4 Vegan Halloween Recipes for a Monster-Friendly Party

It’s that time again when the air turns crisp, the leaves change color, and spookiness is afoot. No witch’s brew is too potent, no ghoulish treat is too bizarre, and certainly, no Halloween party is complete without a tantalizing spread of devilishly delicious food.

When you’re planning your spooky soirée, remember that vegan fare can be just as festive and delicious. We’ve compiled four vegan Halloween recipes that will make your Monster-Friendly party a hit among ghouls and ghosts alike.

Note – none of these recipes skimp on taste or thematic appeal, promising a Halloween bash that’s both cruelty-free and full of wickedly good food.

What Is a Healthy Treat for Halloween?

A healthy treat for Halloween is one that is made with whole, nutritious ingredients and limited added sugar. It’s a treat that you can feel good about eating, without sacrificing the holiday spirit.

With these vegan Halloween recipes, you can indulge in all the spooky goodness without any guilt.

Vegan Tombstone Cupcakes (3)

Vegan Halloween baking just got a whole lot more interesting with these tombstone cupcakes. Made with a rich chocolate cake base and topped with a creamy vegan buttercream frosting, these cupcakes are then decorated to look like spooky tombstones. They are the perfect addition to your vegan Halloween breakfast or part of a scrumptious gift bag

Ingredients

• Gingerbread Tombstones:
• 100 g (3.5oz) coconut oil
• 80 g (⅓ + ⅛ cup) light brown soft sugar
• 50 g (2 Tbsp) golden syrup (or light molasses)
• 25 g (1 Tbsp) treacle or molasses
• 1 Tbsp water
• 2 tsp ground cinnamon
• 2 tsp ground ginger
• ¼ tsp ground cloves
• ½ tsp bicarbonate of soda (baking soda)
• 250 g (2 cups) plain (all-purpose) flour

Vegan Royal Icing:

• 4 Tbsp aquafaba (the liquid drained from a can of chickpeas)
• 250 g (2 ½ cups) icing (powdered) sugar sifted
• black gel food colouring
• a couple of teaspoons of lemon juice

Vegan Chocolate Cupcakes:

• 270 ml (1 cup + 2 Tbsp) unsweetened dairy free milk (I use soy)
• 1 tsp cider vinegar
• 200 g (1 cup) caster sugar
• 120 ml (½ cup) sunflower oil
• 1 ½ tsp vanilla extract
• 180 g (1 ½ cups) plain (all-purpose) flour
• 60 g (½ cup) cocoa powder
• ¾ tsp bicarbonate of soda (baking soda)
• ½ tsp baking powder
• ¼ tsp salt
• 1 tsp instant espresso powder (optional)

Vegan Chocolate Buttercream:

• 75 g (2.5 oz) dark chocolate chopped
• 75 g (¼ cup + 1 Tbsp) vegetable shortening (such as Trex)
• 75 g (¼ cup + 1 Tbsp) dairy-free margarine (I use Stork (the kind that comes in a stick)
• 25 g (¼ cup) cocoa powder sifted
• 150 g (1 ½ cups) icing (powdered) sugar sifted
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 12 Oreos/bourbon biscuits/chocolate sandwich biscuits crushed – either in a food processor or with a rolling pin

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F) and line a cupcake pan with paper liners.
2. For the gingerbread tombstones, melt the coconut oil, light brown soft sugar, golden syrup, treacle, and water together in a pan over low heat. Once melted, remove from the heat and stir in the cinnamon, ginger, ground cloves, and bicarbonate of soda.
3. Gradually add the plain flour, mixing to form a smooth dough. Roll out the dough and cut into tombstone shapes. Bake for 10-15 minutes until firm and slightly darkened.
4. Prepare the vegan royal icing by whisking the aquafaba until frothy, then gradually add the sifted icing sugar, lemon juice, and black food coloring until you reach the desired consistency and color. Use this to decorate the cooled gingerbread tombstones.
5. For the vegan chocolate cupcakes, combine the dairy-free milk and cider vinegar and let it sit for a few minutes. In a separate bowl, mix the caster sugar, sunflower oil, and vanilla extract. In another bowl, combine the plain flour, cocoa powder, bicarbonate of soda, baking powder, salt, and espresso powder.
6. Gradually combine the wet and dry ingredients, mixing just until smooth. Divide the mixture among the cupcake liners and bake for 20-25 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
7. For the vegan chocolate buttercream, melt the dark chocolate and let it cool slightly. Beat together the vegetable shortening and dairy-free margarine, then add the sifted cocoa powder, icing sugar, and vanilla extract. Finally, mix in the melted chocolate.
8. Once the cupcakes have cooled, frost them using the vegan chocolate buttercream and then stick a gingerbread tombstone into each one. Sprinkle with crushed cookies for added effect.

