There’s a special kind of magic that swirls in the air as October unfolds. It’s a season of crisp leaves, cozy sweaters, and the thrilling, playful spookiness of Halloween. At the heart of this celebration is, of course, the candy. While the annual ritual of trick-or-treating brings its own unique joy, there’s an even deeper, more rewarding magic to be found in creating your own Halloween treats. Stepping away from the store-bought bags and into your own kitchen opens up a world of creativity, flavour, and fun that simply can't be found on a shelf. It’s about transforming simple ingredients into ghoulishly delightful creations that are as fun to make as they are to eat.

The modern world of home baking, fueled by the endless creativity of platforms like Pinterest and TikTok, has redefined what homemade Halloween candy can be. It’s no longer just about popcorn balls and candied apples; it's about whimsical monster barks, elegant pumpkin truffles, and clever copycat versions of your favourite chocolate bars. Making your own treats is an act of love, a way to add a personal touch to your Halloween party, a fun project to do with the kids, or a cozy way to spend an afternoon watching scary movies. This curated list of 10 homemade Halloween candies is your guide to all treats, no tricks. We've gathered a collection of recipes that are impressive, delicious, and, most importantly, achievable for home cooks of all skill levels. Prepare to unleash your inner mad scientist and create some spooktacular sweets that will be the talk of the neighbourhood.

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1. The Spooktacularly Simple Crowd-Pleaser: Monster Bark

The Vibe & Why You'll Love It: This is the ultimate low-effort, high-impact Halloween treat. It's vibrant, chaotic, and completely customizable, making it the perfect project for kids. The combination of crunchy graham crackers, sweet candy melts, and the silly surprise of candy eyeballs is pure, uncomplicated fun.

The Trending Twist: Bark has become a go-to treat for every holiday, and Halloween is no exception. The "monster" theme is a massive trend on social media because it's so forgiving—the messier and more chaotic it looks, the better! There's no need for precision, just a playful spirit.

Key Ingredients & The "Why":

• Graham Crackers: These provide a sturdy, slightly sweet, and crunchy base that perfectly complements the candy topping.

  
  

• Candy Melts: Available in a rainbow of colours, these are the key to the vibrant, monstrous look. They are easy to melt and set up quickly, making them very user-friendly.

• Candy Eyeballs and Sprinkles: These are the essential finishing touches that bring the "monster" theme to life.

  
  

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Prepare Your Base: Line a large, rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper. Arrange a single layer of graham crackers on the paper, breaking them as needed to fit snugly.

2. Melt the Candy: In separate microwave-safe bowls, melt your chosen colours of candy melts according to package directions, typically in short 30-second intervals, stirring in between until smooth.

   
   

3. Create the Monster Canvas: Pour one of the melted candy colours (a base like green or purple works well) over the graham crackers and spread it into an even layer with an offset spatula.

4. Get Messy: Immediately, dollop and drizzle the other melted candy colours randomly over the base layer. Use a toothpick or the tip of a knife to gently swirl the colours together for a marbled, monstrous effect.

5. Decorate: While the candy is still wet, go wild with the decorations. Sprinkle generously with Halloween-themed sprinkles and press candy eyeballs all over the surface.

6. Chill and Crack: Place the baking sheet in the refrigerator for about 15-20 minutes, or until the bark is completely firm. Once set, break it into irregular, monster-sized pieces.

Pro-Tips for Success:

• Work quickly, as candy melts can begin to set up fast. Have all your sprinkles and eyeballs ready to go before you start decorating.

• For an extra layer of flavour, you could use a chocolate graham cracker base. This treat pairs wonderfully with a warm, comforting drink like this Mummy's Apple Cider, creating a perfect snack for a chilly evening.

2. The Nostalgic Classic: Candy Corn Popcorn Balls

The Vibe & Why You'll Love It: Popcorn balls are a taste of pure, old-fashioned Halloween nostalgia. This version gets a festive upgrade with the addition of candy corn and salty peanuts, creating an irresistible sweet-and-salty combination that’s both chewy and crunchy.

The Trending Twist: While a classic, popcorn balls are seeing a resurgence as people look for simple, from-scratch treats. The modern twist is often in the mix-ins, adding contrasting textures and flavours like nuts, chocolate candies, or festive sprinkles to the traditional marshmallow base.

