A Tri-Color Treat Extravaganza: Celebrating National Candy Corn Day in Your Kitchen

National Candy Corn Day, observed annually on October 30th, gives us the perfect excuse to dive into one of autumn's most iconic and colorful treats. Despite its polarizing reputation, candy corn is a nostalgic staple of the season, and its classic yellow, orange, and white hues provide endless inspiration for festive, seasonal baking. If you're looking to bring the joy of fall flavors into your kitchen, look no further. We’ve curated a collection of creative recipes inspired by the candy corn aesthetic, transforming this controversial sweet into truly delectable desserts and drinks that are perfect for any harvest celebration or just a fun afternoon project. Get ready to mix up some delightful, sugary confections that will make every bite a celebration of this tri-colored classic!

 

Whipping Up Whimsical Candy Corn Recipes

The best way to celebrate this holiday is to get into your kitchen and create something visually stunning and deliciously sweet. The following recipes take inspiration from the bright, tiered colors of candy corn to craft fun, festive treats. These ideas go beyond simply tossing the candy into a bowl of popcorn; they integrate the vibrant look into brand new, exciting desserts that are perfect for sharing at your next fall gathering.

The Delightful Trio: Candy Corn-Inspired Creations

1. The Fluffy, Layered Waffle Delight

These vibrant waffles capture the signature look of candy corn, making them the ultimate festive breakfast or dessert. The recipe uses a basic waffle batter split into three portions and dyed to create the iconic yellow, orange, and white layers.

Ingredients

• 2 cups all-purpose flour (plus more for the waffle iron)
• 1 tbsp baking powder
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 2 large eggs
• 1 3/4 cups milk
• 1/2 cup vegetable oil
• 2 tbsp granulated sugar
• Yellow food coloring (gel preferred)
• Orange food coloring (gel preferred)
• Candy corn and whipped cream, for topping

Instructions

1. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt, and sugar.
2. In a separate bowl, whisk the eggs, milk, and oil until combined.
3. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and mix until just combined (don't overmix).
4. Divide the batter evenly into three separate bowls.
5. Leave the first portion white. Dye the second portion orange and the third portion a bright yellow, adding food coloring drop by drop until you achieve the desired hue.
6. Preheat your waffle iron. We used the Toastmaster Flip Over Waffle Maker. Lightly grease if necessary.
7. Pour a small amount of yellow batter into the waffle iron, spreading it across the bottom third of the mold. Immediately follow with the orange batter in the middle third, and finally, top with the white batter in the last third.
8. Close the waffle iron and cook according to the manufacturer's instructions until golden brown.
9. Serve warm with a generous dollop of whipped cream and a sprinkle of actual candy corn for a playful finish.

 

2. Spiced Pumpkin Latte with a Candy Corn Kiss

Embrace the cozy autumn vibes with a spiced latte served in a charming pumpkin-shaped mug. While not entirely candy corn flavored, the addition of a few candies as garnish and a white-orange-yellow layered rim gives a fun nod to the theme. This beverage perfectly blends the pumpkin spice flavor everyone loves with the visual whimsy of the holiday.

Ingredients

• 1 cup strong brewed coffee or 2 shots espresso using the TRU Fully Automatic Espresso Machine
• 1 cup milk (dairy or non-dairy)
• 2 tbsp pumpkin purée
• 1 tbsp maple syrup or sugar
• 1/2 tsp pumpkin pie spice, plus extra for garnish
• Whipped cream
• Candy corn, for garnish

Instructions

1. Combine milk, pumpkin purée, maple syrup, and pumpkin pie spice in a saucepan. Heat over medium heat, whisking constantly until steaming and frothy (do not boil).
2. Alternatively, heat the mixture in the microwave and then use an immersion blender or milk frother to create foam.
3. Pour the espresso or strong coffee into your festive mug.
4. Pour the spiced milk mixture over the coffee.
5. Top generously with whipped cream and dust with a sprinkle of pumpkin pie spice.
6. Garnish with a few pieces of candy corn on the side or on top of the whipped cream for the ultimate festive beverage presentation.

 

3. Mini Candy Corn Brownie Bites

These bite-sized brownie treats are a fun and easy way to celebrate. The rich, fudgy brownie base is topped with vibrant rings of frosting that mirror the iconic candy corn colors.

