But Halloween’s dark origins date back to the times of the Salem Witch Trials and the Black Plague.

Halloween, or All-Hallows Eve as it was once known, originates from the Celtic festival of Samhain (pronounced sow-in) when people would mark the end of the harvest season and the beginning of the harsh winter. It was believed that on this day, the lines between the worlds of the dead and the living were blurred.

It seems we have the American’s to thank for many of our favourite Halloween treats. In the late 1800s, there was a move to turn the holiday into a more community-focused event than the celebration of ghosts and ghouls that occurred across Europe. Led by local media and community leaders, Americans began to celebrate a more family-friendly Halloween, involving parties, fancy-dress and, of course, plenty of sweet treats.

Traditional Treats

TOFFEE APPLES

Toffee apples inspire nostalgic memories of fairgrounds and bonfire night, but they’re also a popular Halloween treat. They were once a popular trick-or-treat offering until pre-wrapped sweets became the favourite. Toffee apples are simple but definitely a crowd-pleaser. Try this recipe from Delicious Magazine, or for a spooky twist, try Simply Delicious Food’s 'Poison' Toffee Apples.

PUMPKIN

At this time of year, the humble pumpkin is transformed into a culinary super-star. We scoop out its innards to make room for tealights and then cook the flesh into a plethora of treats. Pies, pancakes and muffins are popular choices but dig a little deeper and you’ll find that the possibilities are endless. We love these Pumpkin Spiced Doughnuts with Maple Glaze by Olive Magazine.

CHOCOLATE

It’s almost impossible not to associate Halloween with chocolate. Remember the thrill of receiving your favourite chocolate bar whilst trick-or-treating as a child? While you may be too old to don a costume and beg for sweets, there is a grown-up way to enjoy your chocolate of choice – make your own. Why not try this simple recipe for homemade Twix bars?

Creative Concoctions

Kids and adults alike will love making and eating these Monster Apple Bites by Unicorn Hat Party – and they’re so healthy!

If you’re looking for a simple dish that looks really impressive (and gory) and tastes delicious, look no further than Homemade Hooplah’s Brain Dip, made with red velvet cake mix and cream cheese frosting. Perfect served with these Witch Finger Cookies by Recipe Girl.

These Blood Drip Cupcakes by Delish are a full production, complete with ‘broken glass’ sugar shards and seeping blood.

Halloween, Vegan Style

It’ll be love at first bite with these delicious vegan treats. 

These adorable Ghost Cupcakes by Wallflower Kitchen are so simple but so effective! They are also low fat and low calorie, so there’s no trick with this treat.

Gluten-free, vegan and paleo – this Chocolate Pumpkin Tart by Unconventional Baker is anything but evil. Top with a chocolate spider to really get into the Halloween spirit.

For something spookily simple, try these Graveyard Pudding Cups by Namely Marly. These can be decorated in so many ways, so get creative!