Home Vegan Post DIY Vegan Halloween Candy Bars at Home: Homemade, Plant-Based & Fun

DIY Vegan Halloween Candy Bars at Home: Homemade, Plant-Based & Fun


Halloween season is all about treats—but that doesn’t mean you have to rely on store-bought candy loaded with dairy, refined sugars, and artificial ingredients. Making DIY vegan Halloween candy bars at home is easier than you think. With just a few simple, plant-based ingredients, you can create indulgent, festive, and cruelty-free sweets that rival any conventional candy aisle.

Whether you’re catering to kids, adults, or simply your own sweet tooth, these homemade vegan candy bars will impress everyone. They’re made with whole-food ingredients, easy to customize, and 100% free of animal products. Ready to transform your kitchen into a spooky candy-making lab? Let’s get started.

Why Make DIY Vegan Halloween Candy Bars?

Store-bought candy often contains hidden non-vegan ingredients like milk powder, gelatin, or confectioner’s glaze (made from insects). Plus, the wrappers add unnecessary waste. Making your own candy bars at home offers several benefits:

  • Completely cruelty-free: No dairy, gelatin, or animal-based additives.

  • Customizable: Adjust sweetness, flavors, and textures to your liking.

  • Cleaner ingredients: Use natural sweeteners and whole-food components.

  • Eco-friendly: Less packaging and waste.

  • Fun & festive: It’s a creative way to celebrate Halloween while staying true to vegan values.

Homemade vegan candy bars aren’t just better for you—they’re a fun family activity that brings the spirit of Halloween into your kitchen.

Essential Ingredients for Homemade Vegan Candy Bars

Before we jump into recipes, here’s a list of common vegan candy-making ingredients to have on hand:

Base Ingredients

  • Dark chocolate chips or bars (look for dairy-free versions)

  • Cocoa powder

  • Coconut oil or vegan butter

  • Nut butters (peanut, almond, cashew, or sunflower seed butter)

  • Maple syrup or agave nectar

  • Coconut cream

Sweeteners & Binders

  • Medjool dates (for caramel or natural sweetness)

  • Brown rice syrup or date syrup

  • Vanilla extract

Fillings & Add-Ins

  • Chopped nuts (almonds, peanuts, walnuts)

  • Crisped rice cereal

  • Coconut flakes

  • Dried fruit (cranberries, cherries, raisins)

  • Sea salt for balance

Tools

  • Silicone candy molds or loaf pans

  • Double boiler or microwave-safe bowl

  • Spatula and parchment paper

1. Vegan “Snickers” Bars (Caramel, Peanut & Chocolate Layers)

If you love the classic combo of peanuts, caramel, and chocolate, this vegan “Snickers” version will be your go-to.

Ingredients:

  • 1 cup pitted dates (soaked 10 minutes)

  • 2 tbsp peanut butter

  • 1 tbsp maple syrup

  • 1 tsp vanilla extract

  • 1 cup roasted peanuts

  • 1 ½ cups vegan dark chocolate chips

  • 1 tbsp coconut oil

Instructions:

  1. Blend dates, peanut butter, maple syrup, and vanilla until smooth to create a thick caramel.

  2. Spread the caramel mixture evenly into a parchment-lined loaf pan.

  3. Sprinkle peanuts evenly over the top, pressing lightly.

  4. Melt chocolate and coconut oil together in a double boiler.

  5. Pour melted chocolate over the peanuts, smoothing the surface.

  6. Freeze for 30–45 minutes, then cut into bars.

Tip: Sprinkle sea salt on top for extra flavor contrast.

2. Crispy Chocolate Rice Bars (Vegan “Crunch” Style)

These crispy vegan candy bars are simple, satisfying, and nostalgic. Perfect for trick-or-treaters or movie-night snacking.

Ingredients:

  • 1 cup dark chocolate chips

  • 1 tbsp coconut oil

  • 1 cup puffed rice cereal

  • 1 tbsp maple syrup

Instructions:

  1. Melt chocolate and coconut oil together until smooth.

  2. Stir in puffed rice cereal and maple syrup until evenly coated.

  3. Pour mixture into a parchment-lined baking dish and smooth flat.

  4. Refrigerate for 1 hour, then cut into rectangles.

Variation: Add a spoonful of peanut butter for extra richness.

3. Vegan “Twix” Bars (Shortbread & Caramel Layers)

Recreate a vegan-friendly version of the beloved Twix bar—crunchy, chewy, and chocolatey.

Ingredients:

Shortbread Base:

  • 1 cup almond flour

  • 2 tbsp coconut oil

  • 2 tbsp maple syrup

  • Pinch of salt

Caramel Layer:

  • 1 cup pitted dates

  • 2 tbsp almond butter

  • 1 tbsp coconut cream

Chocolate Coating:

  • 1 cup melted vegan chocolate

Instructions:

  1. Combine almond flour, coconut oil, maple syrup, and salt. Press into a loaf pan and bake at 350°F for 10 minutes.

  2. Blend dates, almond butter, and coconut cream until smooth; spread over cooled shortbread.

  3. Freeze 20 minutes to firm.

  4. Cut into bars and dip in melted chocolate.

  5. Chill until set.

Tip: Store in the fridge for a perfect chewy texture.