Ingredients

• 1 box of brownie mix (and necessary ingredients listed on the box)
• 1 cup butter, softened
• 3 cups powdered sugar
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 3-5 tbsp milk
• Yellow food coloring (gel preferred)
• Orange food coloring (gel preferred)

Instructions

1. Prepare and bake the brownie mix according to package directions in a mini-muffin tin or your Babycakes Cupcake Maker, creating small, round brownie bites. Let them cool completely.
2. To make the frosting, beat the softened butter until creamy. Gradually add the powdered sugar and vanilla extract. Mix in milk one tablespoon at a time until you reach a stiff but pipeable consistency.
3. Divide the frosting into three bowls. Leave the first white. Dye the second orange and the third yellow.
4. Fill three piping bags, each with a different color. Use a round tip.
5. On the flat top of each brownie bite, pipe a small, thick ring of yellow frosting on the outside.
6. Inside the yellow ring, pipe a smaller ring of orange frosting.
7. Finish with a swirl of white frosting in the very center, mimicking the layers of a candy corn piece.
8. Place a small piece of candy corn on the side for an extra festive touch.

4. The Tri-Color Treat Shake

This show-stopping layered shake is perfect for a festive Halloween party or a fun afternoon treat. It beautifully captures the candy corn aesthetic in a refreshing and delicious drink.

Ingredients

• 2 cups vanilla ice cream, divided
• 1/4 cup milk, divided
• Yellow food coloring (gel preferred)
• Orange food coloring (gel preferred)
• Whipped cream, for topping
• Chocolate syrup, for rim (optional)
• Halloween sprinkles, for rim (optional)
• Candy corn, for garnish
• Themed cookies or candies, for garnish (optional)
• Striped straw, for serving

Instructions

1. Prepare the glass (optional): If desired, dip the rim of a tall glass in chocolate syrup, then immediately dip into Halloween sprinkles to coat.
2. Make the yellow layer: In a blender (we used the Toastmaster 48oz Blender), combine 1 cup of vanilla ice cream with 2 tablespoons of milk and a few drops of yellow food coloring. Blend until smooth. Pour this mixture into the prepared glass, filling about one-third of the way. Place the glass in the freezer for 10-15 minutes to allow the layer to firm up slightly.
3. Make the orange layer: Rinse the blender. Combine the remaining 1 cup of vanilla ice cream with 2 tablespoons of milk and a few drops of orange food coloring. Blend until smooth. Carefully pour this orange layer over the yellow layer in the glass, filling the middle third. Return to the freezer for another 10-15 minutes.
4. Make the white layer: Rinse the blender again. For the top layer, you can either blend a simple vanilla milkshake (1/2 cup vanilla ice cream with 1 tbsp milk) or use store-bought whipped cream for a lighter, frothy topping.
5. Assemble: Carefully spoon or pour the white layer on top of the orange layer.
6. Garnish: Top with a generous swirl of whipped cream. Decorate with a sprinkle of Halloween sprinkles, a few pieces of candy corn, and any fun themed cookies or candies you have. Add a festive straw and serve immediately

For a bonus treat that's perfect for a party centerpiece, make sure to check out the recipe for the whimsical Mickey Candy Corn Cake Pops.

A Sweet Conclusion to Your Candy Corn Day

Embracing National Candy Corn Day is about more than just the candy; it’s about embracing the fun, color, and playfulness of the autumn season. Transforming your kitchen into a colorful bakery and creating these whimsical recipes is the perfect way to honor this classic treat. Whether you’re enjoying the layered breakfast waffles, the cozy spiced latte, or the irresistible brownie bites, you're sure to have a memorable and delicious day.

Ready to bring the sweet spirit of fall into your home? Share your favorite candy corn creations with us and tell us which recipe you’ll be making first!

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FAQs

What is National Candy Corn Day?

National Candy Corn Day is an annual holiday celebrated on October 30th, the day before Halloween, dedicated to celebrating the popular and iconic tri-colored confection, candy corn. It’s a fun, unofficial holiday that encourages people to enjoy the nostalgic sweet and create festive treats inspired by its colors.

When was candy corn invented and what was its original name?

Candy corn was invented in the late 1880s by George Renninger of the Wunderle Candy Company. It was originally called "Chicken Feed" because at the time, most Americans were farmers and candy shaped like vegetables or farm animal feed was considered popular and novel.

What gives candy corn its distinctive colors?

Candy corn gets its distinctive yellow, orange, and white colors from food-grade dyes added to the sugar, corn syrup, and marshmallow mixture. The candy is layered into its iconic kernel shape during the manufacturing process, with the yellow bottom, orange middle, and white tip.

What is the best way to store candy corn to keep it fresh?

The best way to store candy corn is in an airtight container at room temperature, away from direct sunlight or heat, which can cause the candy to melt or stick together. If stored properly, an unopened package of candy corn can last for up to nine months.