25 Gluten-Free Halloween Treats That Are So Good, It’s Scary

• Only those with celiac disease and gluten intolerances and sensitivities should go totally gluten-free. "It is not a weight loss diet," says Stoler. "There are nutrient deficiencies that may occur as a result of eating gluten-free: fiber, iron, folate, thiamine, niacin and riboflavin...Fiber is a big concern, because most people do not consume enough each day."
• If you are avoiding gluten, don't have candies with pretzels, cookies or cakes in them. "Candy corn, [plain] chocolate bars and most candies do not contain gluten," says Stoler.
• Read the ingredients before you buy. Some unexpected candies contain wheat, like Twizzlers, Milky Ways and Mr. Goodbars.
• If you have young kids with gluten allergies or sensitivities, go through their candy with them before letting them dig in. This way, you can pick out any that they can't eat (and avoid a tummyache).
• Buy gluten-free candies to hand out to trick-or-treaters so everyone can be included. Think Smarties, Swedish Fish, mini plain chocolates or even something that isn't candy. "You can always give out dried fruit!" urges Stoler.

• Time Commitment: 30 minutes
• Why I Love It: <10 ingredients, keto-friendly, beginner-friendly

These almond flour cupcakes boast rich chocolate flavor and a decadent vanilla buttercream frosting that’s basically a blank canvas begging for festive decorations. (Hint: Start with some orange sprinkles and take it from there.)

• Time Commitment: 40 minutes (plus setting time)
• Why I Love It: make ahead, special occasion-worthy, crowd-pleaser

Make use of the seeds you saved from pumpkin carving to whip up a batch of these chewy caramels. The store-bought kind doesn’t hold a candle to 'em.

• Time Commitment: 25 minutes
• Why I Love It: <30 minutes, <10 ingredients, crowd-pleaser

This toffee bark is basically just sugar and butter topped with chocolate...so obviously it’s very sweet and scary delicious.

• Time Commitment: 2 hours
• Why I Love It: <10 ingredients, crowd-pleaser, kid-friendly, make ahead

Trick or treat? It’s hard to say, since this too-cute edible craft is sure to satisfy any sweet tooth and (gasp) it’s healthy, too. Make these with your kid and you'll win Halloween.

• Time Commitment: 25 minutes
• Why I Love It: dairy free, keto-friendly, <30 minutes, low sugar

Pumpkin spice season only comes once a year, friends—and these cookies are one tasty way to celebrate. (BTW, these are delicious as is, but if gluten is your only concern, feel free to swap the sugar substitutes out for the real thing.)

• Time Commitment: 2 hours
• Why I Love It: make ahead, no cook, beginner-friendly

Sip on this Halloween sangria when you’re handing out mini Snickers bars to the kids (and serve some to the parents if you want to be everybody’s favorite neighbor).

• Time Commitment: 25 minutes
• Why I Love It: <30 minutes, low carb, keto-friendly

A pumpkin-and-chocolate dessert that's wholesome enough to eat for breakfast. We’re totally on board (and suggest pairing it with a PSL).

• Time Commitment: 45 minutes
• Why I Love It: kid-friendly, crowd-pleaser, <10 ingredients, special occasion-worthy, make ahead

Attention chocolate lovers: This bark is so easy to make, and the decorating component is really just an invitation to go wild with Halloween candy.

• Time Commitment: 1 hour and 15 minutes
• Why I Love It: crowd-pleaser, gluten free, special occasion-worthy

Moist and fluffy pumpkin cake, sinfully sweet caramel frosting and a drizzle of homemade caramel sauce for good measure—suffice it to say, this is one bewitching baked good.

• Time Commitment: 1 hour and 15 minutes
• Why I Love It: <10 ingredients, kid-friendly, make ahead, crowd-pleaser

Why go bobbing for apples (because ew) when you could just bite into a crisp piece of seasonal fruit drenched in salted caramel instead?

• Time Commitment: 50 minutes
• Why I Love It: <10 ingredients, make ahead, vegan

Here, a plant-based dessert that’s sure to impress. Indeed, this cup of chocolate and coconut cream gives both Reese's and Almond Joys a serious run for their money.