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Vegan Chocolate Matcha Bars (4)

Frankestein’s monster would approve of these spooky and delicious chocolate matcha bars. Made with a creamy cashew base, topped with a creamy matcha filling, and drizzled with dark chocolate, these bars are perfect to serve at your vegan Halloween party or to pass out to trick-or-treaters.

Ingredients

For the crust:

• ½ cup roasted hazelnuts
• ¾ cup raisins
• ¼ teaspoon salt

For the matcha filling:

• 1 teaspoon matcha powder
• ½ cup almond milk
• 1 cup raw cashews
• 2 tablespoons plus 1⁄4 cup maple syrup
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice
• ¼ cup cacao nibs
• 2 ounces vegan dark chocolate, melted

Instructions

1. Prepare the crust: place the roasted hazelnuts, raisins, and salt in a food processor and pulse until the mixture becomes crumbly. Press this mixture into the bottom of a lined baking tray to create your crust base. Set aside.
2. For the matcha filling, blend the matcha powder, almond milk, raw cashews, 2 tablespoons of maple syrup, and lemon juice in a high-speed blender until smooth and creamy.
3. Pour the matcha filling over the prepared crust in the baking tray. Sprinkle the cacao nibs evenly over the top, gently pressing them into the matcha layer.
4. Place the baking tray in the freezer and allow it to set for at least 2 hours, or until firm.
5. Once the bars are firm, melt the vegan dark chocolate and the remaining 1⁄4 cup of maple syrup in a small saucepan over low heat, stirring continuously.
6. Remove the bars from the freezer and cut them into individual servings. Drizzle the melted chocolate mixture over each bar.
7. Return the bars to the freezer for another 10-15 minutes to allow the chocolate to set. Once the chocolate is firm, the Vegan Chocolate Matcha Bars are ready to be served.

Vegan Skull Crusher Candy(2)

Before looking for vegan Halloween treats to buy, try making these delicious and creepy skull crusher candies at home. One thing’s for sure- they will satisfy your sweet tooth and impress your guests with their spooky design.

Ingredients

FOR THE “WHITE CHOCOLATE” COATING

• 120 ml ½ cup coconut oil
• 75 g ½ cup cashew nuts
• 1 tbsp raw agave nectar or sweetener of choice
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 tbsp raw almond milk or milk of choice

FOR THE BERRY FILLING

• 30 g ¼ cup goji berries

• 35 g ¼ cup fresh blackberries (can be substituted with other berries)
• 30 g ¼ cup cashew nuts
• 2 tbsp raw almond milk or milk of choice
• 1 tsp vanilla extract

Instructions

1. Soak the goji berries and cashew nuts for 1 hour in warm water.
2. In a high-speed blender, blend all ingredients for the “white chocolate” coating until smooth.
3. Pour the mixture into a mold shaped like skulls (can be found online or at specialty stores).
4. Place in the freezer while preparing the berry filling.

1. Blend all ingredients for the filling until smooth and creamy.
2. Take the mold out of the freezer and fill each skull with the berry mixture, leaving a little space at the top for the “brain” layer.
3. Place back in the freezer for 30 minutes to an hour, or until firm.
4. Once firm, pour the remaining white chocolate mixture over each skull, filling in the remaining space for the “brain” layer.
5. Return to the freezer and allow to sit for another 1-2 hours.
6. Once set, carefully remove the skulls from the mold and serve as a spooky Halloween treat! You can also add some crushed Oreos or other cookies on top for added texture and flavor.
7. Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the freezer for up to 2 weeks.