Key Ingredients & The "Why":

• Popcorn: The light, airy base. Make sure it's plain and unsalted to control the final flavour.

• Marshmallows and Butter: This classic combination melts into a sticky, sweet "glue" that binds everything together.

• Candy Corn: The iconic Halloween candy adds a chewy texture and a honeyed, vanilla flavour.

• Salty Peanuts: These are crucial for balance, providing a savoury crunch that cuts through the sweetness of the marshmallows and candy corn.

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Prepare the Popcorn: Pop your popcorn kernels and place the popped corn in a very large, heatproof bowl. Remove any un-popped kernels.

2. Melt the Marshmallow Mixture: In a large saucepan over low heat, melt the butter. Add the marshmallows and stir continuously until they are completely melted and smooth.

3. Combine: Pour the melted marshmallow mixture over the popcorn. Use a buttered spatula to gently fold and stir until the popcorn is evenly coated.

4. Add the Mix-Ins: Let the mixture cool for a minute or two (so it doesn't melt the candy corn), then fold in the candy corn and salty peanuts.

5. Form the Balls: Grease your hands generously with butter or cooking spray. This is a non-negotiable step to prevent a sticky disaster! Scoop up a portion of the warm mixture and press it firmly into a ball.

6. Cool and Set: Place the formed popcorn balls on a sheet of parchment or wax paper to cool and set completely.

Pro-Tips for Success:

• Work quickly while the mixture is still warm and pliable. If it starts to get too stiff, you can warm it in the microwave for a few seconds.

• To hand these out to trick-or-treaters or party guests, wrap each ball individually in cellophane and tie with a festive Halloween ribbon.

3. The Elevated Copycat: Homemade Peanut Butter Cups

The Vibe & Why You'll Love It: Reese's Peanut Butter Cups are arguably one of the most beloved candies of all time. This homemade version captures that perfect marriage of salty, creamy peanut butter and rich chocolate but allows you to elevate it with higher-quality ingredients.

The Trending Twist: "Copycat" recipes are a huge trend, as home cooks love the challenge of recreating their favourite commercial treats. The modern twist here is the finishing touch: a sprinkle of flaky sea salt. As explained by culinary resources like Salt Fat Acid Heat, salt doesn't just make things salty; it enhances and balances sweetness, making the chocolate taste more chocolatey and the peanut butter more peanut-buttery.

Key Ingredients & The "Why":

• Good-Quality Chocolate: Using a high-quality chocolate (either semi-sweet or milk, depending on your preference) will make a world of difference in the final taste.

• Creamy Peanut Butter: Use a standard commercial creamy peanut butter like Jif or Skippy. Natural peanut butters that separate can result in a grainy, oily filling.

• Powdered Sugar: This sweetens and thickens the peanut butter filling, giving it that familiar, slightly fudge-like consistency.

• Flaky Sea Salt: The optional but highly recommended finishing touch for a gourmet feel.

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Prepare the Liners: Place mini or standard-sized paper cupcake liners into a muffin tin.

2. Melt the Chocolate: Melt your chocolate chips or chopped chocolate in the microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until smooth.

   
   

3. Create the Base: Spoon a small amount of melted chocolate into the bottom of each liner, just enough to cover it. Use the back of the spoon to push the chocolate slightly up the sides.

4. Make the Filling: In a separate bowl, mix together the peanut butter and powdered sugar until a smooth, thick dough forms.

5. Assemble the Cups: Roll the peanut butter mixture into small balls and flatten them into discs. Place one peanut butter disc into each chocolate-lined cup.

6. Top with Chocolate: Spoon more melted chocolate over the top of the peanut butter filling, making sure to cover it completely and seal the edges.

7. Finish and Chill: While the chocolate is still wet, sprinkle a few flakes of sea salt on top of each cup. Place the muffin tin in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes, or until the chocolate is firm.

Pro-Tips for Success:

• For an extra creamy filling, add a tablespoon of softened butter to the peanut butter and sugar mixture.

• This is a great base recipe to experiment with. Try adding a layer of this Quick Caramel Apple Fudge filling for a decadent surprise.

