 teaspoon of freshly ground black pepper. Roast in the oven for 10-15 minutes until the pumpkin is soft but not falling apart.
- Marinating: Once the pumpkin is out of the oven and slightly cooled, squeeze the juice from half a lemon over the slices and drizzle 1 tablespoon of reduced balsamic vinegar.
- Garnishing and serving: Sprinkle the roasted pumpkin with the peeled pumpkin seeds, a handful of unsweetened cranberries, a handful of chopped walnuts, and 30 grams of grated Parmesan (or a vegan alternative). Add a handful of fresh arugula leaves for garnish.
Tip: Drizzle a little honey or quality maple syrup over the pumpkin before roasting if you enjoy a slightly sweeter flavor.
Baked Pumpkin Bites with Cinnamon and Honey
Gather Your Goodies
1 small pumpkin (about 500 grams), peeled and cut into evenly-sized cubes
2 tablespoons olive oil
2 tablespoons honey (or maple syrup for a vegan option)
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
1/4 teaspoon coarse sea salt
2 tablespoons chopped pecans (optional)
How to Whip it Up?
- Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F.
- Season the pumpkin: In a large bowl, toss the pumpkin cubes with olive oil, honey, cinnamon, nutmeg, and sea salt until they are well-coated. Each ingredient adds to the perfect balance of sweetness from the honey and the warmth of the spices. This seasoning enhances the natural depth of the pumpkin’s flavor and complements its delicate taste.
- Baking: Spread the seasoned pumpkin cubes evenly on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake for 20-25 minutes, until the pumpkin is tender and the edges are slightly caramelized. The natural sweetness intensifies during baking, and the exterior browns slightly to create a light crunchy texture.
- Garnish and serve: After baking, sprinkle chopped pecans on top for an extra crunchy bite (optional). Depending on your preference, serve the bites warm or at room temperature. For added flavor, drizzle extra honey or maple syrup before serving. These treats are perfect for festive gatherings or as a healthy daily snack, providing a nutritious alternative to processed snacks.
Energy Balls with Pumpkin Puree, Dates, Nuts, and Pistachios
Gather Your Goodies
1 1/2 cups pitted dates
If the dates are too dry, soak them in boiling water for half an hour and drain.
1 cup walnuts or cashews
1/2 cup chopped pistachios (preferably raw, but roasted will work too)
1/2 cup almond flour
2 tablespoons pumpkin puree
Pumpkin puree can be found in stores or made at home by roasting and blending pumpkin.
1 3/4 teaspoons ground cinnamon
1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1 teaspoon hawaij coffee spice mix
(Can be substituted with 3/4 teaspoon nutmeg and 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger.)
1/4 teaspoon salt
Coating (Natural Glaze):
1/2 cup shredded coconut flakes
How to Whip it Up?
- Prepare the dough: Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and set aside.
- Blend the dates in a mixer or food processor until completely smooth. If your device is too small, divide the dates into batches.
- Add the walnuts, cashews, and chopped pistachios. Pulse in short bursts until the nuts are coarsely ground but retain some texture.
- Add the pumpkin puree, almond flour, cinnamon, vanilla extract, Hawaiian coffee spice mix, and salt. Pulse again in short bursts until everything combines into a thick, cohesive dough.
- Using a small spoon (or spring-loaded scoop), roll small portions of the dough into small balls with your hands. Place the balls on the prepared baking sheet. Repeat until all the dough is used up.
- It’s time for the coating! Roll each ball in the shredded coconut flakes until fully coated on all sides.
- Place the tray in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to allow the balls to firm up before serving.
Storage:
Store the energy balls in an airtight container in the fridge. They will last up to a week.
Enjoy, and have a happy—and spooky—Halloween!