Our Vegan Candy Corn Recipe is here if you want a more traditional type of treat

Vegan Halloween Brownie Bites (1)

Move over, vegan Halloween cake! These bite-sized brownies are the perfect treat for your spooky celebration. Made with pumpkin puree and pumpkin spice, these brownie bites are perfectly moist and full of seasonal flavor.

Ingredients

• 12 Medjool dates
• 1 ½ cup walnuts

• ¼ cup cacao powder
• 1 tablespoon hemp seeds
• 1 tablespoon dried cranberries
• ¼ cup chopped dark chocolate
• 1 teaspoon Ceylon cinnamon
• Pinch of ground cloves optional
• Colorful sprinkles for rolling

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Pit the dates and soak them in water for about 15 minutes.
3. In a food processor, blend the walnuts until they turn into fine crumbs.
4. Add the cacao powder, hemp seeds, cranberries, dark chocolate, cinnamon and cloves (if using) and pulse until all ingredients are well combined.
5. Remove the dates from the water and add them to the food processor. Pulse again until a sticky dough forms.
6. Take about 1 tablespoon of the dough and roll it into a ball. Roll each ball into some colorful sprinkles to give them that festive Halloween look.
7. Place the brownie bites on a lined baking tray and bake for 10-12 minutes.
8. Let them cool before serving, or store in an airtight container for up to one week. These vegan Halloween brownies are best enjoyed with a cup of warm apple cider or pumpkin spice latte.

Need something crunchier? Check out our Vegan Holiday Cookies compilation.

Why Choose Vegan for Halloween?

Choosing vegan for Halloween means that no animals are harmed in the making of your treats and that you’re using environmentally friendly ingredients. 

It also allows those with dietary restrictions, such as lactose intolerance or religious requirements, to fully enjoy the holiday without having to worry about their health. 

Plus, with veganism becoming more mainstream you can impress your guests with tasty and creative plant-based options.

Read more: Vegan Candy Corn and Other Spooktacularly Fun and Healthy Vegan Halloween Recipes

What Are Traditional Halloween Foods?

For Halloween, folks usually whip up some really eerie-sounding eats. Whether it’s bobbing for apples, devouring a bowl of “eyeballs,” or sipping on some blood-red punch, Halloween food is all about creating an otherworldly atmosphere.

However, many traditional Halloween foods are actually simple and less fancy:

• Caramel Apples – the perfect combination of sweet and tart with a sticky caramel coating.
• Candy Corn – love it or hate it, this sweet and colorful candy is synonymous with Halloween.
• Pumpkin Pie – a classic fall dessert that is often enjoyed during Halloween.

• Roasted Pumpkin Seeds – after carving your pumpkin, save the seeds and roast them for a delicious and healthy snack.

• Soul Cakes – these small round cakes were traditionally given out to children on All Souls’ Day, a day after Halloween.

• Colcannon – an Irish dish made of mashed potatoes, cabbage or kale, and sometimes bacon.

• Barmbrack – an Irish fruitcake traditionally baked with hidden charms inside for good luck.

• Toffee Apples – similar to caramel apples but coated in hard toffee instead of sticky caramel.

• Bonfire Toffee – a hard and brittle toffee often eaten during bonfire celebrations on Halloween.

• Roast Meat – in some cultures, roasted meats such as chicken or pork are commonly served during Halloween feasts.

• Cornbread – a Southern American staple that is often enjoyed with chili on Halloween night.

• Hot Apple Cider – a warm and comforting drink that is perfect for chilly fall evenings.

Traditionally, Halloween has been a harvest festival, and many of the traditional foods were made with seasonal ingredients. 

Pumpkins were readily available during this time and were often used in dishes such as pies, soups, and stews. Apples were also abundant and were used in various desserts and drinks.

Which Is The Most Produced Treat During Halloween?