4. The Surprising & Foolproof Favourite: Homemade Butterfingers (with a Secret Ingredient!)

The Vibe & Why You'll Love It: This recipe is a brilliant piece of kitchen magic. It takes one of Halloween's most divisive candies—candy corn—and transforms it into the crispy, crunchy, peanut-buttery layers of a homemade Butterfinger bar. It's a fun, surprising, and incredibly clever recipe.

The Trending Twist: "Ugly duckling" recipes that transform a misunderstood or disliked ingredient into something delicious are a viral sensation. This recipe is the ultimate redemption story for candy corn.

Key Ingredients & The "Why":

• Candy Corn: This is the secret ingredient. When melted, the sugar, corn syrup, and fondant in candy corn create a unique, slightly grainy, and crispy texture that perfectly mimics the inside of a Butterfinger.

• Peanut Butter: Provides the essential nutty, savoury flavour.

• Chocolate Candy Coating: For dipping the bars and creating that classic chocolate shell.

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Melt the Candy Corn: In a microwave-safe bowl, melt the candy corn in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until it is completely melted and smooth. Be careful, as melted sugar is extremely hot.

2. Add Peanut Butter: Immediately stir the creamy peanut butter into the melted candy corn until fully combined.

3. Set the Filling: Pour this mixture into a parchment-lined baking dish and spread it into an even layer. Let it cool and harden completely.

4. Cut and Dip: Once firm, cut the candy corn-peanut butter mixture into small, bite-sized bars. Melt your chocolate candy coating. Dip each bar into the melted chocolate, ensuring it is fully coated.

5. Cool: Place the dipped bars on a sheet of parchment paper and let the chocolate set completely.

Pro-Tips for Success:

• Work quickly, as the melted candy corn mixture will start to harden as it cools.

• For an even more authentic flavour, use a peanut butter with a robust, roasted flavour. For a different but equally delicious nut-based treat, consider the flavours in this Easy Satay Chickpea and Quinoa Salad.

5. The Sweet & Salty Spook: Mummy Pretzels

The Vibe & Why You'll Love It: These are the epitome of a cute, easy, and festive Halloween treat. The combination of salty, crunchy pretzel, sweet white candy coating, and the silly googly eyes is irresistible. They are incredibly simple to make and perfect for party favours.

The Trending Twist: "Mummy" themed treats are a perennial Halloween favourite on social media. The simple act of drizzling white chocolate to create "bandages" is an easy and effective decorating technique that works on everything from cookies to hot dogs.

Key Ingredients & The "Why":

• Pretzel Rods or Twists: The salty, crunchy base.

• White Candy Melts or White Chocolate: For the mummy "bandages." Candy melts are often easier to work with as they don't require tempering.

• Candy Eyeballs: The essential component for giving your mummies personality.

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Melt the Coating: Melt your white candy melts or white chocolate in a tall, narrow glass or mug in the microwave until smooth.

2. Dip the Pretzels: Dip each pretzel rod into the melted coating, leaving a small section at the bottom uncovered to act as a handle. Place the dipped pretzels on a sheet of parchment paper.

3. Add the Eyes: While the coating is still wet, press two candy eyeballs onto each pretzel.

4. Create the Bandages: Allow the base coat to set completely. Then, re-melt the remaining candy coating if needed and transfer it to a piping bag or a zip-top bag with a tiny corner snipped off. Drizzle the coating back and forth over the pretzels in a random, crisscross pattern to create the look of mummy bandages.

5. Set Completely: Let the pretzels set completely at room temperature or for a few minutes in the fridge until the candy is hard.

Pro-Tips for Success:

• Add a tiny bit of coconut oil or vegetable shortening to your melted candy melts to make them a bit thinner and easier to drizzle.

• If you enjoy the sweet and salty combination, you'll love this recipe. For a more complex savoury meal, try the Ultimate Hearty Garbanzo Bean Soup.

6. The Elegant Autumn Indulgence: Pumpkin Truffles

The Vibe & Why You'll Love It: These truffles are a sophisticated and elegant treat that captures the quintessential flavour of autumn. They are creamy, spiced, and feel like a gourmet confection from a high-end chocolate shop, but are surprisingly simple to make.

The Trending Twist: Pumpkin spice everything is a cultural phenomenon, and this trend extends to candy. These truffles take the beloved flavours of a pumpkin spice latte and transform them into a decadent, bite-sized treat.

