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Jack-O-Lantern Candy

Jack-O-Lantern Candy recipe image
These Jack-O-Lantern Candies are a delightful, no-bake treat perfect for Halloween parties or autumn gatherings. The rich, fudgy center combines creamy peanut butter, butter, and cocoa powder with evaporated milk for a smooth, indulgent texture. Chopped peanuts add a satisfying crunch, while the exterior is coated in desiccated coconut tinted with food coloring to create a vibrant orange pumpkin shell. A small pretzel stick or piece of licorice serves as the stem, completing the festive look. These candies are easy to make, require no baking, and store well in the refrigerator, making them an ideal advance-prep dessert for holiday celebrations.
Cooking Method: ,
Cuisine:
Courses:
Difficulty: Advanced
Servings: 24
Calories: 1014.8
Dietary: Gluten-free, Vegetarian
Description
These Jack-O-Lantern Candies are a delightful, no-bake treat perfect for Halloween parties or autumn gatherings. The rich, fudgy center combines creamy peanut butter, butter, and cocoa powder with evaporated milk for a smooth, indulgent texture. Chopped peanuts add a satisfying crunch, while the exterior is coated in desiccated coconut tinted with food coloring to create a vibrant orange pumpkin shell. A small pretzel stick or piece of licorice serves as the stem, completing the festive look. These candies are easy to make, require no baking, and store well in the refrigerator, making them an ideal advance-prep dessert for holiday celebrations.
Ingredients
  • 1/2 cup Peanut butter
  • 2 tablespoon Butter
  • 1 1/4 cup Icing sugar, sifted
  • 1 cup Unsweetened cocoa powder, sifted
  • 1/2 cup Evaporated milk
  • 1 cup Chopped peanuts
  • 2/3 cup Desiccated coconut
  • 1/4 teaspoon Red food coloring
  • 1/2 teaspoon Yellow food coloring
  • 24 pieces Pretzel sticks or licorice whips (for stems)
Directions
  1. 1
    Combine peanut butter and butter in a medium microwave-safe bowl.
  2. 2
    Microwave on High for 45-60 seconds, or until melted.
  3. 3
    Stir until the mixture is smooth and fully blended.
  4. 4
    Gradually add sifted icing sugar and sifted cocoa powder alternately with evaporated milk, stirring continuously until the mixture is smooth and thick.
  5. 5
    Stir in the chopped peanuts until evenly distributed.
  6. 6
    Cover and chill the mixture in the refrigerator until firm enough to shape, approximately 45 minutes to 1 hour.
  7. 7
    While the mixture chills, place desiccated coconut in a jar with a tight-fitting lid.
  8. 8
    Add red and yellow food coloring to the coconut. Adjust amounts to achieve a bright pumpkin-orange shade.
  9. 9
    Seal the jar and shake vigorously until the coconut is evenly colored.
  10. 10
    Remove the chilled chocolate mixture from the refrigerator.
  11. 11
    Scoop out about 1 tablespoon of the mixture and roll it between your palms to form a smooth ball.
  12. 12
    Roll the ball in the colored coconut until fully coated.
  13. 13
    Insert a small piece of pretzel stick or licorice whip into the top of each ball to create a stem.
  14. 14
    Repeat with remaining mixture to make about 2 dozen candies.
  15. 15
    Chill the finished candies in the refrigerator for at least 15 minutes before serving.

Nutrition Facts

Servings 24

Amount Per Serving
Calories 1014.8kcal
% Daily Value *
Total Fat 64.2g99%
Saturated Fat 21.4g107%
Cholesterol 16.7mg6%
Sodium 207.0mg9%
Total Carbohydrate 98.2g33%
Dietary Fiber 9.5g38%
Sugars 84.5g
Protein 25.4g51%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

Keywords: halloween, jack-o-lantern, no-bake, peanut butter, chocolate, candy, coconut, dessert, halloween treat, party food, autumn, chocolate balls, peanuts, evaporated milk, food coloring, pretzel stem, licorice, fudge, easy dessert, kid friendly
Read it online: https://www.chefs-mate.com/recipe/jack-o-lantern-candy/