The most produced treat during Halloween is candy, particularly chocolate and gummy candies. According to the National Retail Federation, over 95% of households in America will buy candy for Halloween, with an estimated $2.6 billion spent on it each year.

However, this wasn’t always the case. In the past, homemade treats such as caramel apples and soul cakes were more commonly given out during Halloween. It wasn’t until the 1950s and 1960s that store-bought candies became more popular due to their convenience.

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Can I Give Out Homemade Treats on Halloween?

Homemade treats are one way to add a personal touch to Halloween and can be a fun activity for families to do together. Plus, knowing what’s in your treats can provide a sense of assurance for parents and children with dietary restrictions or allergies.

However, due to safety concerns, many parents have become cautious about accepting homemade treats from strangers. Some places even have strict rules against giving out homemade treats during trick-or-treating.

That said, if you do want to give out homemade treats, it’s best to do so in a controlled and trusted environment, such as a Halloween party or gathering with friends and family.

Other precautions to take when giving out homemade treats include:

• Packaging the treats in individual bags with clear labeling of ingredients
• Avoiding common allergens such as nuts and dairy
• Making sure all ingredients are fresh and not expired
• Encouraging parents to inspect the treats before allowing their children to consume them.

How Do You Have a Healthy Halloween for Kids?

A healthy Halloween for kids is all about finding a balance between indulgence and nutrition. Think on the lines of “everything in moderation.”

Here are some tips for a healthy Halloween for kids:

• Plan ahead and have a balanced meal before heading out for trick-or-treating to prevent overindulgence in sweets.
• Offer healthier alternatives such as fruit snacks, trail mix, or dark chocolate instead of or in addition to traditional candies.
• Encourage physical activity by turning trick-or-treating into a fun family walk.
• Consider a Halloween-themed treasure hunt at home, where the treasure could be non-food items like stickers, toys, or glow sticks.
• Think outside the box and give out non-food treats like temporary tattoos, coloring books, or small puzzles.
• Set a limit on the amount of candy eaten per day after Halloween, to prevent kids from overindulging.
• Teach your kids about portion control, and explain why it’s important to enjoy treats in moderation.
• Make sure they drink plenty of water, especially if they consume salty snacks or candies.
• Ensure good dental hygiene by reminding children to brush their teeth after consuming sweets to avoid cavities.

Read more: Gluten Free Halloween Treats to Make for Your Loved Ones

FAQs

• Is It OK for Kids to Be Vegan?

Yes, it’s perfectly fine for kids to adopt a vegan diet, as long as their nutritional needs are being met. This typically involves a well-balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and plant-based proteins. 

It’s highly recommended to consult with a pediatric dietitian and/or pediatrician to ensure all nutritional needs are met, including essential elements like vitamin B12, iron, calcium, and omega-3 fatty acids.

• What Do Vegan Kids Eat?

Vegan kids consume a plant-based diet, which excludes meat, dairy, eggs, and other animal-derived ingredients. 

A typical vegan kid’s diet might include fruits, vegetables, legumes (like beans and lentils), whole grains, nuts, and seeds. They can also consume fortified foods and plant-based substitutes for dairy and meat products.

• How to Be Vegan During the Holidays?

Being vegan during the holidays involves planning and preparation. This could mean researching vegan recipes for traditional holiday dishes, bringing your own vegan dish to share at holiday gatherings, or suggesting a couple of vegan options to the host. 

In recent years, many vegan alternatives to traditional holiday foods have become readily available in stores.

• What Age Is Most Vegan?

While veganism is practiced by individuals of all ages, studies indicate a higher prevalence among younger generations. A recent survey found that approximately 10% of global millennials (those born between 1981 and 1996) and 15% of Gen Z (those born after 1996) identify as vegan or vegetarian.

The Bottom Line

The vegan Halloween recipes mentioned above are just a small sampling of the wide variety of delicious and creative options available. Whether you’re vegan or not, incorporating plant-based dishes into your Halloween celebrations can add a fun and healthy twist to traditional holiday foods. In addition, it’s a great opportunity to teach kids about nutrition and balance in their diets.