Key Ingredients & The "Why":

• White Chocolate: Forms the base of the truffle ganache, providing a sweet, creamy canvas for the other flavours.

• Pumpkin Puree: The star ingredient, providing authentic pumpkin flavour. Be sure to use 100% pure pumpkin puree, not pumpkin pie filling.

• Pumpkin Pie Spice: A blend of cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cloves that provides the signature warming spice flavour.

• Graham Cracker Crumbs: Mixed into the filling, these add a subtle texture and a flavour reminiscent of a pumpkin cheesecake crust.

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Make the Ganache: In a saucepan, gently heat the pumpkin puree and pumpkin pie spice. Pour the hot pumpkin mixture over chopped white chocolate in a bowl and let it sit for a few minutes to melt the chocolate. Stir until a smooth, thick ganache forms. Stir in the graham cracker crumbs.

2. Chill the Filling: Cover the bowl and refrigerate the ganache for at least an hour, or until it is firm enough to scoop and roll.

3. Roll and Dip: Scoop the chilled ganache and roll it into small, bite-sized balls. You can then dip these balls in melted white, milk, or dark chocolate.

4. Decorate: While the chocolate coating is still wet, decorate with festive orange and black sprinkles.

   
   

Pro-Tips for Success:

• After adding the pumpkin puree, the ganache may seem a bit loose. Trust the chilling process—it will firm up perfectly.

• For another comforting and flavourful fall dish, consider making this Easy Simple Summer Veg and Chickpea Traybake.

7. The Witch's Classic Creation: Spiced Candied Apples

The Vibe & Why You'll Love It: No Halloween is complete without the iconic candied apple. This recipe creates a stunning, ruby-red, glass-like shell that shatters with a satisfying crack when you bite into it, revealing a crisp, tart apple beneath.

The Trending Twist: While a timeless classic, candied apples are getting modern makeovers. This version uses red cinnamon candies to infuse the coating with a warm, spicy flavour, elevating it beyond a simple sugar shell. The "poison apple" look, with a deep, dark colour, is also a huge trend.

Key Ingredients & The "Why":

• Apples: Use a firm, tart apple like a Granny Smith. The tartness provides a crucial balance to the intense sweetness of the candy shell.

• Sugar, Corn Syrup, and Water: This is the classic trio for making a hard candy coating. The corn syrup is an "interfering agent" that prevents the sugar from crystallising, ensuring a smooth, glass-like finish. This process is detailed by confectionary experts at The Spruce Eats.

• Red Cinnamon Candies: These melt into the sugar syrup, providing both a vibrant red colour and a delicious spicy flavour.

  
  

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Prepare the Apples: Wash and thoroughly dry your apples. Removing the waxy coating is crucial for the candy to stick. Insert a sturdy popsicle stick or wooden skewer into the stem end of each apple.

   
   

2. Make the Candy Syrup: In a deep, heavy-bottomed saucepan, combine the sugar, corn syrup, water, and cinnamon candies.

3. Boil to Hard Crack Stage: Cook the syrup over medium-high heat, without stirring, until it reaches the "hard crack" stage, which is 300-310°F (149-154°C) on a candy thermometer. This step is precise and a candy thermometer is essential.

4. Dip the Apples: Working quickly and carefully, tilt the pan and dip each apple into the hot syrup, swirling to coat it completely.

   
   

5. Cool and Harden: Place the dipped apples on a greased sheet of parchment paper to cool and harden completely.

Pro-Tips for Success:

• Safety First: Melted sugar is extremely hot and can cause severe burns. This is a recipe for adults to handle, with kids watching from a safe distance.

• Be sure your apples are completely dry. Any moisture will cause the candy coating to slip off.

8. The Rich & Dreamy Indulgence: Foolproof Peanut Butter Fudge

The Vibe & Why You'll Love It: Fudge can seem intimidating, but this recipe is practically foolproof. It's incredibly rich, dense, and creamy, with an intense peanut butter flavour that is absolutely irresistible.

The Trending Twist: "No-fail" or "foolproof" fudge recipes are incredibly popular because they remove the need for candy thermometers and precise cooking times. This version uses marshmallow fluff or melted marshmallows as a stabilizer, which guarantees a smooth, creamy set every time.

