Mandarin Orange "Pumpkin" Treats | Healthy Halloween

These cute and fun Mandarin Orange "Pumpkin" Treats will be a favorite healthy Halloween and fall snack for kids AND adults! Perfect to pack in lunchboxes and serve at school and work parties (Even if you are working and schooling from home!) .

With only 2 ingredients in this quick and easy, party food recipe idea, you can make 3 of these citrus fruit treats in less than 5 minutes! If you're looking for sweet treats to make as an alternative to purchased candy or to place on a party appetizer or charcuterie (or jarcuterie) board, this will be a big hit with all ages....and dentists!

I served these no-cook, healthy fall treats last week to a few of my girlfriends on this white pedestal plate while we planned the next Holiday Cooking Show. Then, as they left for the evening, I gave them each one pumpkin on the top of their jarcuterie cup to go.

What is jarcuterie?

Jarcuterie cups or cupcuteries are the safe alternative to everyones fingers touching everything on a charcuterie board. Everyone gets all the particulates on a charcuterie board in their own half-pint-or smaller Mason jar or plastic punch cup.

Check out my own Jarcuterie creations using some of my favorite Southern ingredients like pickled okra and blackberries in mini Mason jars.

Mandarin vs. clementine oranges?

Clementines are a type of mandarin orange similar to tangerines and satsuma oranges. They are both known for their thin, easy-to-peel skins and typically seedless which make them a perfect snack for even toddlers. While both oranges are very small, clementines are usually smaller than mandarins.

Mandarins are sold in the produce section of the grocery store in 3 pound mesh bags called "Halos". Clementines are often sold as"Cuties" or "Sweeties".

Can I substitute another orange for Mandarins?

Yes, clementines, tangerines, and satsumas are all easy to peel and about the same size. Navel oranges are much larger but peel fairly easily and would make a fun and healthy lunchbox surprise for older kids and adults.

How to make Mandarin Orange "Pumpkin" Treats

Scroll down to the bottom of this post for the detailed, printable recipe. Pictures below will help guide you as you read the recipe.

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1. Peel clementines by pushing your thumbnail straight down into the top of the orange and pulling the skins away from the fruit. You can also use this inexpensive tool to peel oranges, but honestly, they are super easy to peel by hand. (I do love the tool to peel navel oranges, though.)
2. Cut about a 1/2-inch slice of English (burpless) cucumber, regular cucumber, or even a celery stalk. Lay the slice down and cut the slice into 1/4-inch-wide wedges. Trim the middle of the cucumber wedge away, leaving you with a "stem". For the celery, cut the slice vertically to create the "stem". Continue cutting cucumber slices for as many oranges as you choose to make.
3. Push the stem down into the top of the orange pumpkins and that's it!

How can I serve these "pumpkin" treats?

• Halloween parties for kids and adults
• Lunchbox snacks
• Charcuterie boards and jarcuterie cups
• Fruit trays
• Wrapped in cellophane bags with an orange ribbon for trick-or-treating or school parties (Be sure to get parents and school permission-some schools do not allow treats at parties that are not prepackaged.)

How to store Mandarin Orange "Pumpkin" Treats

Store peeled oranges in a sealed zip-top bag or an air tight container. They will dry out if left out in the open air for a couple of hours.

Other fall snacks you will love

• No Bake Peanut Butter Energy Bites | Small Batch
• Pimiento Cheese with Fire Roasted Peppers
• 3 Ingredient Cinnamon Sugar Toasted Pecans
• Instant Pot Boiled Peanuts

If you make this recipe I'd love to see it! Tag me on social media with #gritsandgouda or @gritsandgouda. Leave a comment below the printable recipe if you have questions or tell me how you liked the recipe. Don't forget to give the recipe a rating of 5 stars if you love it!

This post was updated August 2021.