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How to Make Halloween Banana Ghosts & Tangerine Pumpkins

Banana ghosts with tangerine pumpkins
Looking for a fun and healthy Halloween snack for kids? These Banana Ghosts and Tangerine Pumpkins are easy to make, allergy-friendly, and perfect for classrooms, parties, or after-school treat.

A Simple, Healthy Halloween Snack that Kids will Love!

As a pediatric registered dietitian nutritionist and mom of four little ones, Halloween is one of my favorite times of the year. Not just for the costumes and creativity—but for the opportunity to get kids excited about food in playful, imaginative – and even healthy – ways.

A few years ago, I brought a tray of Banana Ghosts and Tangerine Pumpkins to my daughter’s preschool Halloween party. I wasn’t sure how they’d stack up against the candy and cupcakes. But to my surprise, the fruit was a big hit and got all gobbled up. Since then, this no-bake snack has become a yearly tradition—and a great way to balance festive fun with wholesome nutrition. Plus, the fiber in fruits and vegetables pairs well with Halloween candy to curb blood sugar spikes and crashes. Now that’s a win-win! In this blog post, you’ll learn how to make these easy and festive banana ghosts and tangerine pumpkins for Halloween.

🎃 Why You’ll Love Banana Ghosts & Tangerine Pumpkins

  • No baking required – Quick and mess-free for busy parents, caregivers, and teachers.
  • Allergy-friendly – Made with Enjoy Life Chocolate Chips for a top-8 allergen-free option.
  • Wholesome and fun – Fresh fruit that looks like Halloween treats.
  • Great for balance – Pair with a few favorite candies to help manage sugar spikes and keep kids energized and happy.
  • Perfect for all ages – Fun for toddlers through tweens and safe for classrooms.

👻 Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Banana Ghosts:

  • 2 ripe but firm bananas
  • Enjoy Life Mini Chocolate Chips (for eyes and mouth) – or your preferred brand

For the Tangerine Pumpkins:

  • 2–3 tangerines, clementines, or small mandarins (peeled)
  • 1 celery stalk, cut into small pieces for “stems”

How to Make Banana Ghosts & Tangerine Pumpkins

Step 1: Peel and Prep the Fruit

  • Peel the bananas and slice each one in half across the middle.
  • Gently peel the tangerines, removing extra pith for a clean, bright pumpkin look.

Step 2: Create the Pumpkin “Stems”

  • Cut small celery segments into ½-inch pieces.
  • Insert one into the top center of each tangerine to look like a stem.

Step 3: Make the Ghost Faces

  • Stand each banana upright.
  • Press in 2 Enjoy Life chocolate chips as eyes and 1 for a mouth.
    • Tip: If needed, use a dab of sunflower seed or other nut/seed butter to help them stick.

Step 4: Assemble and Serve

  • Arrange the banana ghosts and tangerine pumpkins on a platter.
  • Optional: Add apple slices, raisins, or grapes to make a Halloween-themed scene!

Nutritional Benefits of Banana Ghosts and Tangerine Pumpkins

Halloween is all about fun—and that includes treats! But alongside candy, it’s helpful to include foods that give your child’s body the nutrients it needs to stay steady, energized, and happy.

This snack offers:

🍌 Bananas

  • A natural source of potassium and vitamin B6
  • A great balance of fiber and carbohydrates for lasting energy

🍊 Tangerines

  • Full of immune-supporting vitamin C and antioxidants
  • Juicy and hydrating with a kid-friendly sweetness

🌱 Celery

  • Adds fiber and texture in a creative way

🍫 Enjoy Life Chocolate Chips (link here)

  • Free from top 8 allergens
  • Sweet and safe for most classroom or party settings
  • Available at many grocery stores or online

Pairing this snack with a few favorite Halloween treats helps balance sugar intake and may help prevent the common sugar highs and post-treat crashes. It’s a simple, effective way to keep kids feeling good while enjoying the holiday – teaching them that nutrition is about balance, not restriction.

Modifications & Allergy-Friendly Tips

  • For nut-free needs: Avoid nut butters and use sunflower seed butter or skip adhesives.
  • Make it a party activity: Let kids decorate their own banana ghosts and make their own tangerine pumpkins.
  • Add a side of protein: Pair with string cheese, a yogurt pouch, hard boiled eggs, etc. for a more complete snack.

These Banana Ghosts and Tangerine Pumpkins are perfect for:

  • Classroom Halloween parties
  • Lunchboxes
  • After-school snacks
  • Weekend family fun
  • Side dishes at candy stations

Best of all, they feel like part of the celebration—not a replacement or restriction. It’s about adding nutrition to the mix and helping kids feel great while enjoying the full holiday experience.

Final Thoughts

Halloween doesn’t have to be an all-or-nothing event when it comes to nutrition. Including fun, festive snacks like Banana Ghosts and Tangerine Pumpkins alongside your child’s favorite treats helps create balance, reduce sugar overload, and keep those little bodies fueled for all the excitement.

Whether you’re a parent prepping classroom snacks, an educator creating healthier holiday options, or a caregiver hosting a party, this simple recipe is sure to bring smiles—and maybe even a few giggles.

Happy Halloween and happy snacking! 🎃👻🍌🍊

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    beth conlon dietitian nutritionist new jersey

    Hi! I’m Beth Conlon, PhD, MS, RDN


    I'm so glad you're here!

    As a Pediatric and Family Nutrition Expert and mom of 4, I truly understand the ups and downs of feeding children. This is a space where you can get tips and tricks that will help you with any feeding challenges, from picky eaters to eating disorders, and more. Additionally, I'm excited to share recipes that are perfect for families.

    I can't wait to share this journey with you. If you need extra assistance, please contact me today and we can explore ways to work together.

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