Halloween means you and your kids are bound to be surrounded by holiday-themed treats galore everywhere wherever you turn — from drugstore aisles to the classroom. But if your little one has a gluten sensitivity or celiac disease, it might feel like an especially challenging time of year, as you and your child work to pinpoint festive snacks and sweets that are safe for them to eat.
Thankfully, there are plenty of gluten-free Halloween treat recipes that are absolutely drool-worthy. From simple, classic and oh-so-tasty caramel corn to freakishly adorable monster cupcakes and everything in between, here are 21 yummy, gluten-free Halloween treats everyone will love.
1. Apple cider doughnuts
Kelli and Peter Bronski of the blog No Gluten, No Problem are proud of their gluten-free, yet “richly flavorful, moist, tender” apple cider donut recipe that’s perfect for Halloween — or autumn in general, really.
2. Snack-o’-lantern
Meal Diva’s sweet jack-o’-lantern-themed snack requires just two ingredients: a navel orange and canned or fresh fruit.
3. Halloween ghost cake
This eerie, yummy-looking cake from Rhian’s Recipes is gluten-free, vegan, frosted with chocolate buttercream and features little ghosts made out of poached pears. Too cute!
4. ‘Better Than Reese’s’ healthy peanut butter cups
If you’re craving chocolate peanut butter cups, Rachel MacPherson, a certified personal trainer (ACE) and writer of the blog Radical Strength, recommends whipping up this healthier-for-you alternative.
5. Caramel apples
What’s one of the most festive fall treats that’s also super-fun to make? Caramel apples, of course! They’re naturally gluten-free Halloween snacks, thanks to the simple pairing of an apple and melted-down caramel. Check out this caramel apple recipe from Gluten Free Recipe Box.
6. Brown sugar and pecan caramel bundt cake
Pecan and all-purpose gluten-free flours combine to create a “can’t-believe-it’s-gluten-free” bundt cake from A Tipsy Giraffe that packs a warm, spicy punch befitting the Halloween season.
7. Matcha cheesecake Frankenstein monsters
These sweet, gluten-free Halloween snacks are treat, not a trick! Snixy Kitchen uses matcha and black sesame to create ghoulishly good Frankenstein cheesecakes.
8. Pumpkin brownie bites
Megan Barrett, of Scratch to Basics, whips up these adorable little brownie bites that are both gluten- and dairy-free and could be perfect for Halloween — or even Thanksgiving.
9. Deviled egg eyeballs
Lindsay Cotter of Cotter Crunch says these Paleo deviled egg eyeballs are a favorite with kids and adults at Halloween parties.
10. Pumpkin spice snickerdoodles
Sweet cinnamon snickerdoodles get a seasonal, Halloween-appropriate kick of pumpkin in this recipe from Honey + Lime.
11. Caramel corn
This caramel popcorn recipe from The Spruce Eats is naturally gluten-free and uses organic popcorn, butter, sugar and agave syrup. It’s the next best thing to gluten-free Halloween candy.
12. Monster brownies
Bake up a batch of gluten-free brownies using a recipe from The Gluten Free Austrian), then top ‘em with candy eyes, gluten-free marshmallows decorated with frosting or melted chocolate to look like spooky friends (Doumak and Kraft brand marshmallows are safe).
13. Gluten-free sugar cookies
This gluten-free sugar cookie recipe from Flippin’ Delicious makes the perfect foundation for spooky and sweet cutouts of pumpkins, bats, ghosts and gravestones.
14. Monster cupcakes
For a gluten-free Halloween treat, look no further than these monster cupcakes from the Gluten-Free Blogger. They’re as creepy as they are super-cute.
15. Orange dark chocolate chip bites
These healthier-for-you, protein-packed bites from Cotter Crunch can be made with peanut or coconut flour.
16. Witch finger cookies
Taylor of Food Faith Fitness gave the classic witch finger cookie a gluten-free makeover that’s also paleo and vegan. They’re perfect (and festive!) gluten-free Halloween snacks.
17. Killer pumpkin granola
Gluten-free oats are the base of this pumpkin granola recipe, whipped up by Gina on So … Let’s Hang Out.
18. Mini ghost cupcakes
These adorable ghost cupcakes from Food Faith Fitness are made with peanut butter, coconut flour and banana — but sans gluten.
19. Mummy macarons with maple cinnamon filling
Macarons are innately gluten-free, and this mummy macaron recipe by Sharon of What the Fork uses whipped cream cheese, pure maple syrup, white chocolate chips or candy melts and a black food pen to transform them into delectable and adorable little mummies.
20. Mummy Rice Krispies treats
If you prefer Rice Krispies treats over macarons, check out these adorable gluten-free Halloween treats from Holly Bertone of Pink Fortitude that are perfect Halloween treats for kids of all ages.
21. Gluten-free pumpkin cake
Are you ready for the ultimate gluten-free Halloween treat? Try this gluten-free pumpkin cake with salted caramel frosting from Snixy Kitchen. Yum!