4. Coconut Almond “Bounty” Bars

These no-bake bars feature a creamy coconut filling coated in dark chocolate—a favorite for coconut lovers.

Ingredients:

  • 2 cups shredded coconut

  • ¼ cup coconut oil

  • 3 tbsp maple syrup

  • 1 cup dark chocolate chips

Instructions:

  1. Mix shredded coconut, coconut oil, and maple syrup in a bowl until sticky.

  2. Shape into small bars and place on parchment paper.

  3. Freeze for 20 minutes to firm up.

  4. Melt chocolate and dip each bar until fully coated.

  5. Return to the freezer until set.

Variation: Add a roasted almond on top of each bar before dipping for a vegan “Almond Joy.”

5. Pumpkin Spice Chocolate Cups

Add a seasonal Halloween twist with these pumpkin spice chocolate cups—a delicious fall-inspired take on peanut butter cups.

Ingredients:

  • ½ cup pumpkin puree

  • 2 tbsp almond butter

  • 1 tbsp maple syrup

  • 1 tsp pumpkin spice blend

  • 1 cup vegan chocolate chips

Instructions:

  1. Melt chocolate and spoon a thin layer into silicone muffin cups.

  2. Freeze for 10 minutes.

  3. Mix pumpkin puree, almond butter, maple syrup, and pumpkin spice.

  4. Spoon filling onto hardened chocolate, then top with another chocolate layer.

  5. Freeze for 30 minutes.

Tip: Store chilled and enjoy throughout the week—it’s the perfect spooky-season indulgence.

6. Vegan Peanut Butter Fudge Bars

These creamy peanut butter fudge bars are quick, satisfying, and free from refined sugar.

Ingredients:

  • 1 cup natural peanut butter

  • ¼ cup coconut oil

  • ¼ cup maple syrup

  • 1 tsp vanilla extract

  • Pinch of salt

Instructions:

  1. Melt all ingredients over low heat until smooth.

  2. Pour into a parchment-lined pan and refrigerate for 1–2 hours.

  3. Slice into small squares or bars.

Variation: Swirl in melted chocolate before chilling for a marbled effect.

Tips for Perfect Homemade Vegan Candy Bars

  • Use high-quality chocolate: Look for bars labeled “vegan” or “dairy-free.”

  • Don’t skip chilling time: It helps layers set properly and prevents crumbling.

  • Play with textures: Combine creamy, crunchy, and chewy ingredients for variety.

  • Store properly: Keep in the fridge or freezer to maintain freshness and firmness.

How to Make Your Candy Bars Look Spooky

Halloween is the perfect excuse to get creative! Here’s how to make your DIY vegan Halloween candy bars extra festive:

  • Add edible decorations: Drizzle with orange or white vegan chocolate.

  • Shape creatively: Use cookie cutters shaped like bats, pumpkins, or ghosts.

  • Wrap them individually: Use wax paper and tie with black or orange twine.

  • Label them with fun names: “Monster Bites,” “Witch’s Bars,” or “Ghoul’s Gold.”

  • Create a DIY candy bar station: Let guests dip, drizzle, and decorate their own.

Nutritional Benefits of Homemade Vegan Candy Bars

You can enjoy your sweets guilt-free knowing that these bars offer more than just sugar rushes:

  • Healthy fats: From nuts, seeds, and coconut.

  • Natural sweetness: From dates and maple syrup instead of refined sugar.

  • Plant protein: From nut butters and almond flour bases.

  • No additives or preservatives: Just whole, clean ingredients.

This means your candy bars aren’t just delicious—they’re packed with nutrients your body can appreciate.

Vegan Candy-Making Safety Tips for Kids

If you’re making candy bars with children, keep it safe and fun:

  1. Supervise during melting: Use a microwave or double boiler with adult help.

  2. Use silicone molds: They’re easier and safer to handle than metal pans.

  3. Keep chocolate temperatures low: Prevent burns and overcooking.

  4. Let kids decorate: It’s the most fun and mess-friendly part of the process!

Storage & Shelf Life

  • Room temperature: Up to 3 days if your kitchen is cool.

  • Refrigerator: 1–2 weeks in airtight containers.

  • Freezer: Up to 3 months—perfect for prepping Halloween week ahead of time.

To prevent sticking, place parchment paper between layers when storing.

Wrap-Up: Sweet, Spooky, and 100% Vegan

Making your own DIY vegan Halloween candy bars at home is the perfect blend of creativity, compassion, and celebration. These homemade treats are healthier, tastier, and far more satisfying than their processed counterparts.

From Vegan Twix Bars to Pumpkin Spice Chocolate Cups, you can recreate your favorite candies with a plant-based twist—proving that Halloween fun doesn’t have to come at the expense of animals or the planet.

When you’re ready to share your vegan pride (and your sweets), show it off with style by visiting The Dharma Store. Their vegan-themed t-shirts made from organic cotton are a perfect match for compassionate candy makers who love to celebrate Halloween the cruelty-free way.

So, grab your ingredients, turn on some spooky tunes, and whip up your very own vegan Halloween candy magic—because nothing’s sweeter than treating yourself and the planet kindly.