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


Vegan Candy Bars Made Simple

Halloween is synonymous with candy, but not all sweets are created equal. Traditional candy bars are often filled with refined sugars, dairy, and artificial ingredients—not exactly what you want if you’re following a vegan lifestyle or trying to make healthier choices. Luckily, with a little creativity, you can craft your own DIY vegan Halloween candy bars at home that are cruelty-free, rich in flavor, and surprisingly easy to make.

These homemade vegan candy bars not only taste indulgent but also let you control every ingredient—from the type of sweetener you use to the level of crunch or creaminess. Whether you’re making treats for your kids, a Halloween party, or your own stash, you can enjoy classic flavors like caramel, chocolate, peanut butter, and coconut—without any dairy, gelatin, or processed junk.

And while you’re getting creative in the kitchen this spooky season, consider adding a touch of compassion to your wardrobe too. The Dharma Store offers stylish vegan-themed t-shirts made from organic cotton—perfect for Halloween or any day you want to show your plant-based pride.

Why Make DIY Vegan Candy Bars at Home?

Making vegan Halloween candy bars at home is easier than you might think—and it’s worth every minute. Here’s why:

  1. Full Control Over Ingredients: You choose natural sweeteners, unrefined oils, and cruelty-free chocolate.

  2. Allergy-Friendly Options: Great for those avoiding dairy, gluten, or nuts.

  3. Budget-Friendly: Store-bought vegan candy bars can be pricey. Homemade versions cost a fraction.

  4. Fun for the Family: Crafting candy together is a creative, kid-friendly activity that encourages mindful eating.

  5. Healthier Treats: You can use whole-food ingredients like nuts, oats, dates, and coconut for nutrient-dense sweetness.

These recipes recreate the nostalgic joy of Halloween candy—minus the guilt.

Essential Ingredients for Vegan Candy Bars

Before you start, here are some staples to keep in your vegan candy-making toolkit:

  • Vegan Chocolate: Look for dairy-free dark chocolate or semi-sweet varieties.

  • Nut or Seed Butter: Peanut, almond, sunflower, or tahini for creamy fillings.

  • Coconut Oil: Helps achieve that silky-smooth chocolate coating.

  • Natural Sweeteners: Maple syrup, agave nectar, or medjool dates.

  • Coconut Cream: Adds a rich, indulgent texture to caramel fillings.

  • Nuts and Seeds: Almonds, hazelnuts, or puffed rice for crunch.

  • Gluten-Free Oats: For chewy or cookie-style candy bases.

With these ingredients, you can replicate your favorite store-bought candy bars while keeping them vegan, gluten-free, and absolutely delicious.

1. Vegan “Snickers” Style Bars

This candy bar classic gets a plant-based makeover—complete with nougat, caramel, and chocolate.

Ingredients:

  • 1 cup almond flour

  • 2 tbsp maple syrup

  • ½ cup peanut butter

  • 1 cup pitted dates

  • 2 tbsp coconut oil

  • ¼ cup roasted peanuts

  • 1 cup melted vegan dark chocolate

Instructions:

  1. Mix almond flour, maple syrup, and 2 tbsp peanut butter to form the nougat base.

  2. Press into a parchment-lined loaf pan and freeze for 15 minutes.

  3. Blend dates, coconut oil, and remaining peanut butter for caramel.

  4. Spread over the base and sprinkle peanuts on top.

  5. Freeze for another 15 minutes, then cut into bars.

  6. Dip each bar in melted chocolate and chill until firm.

Why it works: The chewy caramel layer and crunchy nuts mimic the real thing—without dairy or refined sugar.

2. Coconut “Bounty” Bars (a.k.a. Vegan Mounds Bars)

For coconut lovers, these bars deliver tropical sweetness coated in rich chocolate.

Ingredients:

  • 2 cups shredded unsweetened coconut

  • ¼ cup coconut cream

  • 3 tbsp maple syrup

  • 1 tsp vanilla extract

  • 1 cup vegan dark chocolate

Instructions:

  1. Mix coconut, coconut cream, maple syrup, and vanilla in a bowl.

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

  3. Freeze for 30 minutes to firm up.

  4. Dip each bar in melted chocolate and refrigerate until set.

Why it works: These bars are creamy, chewy, and satisfying—proof that vegan sweets can be decadent and simple.

3. Vegan “Twix” Bars

A buttery shortbread base, gooey caramel, and chocolate topping—completely plant-based and gluten-free.

Ingredients:

  • Shortbread: 1 cup almond flour, 2 tbsp coconut oil, 2 tbsp maple syrup

  • Caramel: 1 cup soaked dates, ¼ cup coconut milk, pinch of salt

  • Chocolate: 1 cup melted vegan chocolate

Instructions:

  1. Mix almond flour, oil, and syrup for the shortbread base. Bake at 350°F for 10 minutes.

  2. Blend caramel ingredients until smooth. Spread over cooled shortbread.

  3. Pour melted chocolate on top and chill until set.

  4. Cut into bars.

Why it works: This recipe nails the balance of crisp, creamy, and rich layers—all made with whole-food ingredients.

