Sweet Surprises: Candy Apple Nachos & Creative Uses for Leftover Halloween Candy

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Halloween is a time for fun, costumes, and candy! But what do you do with all that leftover candy after the holiday has passed? Don’t throw it away! One of my favorite ways to use leftover candy is to make leftover candy apple nachos, but there are many creative and delicious ways to repurpose leftover Halloween candy into family-friendly treats. This recipe is simple, delicious, and perfect for a party or a fun family activity.

This recipe for leftover candy apple nachos is simple, delicious, and perfect for a party or a fun family activity. Watch the video below to see how to make them!

Watch the video below for a visual tutorial:

Ingredients:

• 2 apples, sliced thinly
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1/4 cup melted candy (any type of candy will work, but I like to use chocolate, caramel, and nuts)
• Sugar-free coconut flakes
• Chopped nuts
• Sugar-free caramel sauce (optional)

Instructions:

1. Place the apple slices in a bowl and toss with the lemon juice. This will help to prevent the apples from browning.
2. Heat a cast iron skillet or nonstick pan over medium heat.
3. Add the apple slices to the skillet and cook for 2-3 minutes per side or until they are slightly softened.
4. Remove the apple slices from the skillet and place them on a serving platter.
5. Top the apple slices with the melted candy, sugar-free coconut flakes, chopped nuts, and sugar-free caramel sauce (if desired).
6. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Tips:

• For extra flavor, you can add a sprinkle of cinnamon or nutmeg to the apple nachos before serving.
• If you don’t have a cast iron skillet, cook the apple slices on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
• If you want to make the apple nachos ahead of time, assemble them as directed and then store them in the refrigerator. When you’re ready to serve, heat the apple nachos in the microwave for a few minutes until the candy is melted and gooey.

Building a Leftover Candy Apple Nacho Bar

One of the fun things about grilled leftover candy apple nachos is that they are customizable. You can use any type of candy that you like, and you can also add other toppings like fruit, nuts, and sauces.

To build a leftover candy apple nacho bar, gather various leftover candies and chopped nuts. You can add other toppings like fresh fruit, chocolate drizzle, or caramel sauce. Set out the toppings on a table and let everyone build their nachos. This is an excellent activity for kids and adults alike.

Moderation is Key

Of course, it’s important to remember that candy is a sugary treat and should be enjoyed in moderation. However, if you’re looking for a fun and festive way to use up leftover candy, grilled leftover candy apple nachos are a great option.

Can you cook Candy Apple Nachos on an Induction Cooktop?

Of course! Induction cooktops are becoming increasingly popular as a cooking alternative to traditional gas and electric stoves. They offer a number of advantages, including faster cooking times, precise temperature control, and energy efficiency. If you have an induction cooktop, you can use it to make grilled leftover candy apple nachos with ease. Cast iron skillets are ideal for cooking on induction cooktops because they heat evenly and quickly (check out my post to learn how to cook with cast iron on an induction cooktop).

There are a also number of benefits to using an induction cooktop for this recipe. First, induction cooktops heat up quickly, so you can cook your nachos quickly and easily. Second, induction cooktops offer precise temperature control, so you can cook your nachos to the perfect texture without overcooking. Third, induction cooktops are energy efficient, so you can save money on your energy bills.

Here are some tips for making grilled leftover candy apple nachos more healthy:

• Use sugar-free candy and toppings whenever possible.
• Add a balance of healthy toppings, such as fresh fruit, nuts, and seeds.
• Please don’t overdo it on the candy! A little bit goes a long way.

Here are 10 other ideas to help use leftover Halloween Candy: 

1. Candy-Studded Pancakes: Start your day with a sugary twist on a breakfast classic. Mix bite-sized candy pieces like M&M’s or Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups into your pancake batter before cooking. The candy will melt as they cook and create gooey goodness pockets. Top with a dollop of whipped cream and more candy for an extra-special morning treat.

2. Candy-Coated Pretzels: This idea combines pretzels’ salty goodness with candy’s sweetness. Melt some leftover chocolate bars, or candy melts in the microwave, then dip pretzel rods into the melted candy. Let them cool and harden on parchment paper. You can even sprinkle crushed candy on top for an extra pop of color and flavor.

3. Candy-Crusted Chicken Tenders: Yes, you read that right! Turn your leftover candy into a unique coating for chicken tenders. Crush candy like Skittles, Sour Patch Kids, or even gummy bears into small pieces. Coat chicken tenders in egg wash, then press the crushed candy onto them. Bake until the chicken is cooked and the candy forms a sweet and crispy crust.

4. Candy Bar Milkshakes: Transform your leftover candy bars into indulgent milkshakes. Blend vanilla ice cream, milk, and chopped candy bars like Snickers, Milky Way, or Kit Kats. Top with whipped cream and drizzle with chocolate or caramel sauce for a rich and creamy dessert.

5. Candy-Stuffed Cookies: Elevate your cookie game by adding chunks of Halloween candy to your favorite cookie dough recipe. Whether it’s chocolate chip, sugar, or oatmeal cookies, adding candy will surprise and delight your taste buds. Bake until the cookies are golden brown, and watch your family’s eyes light up when they discover the sweet surprise inside.

6. Candy-Infused Caramel Apples: Put a spin on traditional caramel apples by rolling them in crushed candy. After dipping your apples in caramel, roll them in crushed candy, like Skittles, Smarties, or Butterfingers, while the caramel is still warm. Let them cool and harden for a crunchy, gooey, and fruity treat.

7. Candy Trail Mix: Create a custom trail mix using your assortment of leftover candy. Combine candy pieces with nuts, dried fruit, and popcorn for a sweet and savory blend perfect for snacking on the go or during family movie night. You can even portion it into small bags for a quick and convenient treat.

8. Candy-Covered Marshmallow Pops: Transform marshmallows into irresistible pops by dipping them in melted candy and rolling them in crushed candy pieces. Insert a lollipop stick into each marshmallow before coating. These colorful and playful treats are delicious and fun to make with the kids.

9. Candy-Infused Brownies: Upgrade your brownie game by incorporating chopped candy bars into the batter. Whether you prefer fudgy or cakey brownies, adding candy will take them to the next level of sweetness. Bake until a toothpick is mostly clean, and enjoy the gooey goodness.

10. Candy-Flavored Ice Cream: If you have a surplus of candy with fruity flavors like Skittles or Starburst, consider infusing them into homemade ice cream. Crush the candy and mix it into your ice cream base during the last few minutes of churning. The result? It is a colorful and delightful ice cream with a fruity punch.

Conclusion

Leftover Halloween candy doesn’t have to be wasted. With a little creativity, you can turn those sweet treats into new and exciting desserts and snacks that the whole family will love. So get cooking, and enjoy!

Watch the video below to see how to make them!