Looking for a Halloween treat that’s quick to make and doesn’t need the oven? These easy gluten free ghostly bites tick every box. They started life as “Puddinis” — mini chocolate truffles made from leftover Christmas pudding — but with a little white icing and two dots for eyes, they transform into spooky little ghosts perfect for Halloween. The kids won’t even notice the festive flavour hiding underneath!
This recipe makes 10 ping-pong sized ghosts and works whether you keep everything gluten free or use your usual store-cupboard ingredients — the method is exactly the same either way.
Storage Tips
Keep the truffles in a cool, dry place and they’ll stay fresh for up to a week. If you’d rather get ahead, you can freeze the truffles for up to a month before adding the icing — just cover them once thawed and decorate before serving. This makes them a handy make-ahead option for Halloween parties.
Ingredients
- 50g / 2 oz dark chocolate
- 25g / 1 oz butter
- 10ml golden syrup
- 100g / 4 oz fruit loaf (Christmas pudding works well here!)
- 200g / 8 oz white fondant icing
- 30g / 1.5 oz icing sugar
- 1 drop black food colouring
- 1 teaspoon water
For a gluten free version, simply make sure each ingredient above is a certified gluten free product.
Equipment
- Large heat-proof dish
- Microwave
- Large spoon
- Teaspoon
- Baking tray
- Cling film
- Rolling pin
- Cocktail stick (for the eyes)
A Fun Halloween Baking Project for Kids
This is a great one to make together — little hands are perfect for rolling the truffle mixture into balls and adding the fondant “ghost” covering. It’s a low-mess, no-bake activity that fits neatly into a Halloween afternoon at home.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long do the ghostly bites keep?
Stored in a cool, dry place, they’ll stay fresh for up to a week.
Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes — you can freeze the truffles (before icing) for up to a month. Thaw, cover, and decorate just before serving.
Are these truly gluten free?
They can be, as long as every ingredient you use — including the fruit loaf, chocolate, and fondant icing — is a certified gluten free product.
Do I have to use Christmas pudding?
No, any fruit loaf works well in this recipe. Christmas pudding is simply a fun, seasonal twist that gives the truffles a festive flavour hiding under the Halloween decoration.
You May Also Enjoy
If you liked this recipe, check out our roundup of spookily easy Halloween recipes for more no-fuss treat ideas the whole family can make together.
Save This for Later
Short on time right now? Save this recipe and come back to it when you’re ready to get baking for Halloween.
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