Halloween is a time for tricks, treats, and traditions. But did you know that the spooky season isn’t celebrated the same way everywhere? Different countries have their own unique Halloween-inspired treats and customs that add an extra layer of sweetness to the festivities. From Mexico’s sugary Pan de Muerto to Japan’s spooky Ghostly Mochi, let’s take a trip around the world and explore some of the most delicious Halloween candies and treats.

4 Halloween Treats from Around the World

Pan de Muerto (Mexico)

Pan de Muerto is a traditional Mexican sweet bread made for Día de los Muertos (Day of the Dead), a celebration from October 31st to November 2nd. It’s a round, soft bread topped with crossbones made from dough, symbolizing the deceased.

Ingredients:

4 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 cup sugar
2 teaspoons dry yeast
1/2 cup butter, melted
3 eggs
1/2 cup warm milk
Zest of 1 orange
1/4 cup orange juice

Instructions:

Mix flour, sugar, and yeast. Combine warm milk, orange juice, and zest in a separate bowl.
Slowly mix the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients. Add melted butter and eggs, and knead until the dough is smooth.
Let the dough rise until doubled, then shape it into a round loaf. Use extra dough to create bone-shaped decorations on top.
Bake at 350°F for 30-35 minutes. Sprinkle with sugar while still warm.

Barmbrack (Ireland)

Barmbrack is an Irish fruitcake traditionally eaten at Halloween. It’s often used for a fortune-telling game where charms are baked inside, with each item representing a different fortune.

Ingredients:

1 1/2 cups brewed tea (cooled)
1 1/2 cups mixed dried fruit
2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 cup sugar
1 teaspoon cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
1 large egg

Instructions:

Soak dried fruit in tea overnight.
Mix flour, baking powder, sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg in a bowl. Stir in the egg and soaked fruit with any remaining tea.
Pour the mixture into a greased loaf pan and bake at 350°F for 70-75 minutes.

Ghostly Mochi (Japan)

Mochi is a famous Japanese rice cake often enjoyed during festivals. During Halloween, black sesame paste or edible markers can be used to decorate the cakes with spooky ghost faces.

Ingredients:

1 cup sweet rice flour (mochiko)
1/2 cup sugar
1 cup water
Black sesame paste or edible markers

Instructions:

Mix sweet rice flour, sugar, and water until smooth. Pour the mixture into a microwave-safe dish.
Cover and microwave for 3-4 minutes, stirring halfway through.
Dust a surface with cornstarch and knead the mochi until smooth. Shape into small rounds and use black sesame paste or markers to draw ghost faces.

Poffertjes (Netherlands)

Poffertjes are mini, fluffy Dutch pancakes often served with powdered sugar and butter. During Halloween, they’re sometimes topped with orange syrup or spooky-themed sprinkles.

Ingredients:

1 cup flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
1 cup milk
1 egg
Butter for greasing
Powdered sugar for topping

Instructions:

Whisk together flour, baking powder, milk, and egg until smooth.
Heat a poffertjes pan (or use a griddle) and lightly grease with butter. Spoon batter into the small molds.
Cook until bubbles form, then flip and cook the other side until golden. Serve with powdered sugar and your favorite Halloween-themed toppings.

Local Bakeries & Candy Shops for International Treats

If you’re looking to explore some international treats or add a global touch to your Halloween, check out these local shops that often carry unique candies and baked goods from other countries:

Grand Forks, ND:
- Widman’s Candy Shop is known for its unique offerings of chocolates and candies, including a selection of imported sweets.
St. Cloud, MN:
- Copper Pony is a charming shop in Sauk Rapids that offers a range of artisanal and international candies, plus delicious baked goods perfect for Halloween.
Detroit Lakes, MN:
- Becker Pet & Garden and The Candy Store offers various retro and international candies, making it a fun stop for unique Halloween treats.
Perham, MN:
- The Gathering Grounds in Perham has a selection of artisanal chocolates and delicious baked goods that change daily.
Winona, MN:
- Bloedow Bakery is a staple in Winona and has been open since 1924. Their baked goods are made fresh daily. They offer cookies, donuts, pastries, rolls & loaves.
Alexandria, MN:
- The Sugar Shack in Alexandria has a wide range of candy, including some imported sweets. They also have cookies, ice cream, and other treats!
Fergus Falls, MN:
- The Market in Fergus Falls offers a selection of hard-to-find retro candies and other consumables.

Final Thoughts

This Halloween, take a culinary journey around the world with these spooky treats. Whether you’re baking a Pan de Muerto for Día de los Muertos, enjoying a slice of Barmbrack, or nibbling on Ghostly Mochi, there’s no shortage of delicious traditions to explore. Be sure to check out your local candy shops for a taste of global sweetness this Halloween!