If you’re craving a nostalgic Halloween treat but want to keep it completely plant-based, this vegan candy corn recipe is exactly what you need! Candy corn is a classic sweet enjoyed by many during the fall season, but traditional versions often contain beeswax or gelatin, making them unsuitable for vegans.
This homemade version uses simple, wholesome ingredients to recreate that iconic tri-color look and sweet, melt-in-your-mouth texture. Best of all, it’s free from any animal products and artificial additives, so you can indulge guilt-free.
Whether you’re preparing treats for a Halloween party, a festive dessert table, or just want to enjoy a comforting seasonal snack, this recipe is easy to follow and yields delightfully soft and chewy candy corn pieces.
Plus, you can customize the sweetness and colors to your liking. Ready to make your own vegan candy corn?
Let’s dive in!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This vegan candy corn recipe is perfect for those wanting a homemade, plant-based alternative to store-bought candy. It’s:
- Free from animal products, including beeswax and gelatin commonly found in regular candy corn.
- Simple and natural, using common pantry ingredients like powdered sugar, maple syrup, and coconut oil.
- Customizable — you can tweak the flavors, colors, and sweetness to suit your taste preferences or dietary needs.
- Fun and festive to make with kids or friends during the Halloween season.
- Soft and chewy texture that mimics the classic candy corn experience.
Plus, making candy from scratch is always rewarding, and you’ll impress your guests with a homemade treat that’s thoughtful and delicious. If you love this, be sure to check out our Vegan Halloween Dessert Recipes That Will Wow Your Guests for more festive ideas!
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Powdered Sugar | 2 cups | Sifted for smooth texture |
| Maple Syrup | 1/4 cup | Natural sweetener |
| Coconut Oil (refined) | 2 tbsp | Makes candy creamy and chewy |
| Almond Milk (or other plant milk) | 2 tbsp | For moisture and binding |
| Vanilla Extract | 1 tsp | Enhances flavor |
| Turmeric Powder | 1/4 tsp | For natural yellow color |
| Beetroot Powder | 1/2 tsp | For natural orange color |
| Powdered Sugar (extra) | As needed | For dusting and rolling |
Equipment
- Mixing bowls (3 medium-sized)
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Spoon or spatula for mixing
- Plastic wrap or parchment paper
- Rolling pin or hands for shaping
- Knife or pizza cutter
- Baking sheet or tray
- Food-safe gloves (optional, for coloring dough)
Instructions
- Prepare the base dough: In a large mixing bowl, combine the powdered sugar, maple syrup, coconut oil, almond milk, and vanilla extract. Stir well until a soft, pliable dough forms. If the dough is too sticky, add a little more powdered sugar; if too dry, add a splash of almond milk.
- Divide the dough: Separate the dough into three equal portions, placing each in its own bowl.
- Color the dough: Add turmeric powder to one portion for yellow color, and mix thoroughly. Add beetroot powder to another portion for orange color. Leave the third portion plain white. Use food-safe gloves if you prefer to avoid staining your hands.
- Roll each dough portion: On a powdered sugar-dusted surface, roll each colored dough into a long, thin log approximately 1/2 inch thick.
- Layer the logs: Place the three logs side-by-side and gently press together lengthwise. Using a rolling pin, roll the combined logs into a slightly flattened rectangle about 1/2 inch thick.
- Cut the candy corn: With a sharp knife or pizza cutter, slice the dough rectangle diagonally into small triangular pieces to mimic traditional candy corn shapes.
- Set and dry: Arrange the pieces on a parchment-lined tray and let them sit at room temperature for 2-3 hours to firm up.
- Store your candy corn: Once firm, store the vegan candy corn in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week, or refrigerate for longer freshness.
Tips & Variations
“For the best texture, make sure your coconut oil is solid but not too hard when mixing. Melted coconut oil can make the dough too soft.”
If you want a sweeter candy, feel free to add a teaspoon of agave syrup or increase the maple syrup slightly. For a natural white color that’s a bit brighter, try using a tiny pinch of powdered calcium carbonate or white clay (food grade).
You can experiment with other natural colorings like spirulina for green or activated charcoal for black if you want to create different festive colors. For a twist on flavor, add a pinch of cinnamon or pumpkin spice to the dough.
Looking for more vegan treats? Check out our Vegan Beignet Recipe: Easy, Fluffy, and Delicious Treat for a soft, airy dessert perfect for any occasion.
Nutrition Facts
| Nutrient | Per Serving (approx. 5 pieces) |
|---|---|
| Calories | 110 kcal |
| Total Fat | 4.5 g |
| Saturated Fat | 4 g |
| Carbohydrates | 18 g |
| Sugars | 14 g |
| Protein | 0.1 g |
| Fiber | 0.2 g |
Note: Nutrition facts are approximate and may vary depending on ingredient brands and portion sizes.
Serving Suggestions
Serve your vegan candy corn as a festive snack at Halloween parties or include it in a vegan dessert platter alongside other treats like pumpkin spice cookies or chocolate-dipped pretzels.
They also make charming edible decorations for cupcakes, cakes, or jars filled with seasonal goodies. Try pairing your candy corn with a warm cup of spiced almond milk or vegan hot chocolate for a cozy fall experience.
Speaking of chocolate, you might enjoy our Vegan Chocolate Milk Recipe Easy and Delicious Guide as a perfect companion drink!
Conclusion
Making your own vegan candy corn is a fun and rewarding way to celebrate the season while sticking to your plant-based lifestyle. This recipe uses natural ingredients to create a deliciously sweet and chewy candy that captures the essence of the traditional favorite without any animal products.
Whether you’re making treats for your family, friends, or a Halloween gathering, this recipe is sure to impress and satisfy. Plus, it’s a great introduction to homemade candy making, opening the door to other vegan confections like our Copycat Vegan Recipes: Make Your Favorites at Home.
Enjoy crafting these colorful bites, and have a happy, healthy, and delicious Halloween season!
📖 Recipe Card: Vegan Candy Corn
Description: A sweet and colorful vegan candy corn made with natural ingredients. Perfect for a plant-based treat during the holidays.
Prep Time: PT15M
Cook Time: PT10M
Total Time: PT25M
Servings: 30 pieces
Ingredients
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1/2 cup powdered coconut milk
- 1/4 cup maple syrup
- 2 tablespoons coconut oil, melted
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon turmeric powder (for yellow color)
- 2 tablespoons beet juice (for orange color)
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Mix powdered sugar, powdered coconut milk, and salt in a bowl.
- Add maple syrup, melted coconut oil, and vanilla extract; stir until dough forms.
- Divide dough into three portions.
- Mix turmeric powder into one portion for yellow color.
- Mix beet juice into the second portion for orange color.
- Leave the third portion plain white.
- Roll each colored dough into thin ropes.
- Layer ropes on top of each other and press gently.
- Cut into small triangles to resemble candy corn.
- Let candy set in the fridge for 30 minutes before serving.
Nutrition: Calories: 45 | Protein: 0.2g | Fat: 2.5g | Carbs: 6g
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