• Time Commitment: 2 hours and 40 minutes
• Why I Love It: no bake, special occasion-worthy, crowd-pleaser, make ahead

Complete with black sesame icing. These no-bake cheesecake bars are a breeze to make, and you don’t even need any artistic skill to achieve the festive Frankenstein look. In other words, it’s a no-brainer.

• Time Commitment: 10 minutes
• Why I Love It: <30 minutes, one pot, special occasion-worthy, <10 ingredients

A boozy hot chocolate with the flavors of cinnamon, chile peppers and Arabica coffee—who knew the dark side would feel so warm and fuzzy?

• Time Commitment: 1 hour and 20 minutes
• Why I Love It: make ahead, kid-friendly, crowd-pleaser, <10 ingredients

Tangy apple cider is the secret ingredient that prevents these rich-tasting and pleasantly soft caramels from being sickly sweet. They're prime for Halloween party goodie bags.

• Time Commitment: 1 hour and 15 minutes
• Why I Love It: crowd-pleaser, <10 ingredients, kid-friendly

A reimagined classic for the books. Yes, we know you’re wondering what tahini is doing in a dessert, but trust us—it’s a fine substitute for peanut butter in this no-bake, chocolate-and-crisped-rice treat.

• Time Commitment: 1 hour and 30 minutes
• Why I Love It: <10 ingredients, special occasion-worthy, crowd-pleaser, kid-friendly

It’s never a bad idea to reach for the Nutella—but this time, put down your spoon. Instead, use the stuff to whip up this heavenly hazelnut-kissed mousse. (You won’t miss the graham cracker crust.)

• Time Commitment: 5 minutes
• Why I Love It: kid-friendly, <30 minutes, <10 ingredients

It looks like a mug of witch’s brew, but it’s actually just a gooey, decadent brownie in a cup. Fun fact: This sinfully delicious dessert owes its velvety texture to mashed avocado.

• Time Commitment: 25 minutes
• Why I Love It: <30 minutes, vegan, kid-friendly

Don’t forget to swap scary stories around a campfire this Halloween—just be sure you have these tasty s’mores cookies on hand for when you need a little comfort. Be sure to swap in gluten-free flour and graham crackers.

• Time Commitment: 50 minutes
• Why I Love It: kid-friendly, gluten free, vegetarian, <10 ingredients

Biting into a caramel apple can be a bit, well, messy. Solve that problem with this deconstructed version of the classic autumn dessert, which boasts refreshing vanilla ice cream to boot.

• Time Commitment: 1 hour and 20 minutes
• Why I Love It: crowd-pleaser, special occasion-worthy, crowd-pleaser

Creamy pumpkin mousse and airy meringue cookies make magic in this festive spin on the classic English dessert. Dare we say it’s better than pumpkin pie?

• Time Commitment: 20 minutes
• Why I Love It: <10 ingredients, make ahead, <30 minutes

Move over, peanut butter—this pumpkin-filled Halloween candy is Paleo-friendly and every bit as swoon-worthy as a Reese’s peanut butter cup.

• Time Commitment: 1 hour and 35 minutes
• Why I Love It: vegan, dairy free, crowd-pleaser

Slice your go-to apple before adding the caramel, then sprinkle on some healthy toppings (like goji berries, hemp seeds and cacao nibs) for a better-for-you, texturally pleasing treat. That way, you can save yourself the sticky mouth and fingers.

• Time Commitment: 40 minutes
• Why I Love It: kid-friendly, crowd-pleaser, beginner-friendly

Peanut butter and chocolate are a tried-and-true combo, so it should be no surprise that these brownies passed our sweet tooth’s test with flying colors.

• Time Commitment: 20 minutes
• Why I Love It: <10 ingredients, kid-friendly, <30 minutes

Salty-sweet kettle corn, Reese’s pieces, candy corn and a drizzle of milk chocolate. Scary movie marathon, anyone?

• Time Commitment: 30 minutes (plus chilling time)
• Why I Love It: low sugar, keto-friendly, beginner-friendly

Equal parts fancy and festive, these dainty pumpkin truffles are sure to impress. They'd make a great cameo at Thanksgiving dinner, no?