You’re not likely to make your own treats to hand out to trick-or-treaters. First of all, that would be a lot of work. Secondly, many parents look suspiciously at homemade treats and often toss them in the trash if they don’t know exactly who made them.

 

But what about for kids’ parties at school or your own grown-up Halloween bash? You’re likely to whip up some homemade treats for those celebrations. I’ve got five recipes for those who want to know exactly what's in the treats they are eating.

 

Homemade Vegan Candy Corn – I’m not a candy corn fan, but I know many people couldn’t get through October without their fix. Who knows what’s actually in those little addictive candies, though? Here’s a recipe that’s a bit labor intensive, but the Urban Housewife blog suggests having a candy corn-making party to share the work.

 

Caramel Corn Clusters – I’m not sure why caramel covered things and fall go together, but they do. The caramel popcorn bought at the grocery store can contain high fructose corn syrup, food dyes and undesirable preservatives. Epicurious has a recipe for homemade caramel corn. Note: Read the back of your corn syrup bottle. Some corn syrups now contain corn syrup and high fructose corn syrup. Consider finding one that’s straight corn syrup.

 

Pumpkin Seed Brittle – This recipe, also from Epicurious, would be great for an adult party (although kids might like it, too). It’s also one that can be made two weeks ahead, cutting down on the last-minute party preparations. When you’re carving your jack-o-lanterns, save those seeds for this recipe.

 

Ghostly Pumpkin Pudding – Pumpkin pudding with a ghostly topping can be made early in the day and left in the refrigerator to hide out until they come out at night. Unlike store-bought pudding and whipped cream, you control the ingredients that go into this Halloween-themed dessert from The Food Network.