Key Ingredients & The "Why":

• Peanut Butter: The star of the show.

• Butter and Evaporated Milk: Provide the richness and creamy liquid base.

• Sugar: For sweetness.

• Marshmallow Fluff: The secret ingredient that ensures a consistently smooth, non-grainy texture without the stress of traditional fudge-making.

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Prepare the Pan: Line a square baking dish with parchment paper.

2. Boil the Base: In a saucepan, combine the butter, evaporated milk, and sugar. Bring to a rolling boil and cook for a few minutes, stirring constantly.

3. Mix in the Magic: Remove the pan from the heat and immediately stir in the peanut butter and marshmallow fluff until completely smooth and combined.

4. Set the Fudge: Pour the mixture into the prepared pan and spread it into an even layer.

5. Chill: Let the fudge cool at room temperature or in the refrigerator until completely firm. Once set, cut into small squares.

Pro-Tips for Success:

• For a "Reese's" style fudge, you can pour a layer of melted chocolate on top before chilling.

• If you enjoy fudge, you'll love the decadent flavours in this Easy and Romantic Weeknight Vegan Marry Me Pasta.

9. A Playful Autumn Treat: Quick Caramel Apple Fudge

The Vibe & Why You'll Love It: This is another incredibly quick and easy fudge recipe that perfectly captures the flavours of a classic caramel apple. It's sweet, chewy, and has a lovely hint of fruitiness.

The Trending Twist: "Microwave fudge" or 10-minute fudge recipes are a viral trend for their speed and simplicity. This recipe uses dulce de leche and white chocolate chips to create a soft, quick-setting fudge without any complicated steps.

Key Ingredients & The "Why":

• Dulce de Leche: This thick, caramel-like sauce made from sweetened milk provides a deep, rich caramel flavour and a soft, chewy texture.

• White Chocolate Chips: These provide the structure and sweetness for the fudge.

  
  

• Chopped Dried Apples: These add a chewy texture and a concentrated apple flavour that runs throughout the fudge.

  
  

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Melt and Combine: In a microwave-safe bowl, combine the dulce de leche and white chocolate chips. Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until completely melted and smooth.

   
   

2. Stir in Apples: Fold the chopped dried apples into the fudge mixture.

3. Set: Pour the mixture into a parchment-lined pan, spread evenly, and refrigerate until firm.

4. Cut and Serve: Once set, cut the fudge into small squares.

Pro-Tips for Success:

• A sprinkle of cinnamon or apple pie spice in the fudge mixture will enhance the fall flavours.

• If you enjoy apple-flavoured treats, consider this Mummy's Apple Cider as a perfect pairing.

10. The Bite-Sized Chocolate Favourite: Classic Buckeyes

The Vibe & Why You'll Love It: Buckeyes are a beloved candy from the American Midwest. They are essentially a ball of creamy peanut butter fudge dipped in chocolate, leaving a small circle of peanut butter showing at the top to resemble the nut from the Buckeye tree. They are easy, no-bake, and incredibly addictive.

The Trending Twist: Buckeyes are a classic, but their popularity spreads far and wide on recipe-sharing sites like Pinterest. They are the perfect make-ahead candy for parties and holidays.

Key Ingredients & The "Why":

• Peanut Butter, Butter, and Powdered Sugar: This trio creates the rich, sweet, and firm peanut butter filling.

• Semi-Sweet Chocolate: The slightly bitter notes of semi-sweet chocolate provide the perfect balance to the sweet filling.

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Make the Filling: In a bowl, beat together the peanut butter, softened butter, and powdered sugar until a stiff, but rollable, dough forms.

2. Roll and Chill: Roll the peanut butter mixture into small, one-inch balls and place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Insert a toothpick into the top of each ball. Chill in the freezer for about 30 minutes until firm.

3. Dip in Chocolate: Melt the semi-sweet chocolate. Holding a peanut butter ball by the toothpick, dip it into the melted chocolate, leaving a small circle at the top uncovered.

   
   

4. Set: Return the dipped buckeyes to the parchment paper, remove the toothpick, and smooth over the small hole. Let the chocolate set completely.

Pro-Tips for Success:

• Chilling the peanut butter balls is a crucial step. It helps them hold their shape when dipped in the warm chocolate.

