How to Use Leftover Halloween Candy in Thanksgiving Desserts

There’s no such thing as too much candy...unless you’re staring at a mountain of Halloween candy on November 1st right as you start making plans to get your house in order for the holidays! If your own kids didn’t gobble up all of their Halloween candy, or you purchased jumbo-size bags of candy for all the trick-or-treaters that never showed up at your door, not knowing what to do with uneaten Halloween candy can be frustrating. Fortunately, you won’t have to let all that candy go to waste. Read on to find some clever uses for leftover Halloween candy at Thanksgiving!

Ice Cream Toppings

After the turkey crash, we could all use a little sugar rush to help us gear up for Black Friday shopping. This year, add some color to the kids’ table and put your colorful candies to good use by setting up a make-your-own-sundae bar! You’ll just need vanilla ice cream and cups or bowls full of gummy worms, Smarties, M&Ms or any other bite-size candies you have left over from Halloween. Especially if you want to give your oven a break, or if you live in a warmer climate, a Thanksgiving sundae bar is sure to be a hit (and will help you find a happy home for all of your extra Halloween candy).

Cheesecake Fillings & Crusts

You’ve probably already seen recipes for candy-filled cakes and pies all over Pinterest and your favorite food blogs. And what cheesecake isn’t better when you mix chocolate or candy to the filling for a little variety and texture? Small chocolates like M&Ms or fruit-flavored candies like Skittles are easy to mix in, bringing in their own unique flavors and textures. Reese’s Pieces also provide a satisfying crunch and add a salty, peanutty flair to creamy cheesecake. Skip the crust entirely and roll the filling ingredients in small candy pieces or crushed cookies if you want to make a candy-covered cheesecake ball.

Filling isn’t the only part of a cheesecake that’s fun to get creative with. You can also crush up pretzels or graham crackers and mix them with melted Snickers bars for a one-of-a-kind cheesecake crust.

Candy Bowl in the Entryway

Individually-wrapped candies like Starlight mints and LifeSavers are perfect for the community candy bowl at the office. At home, you can set out a bowl of unwrapped candy for decoration or for family to enjoy.

Make Candy-Covered Popcorn Balls

If you’ve never made popcorn balls with your family before, just know that it’s sort of like making Rice Krispie treats, but with salty popcorn to balance out the sugary sweetness of the candy and marshmallows. Crunchy, colorful candies like M&M’s will work best, but you can get creative with any bite-size confections you have on-hand.

Send Guests Home With Treat Bags

Who doesn’t love going home from Thanksgiving dinner at mom and dad’s house with a to-go plate full of turkey and stuffing? This year, bring your leftover Halloween candy in gift-size bags to send your friends and family off with a sweet treat for the road.

Do you unload your leftover Halloween candy at Thanksgiving? Let us know how in the comments!