4. Peanut Butter Crunch Bars

These bars are reminiscent of crispy peanut butter candy with a satisfying crunch.

Ingredients:

  • 1 cup puffed rice cereal

  • ½ cup peanut butter

  • ¼ cup maple syrup

  • 1 cup vegan dark chocolate

Instructions:

  1. Heat peanut butter and maple syrup until smooth.

  2. Stir in puffed rice cereal.

  3. Press mixture into a parchment-lined dish.

  4. Pour melted chocolate on top.

  5. Chill for 1 hour and cut into squares.

Why it works: No baking needed, minimal ingredients, and a delicious crispy texture.

5. Vegan Almond Caramel Bars

These resemble almond toffee bars with rich flavor and crunch.

Ingredients:

  • 1 cup almonds

  • ½ cup coconut sugar

  • ¼ cup coconut oil

  • 1 cup vegan dark chocolate

Instructions:

  1. Melt coconut oil and sugar in a pan until bubbling.

  2. Stir in almonds and spread onto parchment paper.

  3. Pour melted chocolate over the top.

  4. Let cool completely, then break into bars.

Why it works: A simple, satisfying mix of crunch and sweetness that feels gourmet but takes minutes to make.

6. Vegan “Milky Way” Bars

These bars are all about the fluffy nougat and creamy caramel—made without dairy.

Ingredients:

  • 1 cup cashews, soaked

  • ½ cup coconut cream

  • 2 tbsp maple syrup

  • 1 cup pitted dates

  • 1 cup vegan dark chocolate

Instructions:

  1. Blend soaked cashews, coconut cream, and maple syrup for nougat.

  2. Spread into a lined pan and freeze.

  3. Blend dates with a splash of water for caramel. Spread over nougat.

  4. Freeze again, then dip slices in melted chocolate.

Why it works: Creamy and indulgent, this vegan version captures the soft texture and sweetness of the original.

7. Matcha White Chocolate Bars

For something unique and elegant, try green matcha-infused candy bars.

Ingredients:

  • 1 cup cacao butter

  • ¼ cup coconut milk powder

  • ¼ cup maple syrup

  • 1 tsp matcha powder

Instructions:

  1. Melt cacao butter in a double boiler.

  2. Whisk in coconut milk powder, maple syrup, and matcha.

  3. Pour into silicone molds and chill until set.

Why it works: These are visually stunning, antioxidant-rich, and perfect for adults who love sophisticated Halloween treats.

8. Pumpkin Spice Chocolate Bars

Celebrate Halloween and autumn with seasonal pumpkin spice flavors.

Ingredients:

  • 1 cup vegan dark chocolate

  • 2 tbsp pumpkin puree

  • 1 tbsp maple syrup

  • ½ tsp pumpkin pie spice

Instructions:

  1. Melt chocolate and stir in pumpkin, syrup, and spice.

  2. Pour into molds or a lined baking dish.

  3. Chill until solid, then break into pieces.

Why it works: A seasonal spin that’s festive, cozy, and naturally vegan.

Decorating and Theming Ideas

To make your DIY vegan Halloween candy bars even more fun:

  • Add spooky toppings: Use vegan white chocolate drizzle, edible eyes, or orange and black sprinkles.

  • Use themed molds: Silicone molds shaped like bats, pumpkins, or skulls create a festive touch.

  • Wrap them creatively: Use parchment paper, twine, and Halloween stickers for eco-friendly packaging.

  • Make a candy bar platter: Combine different types of bars for a spooky dessert spread.

Tips for Perfect Vegan Candy Bars

  • Chill between layers: This ensures clean, even layers that hold their shape.

  • Use high-quality chocolate: The flavor depends heavily on the chocolate you choose—look for organic or fair-trade brands.

  • Don’t overheat chocolate: Melt it slowly to prevent separation or grainy texture.

  • Experiment with fillings: Swap peanut butter for almond, or dates for figs.

  • Store properly: Keep bars in the fridge for up to a week or freeze for longer storage.

Hosting a DIY Vegan Halloween Candy Workshop

Turn your candy-making adventure into a Halloween event. Invite friends or kids to decorate their own bars using vegan toppings like:

  • Crushed nuts or seeds

  • Coconut flakes

  • Dried fruit

  • Vegan mini marshmallows

  • Cacao nibs

It’s a fun, hands-on activity that encourages creativity while teaching that vegan treats can be just as indulgent as traditional candy.

Wrapping Up: Sweet, Spooky, and Cruelty-Free

Making DIY vegan Halloween candy bars at home is more than just a kitchen project—it’s a celebration of creativity, compassion, and conscious living. These recipes prove that you don’t need dairy, processed sugar, or animal-derived ingredients to make sweets that everyone will love.

Whether you prefer chewy caramel bars, crunchy peanut butter bites, or creamy coconut confections, you can recreate all your favorite Halloween flavors with wholesome, plant-based ingredients. And the best part? You get to share them guilt-free—knowing your treats are kinder to animals, healthier for your family, and better for the planet.

So, roll up your sleeves, melt some chocolate, and get ready to craft your very own vegan candy bars. And when you’re done, slip into your favorite vegan tee from The Dharma Store—because celebrating kindness should look as good as it tastes.