• For another delicious peanut-based recipe, try the sauce in this Easy Satay Chickpea and Quinoa Salad.

• If you enjoy the combination of chocolate and peanut butter, you'll love this Peanut Butter Fudge recipe, which offers a similar flavour profile in a different form.

Shop the Look: Sourcing Your Halloween Candy-Making Essentials

Creating these amazing treats is even more fun with the right supplies. Here’s where to find what you need:

• For Candy Making Supplies: Platforms like Amazon, Wilton, or specialty cake decorating stores are fantastic for finding candy melts in every colour, a wide variety of festive sprinkles, candy eyeballs, and essential tools like candy thermometers and popsicle sticks.

• For Themed Packaging: If you plan to give your homemade candy as gifts or party favours, check out Etsy or Party City for cute Halloween-themed cellophane bags, boxes, and ribbons.

• For High-Quality Ingredients: For items like premium chocolate for dipping, flaky sea salt, or pure pumpkin puree, a well-stocked supermarket or a specialty food store like Whole Foods or Williams Sonoma will have what you need.

Conclusion

This Halloween, step away from the mundane and into the magical world of homemade candy. The joy of creating these treats—from the chaotic fun of a monster bark to the elegant simplicity of a pumpkin truffle—is a special kind of holiday magic in itself. These ten recipes are more than just instructions; they are an invitation to play, to get creative, and to share something truly unique and delicious with the people you care about. They prove that you don't need to be a professional confectioner to craft impressive, memorable, and spooktacular sweets. So, gather your ingredients, put on a spooky playlist, and get ready to create some delicious memories that will last long after the last candy has been enjoyed.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What's the best way to store homemade Halloween candy? Most of these candies should be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. Fudge and peanut butter cups can also be stored in the refrigerator if your home is warm.

2. I'm not experienced with making candy. Which of these recipes is the most beginner-friendly? The Monster Bark, Mummy Pretzels, and the Foolproof Peanut Butter Fudge are the most beginner-friendly. They require no special equipment like a candy thermometer and are very forgiving.

3. How can I make some of these candies more allergy-friendly? For nut allergies, the Monster Bark and Mummy Pretzels are great options (just ensure your sprinkles are nut-free). For gluten-free options, use gluten-free graham crackers for the bark. Many of these recipes can be adapted with dairy-free chocolate and butter alternatives. Always check your labels.

4. What's the secret to melting candy melts and chocolate smoothly? Always use the microwave at a lower power setting (like 50%) and in short, 30-second intervals. Stir well between each interval, even if it doesn't look fully melted. The residual heat will continue to melt the chocolate and prevent it from scorching.

5. Can I make these candies ahead of time for a party? Yes! Most of these recipes are perfect for making ahead. Fudge, buckeyes, and peanut butter cups can be made several days in advance and stored in the fridge. Barks and pretzels are best made 1-2 days ahead to ensure they stay crisp.

6. My candied apples turned out sticky instead of hard. What went wrong? This almost always means the sugar syrup did not reach the "hard crack" stage (300-310°F / 149-154°C). Using a candy thermometer is essential for this recipe. High humidity can also affect the final texture, so try to make them on a dry day if possible.

7. How can I involve my kids in making these candies? Kids are perfect for the decorating stages! They can sprinkle the toppings on the barks, place the candy eyeballs on the mummies and monsters, and help form the popcorn balls (once the mixture has cooled enough to handle).

8. What is a good way to package these for giving away? Clear cellophane bags tied with festive Halloween ribbon are a simple and classic way to package most of these treats. For fudge or barks, small decorative boxes lined with parchment paper look very professional.

   
   

9. I don't have a candy thermometer. Can I still make the candied apples? It is very difficult and not recommended, as the temperature is crucial. However, you can test the sugar syrup by dropping a small amount into a glass of ice water. At the hard crack stage, it will form hard, brittle threads that break when you try to bend them. A guide to these stages can be found at The Exploratorium.

10. Can I use natural peanut butter for the peanut butter cups or buckeyes? It's not recommended. Natural peanut butters, which contain only peanuts and salt, tend to separate, which can result in a grainy and oily filling. A stabilized commercial peanut butter will give you the creamiest, most authentic texture.