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Once the trick-or-treat bags are sorted and the half-price candy sales hit, most of us have a mountain of mini candy bars. Instead of nibbling it all, bake it into something new! Here are three of our favorite easy leftover candy recipes, plus 15 quick ideas for using up every last piece.
15 quick ideas
- Stir chopped candy bars into brownie or cookie batter
- Make trail mix with pretzels, popcorn and peanuts
- Blend a few minis into a milkshake
- Top ice cream sundaes or frozen yogurt
- Fold chopped candy into pancake or waffle batter
- Swirl into homemade fudge
- Press into the tops of cupcakes
- Stir into a caramel apple dip
- Sprinkle over popcorn with a drizzle of melted chocolate
- Bake into blondies
- Layer into pudding parfaits
- Use as cupcake or cookie decorations
- Freeze for later baking (candy bars freeze well for months)
- Save some for gingerbread houses
- Donate unopened candy to troops, shelters or your dentist’s buyback program
Tips
- Chill candy bars for 15 minutes before chopping so they cut cleanly.
- Mix and match. Almost any chocolate candy works in these recipes.
- Mind allergies. Keep peanut candies separate if anyone has a nut allergy.
Leftover Candy Bar Brownies
Ingredients
Method
- Preheat the oven to 350°F and line an 8×8-inch pan with parchment.
- Stir the melted butter and sugar together, then the eggs and vanilla.
- Stir in the cocoa, flour, salt and baking powder just until combined. Fold in 1 cup of the candy.
- Spread in the pan and sprinkle with the rest of the candy.
- Bake 25 to 30 minutes, until set at the edges. Cool completely before cutting.
Notes
Leftover Candy Cookie Bars
Ingredients
Method
- Preheat the oven to 350°F and grease a 9×13-inch pan.
- Beat the butter and both sugars until creamy. Beat in the eggs and vanilla.
- Mix in the flour, baking soda and salt. Stir in 1 1/2 cups candy.
- Press into the pan and press the rest of the candy on top.
- Bake 22 to 25 minutes, until golden at the edges. Cool before cutting.
Notes
Halloween Candy Bark
Ingredients
Method
- Line a baking sheet with parchment.
- Melt the chocolate in 30-second bursts, stirring until smooth. Spread about 1/4 inch thick.
- Drizzle with melted white chocolate and swirl with a toothpick, if you like.
- Press the candy and sprinkles on top.
- Chill 1 hour, then break into pieces.
Notes
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FAQ
How long does Halloween candy last?
Most chocolate candy keeps 6 months to a year in a cool, dry place. Chocolate bars can be frozen.
Which candies are best for baking?
Chocolate bars, peanut butter cups, M&M’s and caramels. Hard candies and gummies don’t bake well.
Can I freeze the brownies and bars?
Yes. Freeze cut squares up to 3 months.
Save these recipes for later! Pin it to your favorite Pinterest board.
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