With spooky season around the corner, what better way to get into the Halloween spirit than by brewing up some holiday treats with the family? You’re not just making a sweet Halloween treat—you’re also inviting your child into the kitchen and giving them hands-on opportunities to practice their fine motor skills and math skills. Here are some no-bake recipes the whole family can enjoy making (and eating!) together:

#1: Rice Krispies Monsters

These Rice Krispies monsters are not only delicious, but the perfect hands-on activity for kids! With a couple of pantry ingredients, you can turn average Rice Krispies into marshmallow monsters.

Here are the ingredients you’ll need:

• 3 Tbsp unsalted butter
• 1 package mini marshmallows
• ½ tsp vanilla extract
• ½ cup marshmallow crème
• Green food coloring gel
• 6 cups Rice Krispies toasted rice cereal
• 36 candy eyeballs (2 per monster)
• Cooking oil spray (to keep the mess away)

Here’s how to make them:

1. Melt the butter
2. Add marshmallows and crème 
3. Add vanilla extract and food coloring (tint to your liking).
4. Combine with Rice Krispies
5. Coat your hands in cooking spray, scoop out portions of the mixture, and roll into balls.
6. While the treats are still warm, add candy eyes.
7. Cool and serve. 

This gooey project is a delicious way to encourage creativity and hone fine motor skills, all while having fun and getting messy!

#2: Pretzel Bones

These pretzel bones are simple and kid-approved! With just three ingredients, you can create your own spooky treat, perfect for Halloween parties, school snacks or just to enjoy at home.

Here are the ingredients you’ll need:

• White candy melts
• Mini marshmallows
• Pretzel sticks

Here’s how to make them:

1. Add mini marshmallows to the end of a pretzel stick.
2. Using a microwave-safe bowl, melt the candy melts in the microwave in 30-second intervals, making sure to stir between each interval.
3. Carefully dip the pretzels and marshmallows into the candy melts until fully coated.

This beginner-friendly recipe allows children to practice dipping and assembling, and you’re left with a yummy treat to enjoy together!

#3: Candy Corn Fruit Parfaits

Looking for a Halloween treat on the slightly healthier side? These candy corn-inspired parfaits stack bright layers of fruit to resemble everyone’s favorite seasonal treat.

Here are the ingredients you’ll need:

• Mandarin oranges
• Pineapple chunks
• Whipped cream
• Candy corn for decorating

Here’s how to make them:

1. In a decorative glass, layer pineapple and mandarin oranges.
2. Top with whipped cream.
3. Add candy corn for decoration.

Not only is this a healthy treat, but it’s also a fun way to practice patterns and layering with children. Plus, these parfaits make for super cute candy corn look-a-likes to decorate the snack table at a Halloween get-together!

#4: Graveyard Dirt Cups

Graveyard dirt cups have become a classic Halloween treat. These individual treats are filled with chocolate pudding “mud” and cookie crumb “dirt.” They’re perfect to enjoy as an after-school snack or a party treat

Here are the ingredients you’ll need:

• Chocolate Pudding
• Oreo cookies
• Milano cookies (any flavor)
• Edible googly eyes
• Black edible marker

Here’s how to make them:

1. Write ‘RIP’ on each Milano cookie to create a tombstone. Set aside.
2. Crush Oreos into fine crumbs.
3. Sprinkle crumbs on the bottom of the cup.
4. Press googly eyes around the edges of cups so they look like they are peeking out.
5. Add an even layer of pudding on top.
6. Repeat steps 3-5 and finish the layers with more cookie crumbs.
7. Insert one cookie tombstone into the center of each cup and serve.

Your kids will love these scary-sweet treats that mix snack time and storytelling!

#5: Halloween Snack Mix

This customizable Halloween snack mix blends sweet and salty with a variety of ingredients, like cereal, pretzels, peanut butter candy and candy corn (of course).

Choose a mix of your favorite sweet and salty snacks. Here are a couple of ideas:

• Salted mini pretzels
• Chex Cereal
•  Chocolate-covered pretzels and white chocolate-covered pretzels
•  Reese’s Pieces
•  Candy corn

Here’s how to make it:

1. Place all ingredients in a large bowl and lightly toss—that’s it!

This mix is endlessly customizable, and a fun opportunity for kids to practice mixing and measuring. And it’s super easy!

Our K-8 preparatory school is always looking for new, fun ways to involve kids in learning—both inside and outside the classroom. We hope these treats inspire some festive, hands-on family fun at home. Don’t forget to snap photos of your creations and tag us on social media! From all of us at Lake Forrest Prep, have a safe and spooky Halloween!