14 Ways to Use Leftover Halloween Candy

Drowning in Halloween candy? We’ve got a solution.

By: Allie Holcomb King

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Ah, leftover Halloween candy! It’s great — until you realize you’ve singlehandedly consumed an entire bag in less than 24 hours and, in fact, have no semblance of self-control remaining. Then, my friends, it comes time to make a plan for that candy. So, when the chocolate temptation is too much to bear and your self-control is waning, try one of these 15 ideas.

1: Homemade Candy Apples

Homemade Candy Apples

Making candy apples is a lot of fun. Apples are skewered with a stick, dipped in sugar boiled to candy stage, and then may be rolled in whatever coating appeals to your sweet tooth.

Use different varieties of crushed Halloween candy as creative toppings for your homemade apples. The tasty treats are perfect for a fall party or get-together.

Make It: Candy Apples

2: Candy Cake

Candy Cake

Kids consider their stash of hard-earned Halloween candy sacred, so the concept of leftover candy is a fantasy in a lot of households. Before making spooky desserts like this candy-loaded cake, stock up on extra goods in advance, or hit the post-trick-or-treat sales. Store-bought cake, frosting and brownies can be used as timesavers, or you can make your own. Do frost the cake and brownies yourself, though, because the frosting needs to be wet for the toppings to adhere properly.

Photo by: Jackie Alpers

Jackie Alpers

You can whip up this dessert in a snap by using a store-bought cake and icing. If you’d rather make it from scratch, bake the cake in advance to give it time to cool. Either way, frost the cake yourself to create a sticky surface. Then, cover it in leftover candies.

3: Candy Bar + Bacon Rolls

Candy Bar + Bacon Rolls

Fill store-bought croissant dough with chopped candy bars (anything chocolate will do!) and crisp-cooked bacon and bake for a molten, decadent treat. Get the recipe.

Yes, you read that right. Candy bars pair with bacon and crescent rolls to make these irresistible delicacies.

Make It: Candy Bar + Bacon Rolls

4: Candy Garlands

Holiday Candy Garland

Candy garland is a more practical alternative to candy necklaces or bracelets. The key to creating these effectively is ensuring kids use safety scissors to cut strands no less than 48 inches in length. Once placed around the tree, these strands can create a cohesive, seamless look without the hassle of having to start directly at the bottom, then winding up and around the tree with one extra-long single strand.

Photo by: Brian Patrick Flynn

Brian Patrick Flynn

String colorful candies on ribbon or string to make decorative garlands to hang around the house. The kids will love seeing the project displayed.

5: Candy Jewelry

Edible Jewelry

Kids can also put the holiday table to use as a place to create handmade gifts for friends and family. To turn colorful candy into necklaces or bracelets, supply kids with string, twine and ribbon in assorted styles. Encourage them to get creative with color and shape, and then bestow their creations to friends or family.

Photo by: Brian Patrick Flynn

Brian Patrick Flynn

Create yummy bracelets and necklaces with candy and string. Consider using the handmade jewelry as a teaching tool. Have your kids wear them for a spelling bee or math game, and let them eat a piece of candy each time they get an answer correct.

6: Thanksgiving Snack Mix

Thanksgiving Snack Station for Kids

Keep the smallest holiday guests occupied while you finish Thanksgiving dinner with a snack station where they can concoct their own sweet-and-salty mix.

From: Kim Stoegbauer

Believe it or not, Thanksgiving is just around the corner. Stash some Halloween candy to make this adorable snack-mix station when the upcoming holiday rolls around.

Make It: Thanksgiving Snack Mix

7: Party Pinata

Swing, Batter, Batter, Swing

Raining candy never goes out of style. Hang a colorful piñata at your next family-friendly fiesta, break out the blindfold, and gather 'round as kids and adults take turns swinging for a sweet prize.

Buy a pinata and throw a party for the November birthday in your life. PSA: Pinatas are not just for kids.

8: Home Decor

White Bookshelf in Red Dining Area With Decorative Accessories

Bookcase with Wallpaper Backing and Fun Objects in Bright Red Room

In this cheery dining area, a white bookcase atop a prefab kitchen cabinet base mimics the look of custom built-ins on the cheap. Colorful decorative objects and jars full of candy are the cherry on top.

Fill glass jars with multicolored candy, and display them on bookshelves for a pop of whimsy and color.

9: Donate It

Halloween Pumpkin Candy Dish

This is a great way to see off every last piece while helping others. Consider donating your unopened candy to organizations like Operation Shoebox, Operation Gratitude or Ronald McDonald House Charities. You can also call local soup kitchens, homeless shelters and nursing homes to see if they accept candy.

10: Gummy Worm Margaritas

Classic Margaritas With a Candy Twist

Give a favorite childhood candy an adult twist by getting gummy worms drunk, then whipping up a tipsy worm's perfect match: a tasty, classic margarita.

From: H. Camille Smith

Photo by: H. Camille Smith

H. Camille Smith

Use gummy worms for this tasty twist on the classic margarita. Your inner kid will rejoice.

Make It: Gummy Worm Margaritas

11: Chocolate Candy Pie

Chocolate Candy Pie

This versatile pie can morph to fit many moods. Freeze it for an icy delight, or just refrigerate instead if you're looking for something a little softer (or you run out of time). Chopped chocolate-covered candy is folded into the pudding filling and strewn over the top. Get the recipe.

Photo by: Matt Armendariz

Matt Armendariz

Gather all your chocolate candies to make this delectable chocolate pie. If you have loads of candy, make a couple of extra pies to share with friends.

Make It: Chocolate Candy Pie