Dessert Nachos
It’s the sweetest time of year! Use holiday leftovers to make decadent, delectable Dessert Nachos! Whether you’re creating a special dessert for the family or entertaining this season, Dessert Nachos are a sweet treat to serve!
2019 Update: This recipe was shared in October 2018. I updated the post to include more tips and tricks and details to make this recipe successfully. I hope you love these!
Confession time: Candy normally isn’t my jam. (I’m a baked good girl, so give me cake, hand pies, cookies and I’m happy.)
That said, there are a few times of year that I willingly dive into the candy bucket.
Halloween is one of those times. (Easter is the other.)
Today, I’m sharing a recipe that’s a bit different because it’s semi-homemade. (Yes, we’ve got some homemade elements. There are also some store-bought ones.)
And that’s A-OK. Balance is key.
Why I love this recipe:
Halloween Dessert Nachos call for some of my favorite Halloween candy and combine them into a decadent bite that’s perfect for kids and adults!
Whether you’re hosting a Halloween party or are looking for a way to consume leftover Halloween candy, this recipe is PERFECT! It’s sweet and salty… my favorite combination.
You can make this dessert recipe for a crowd or individually. (I explain below!)
One thing that I love about it is that it is very easy to customize to your tastebuds. Just keep in mind that you want the different candies to go together, flavor-wise. So gummy worms and chocolate bars might not be the best choice…
Also, dessert nachos are really versatile. You can use candy from any holiday or from any time of the year, not just Halloween.
Other Halloween recipes you should check out: Melting Monster Halloween Punch / Halloween Caramel Corn / Pumpkin Spice Sugar Cookies / Halloween Trail Mix / Pumpkin Spice Kombucha Cocktail / Caramel Corn Cookies / Halloween Rice Krispie Treats
Want a Halloween dish, but you’re not sure where to begin? Check out my Halloween Recipes landing page.
What do I need to make this recipe?
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- Sheet pan
- Parchment paper
- Silicone Basting & Pastry Brush
- Glass bowls
- Liquid measuring cup
- Hand mixer to make the whipped cream
Let’s talk ingredients!
In addition to the tools above, you’re going to need some ingredients to make this recipe, too! Chances are, you might already have some of them in your fridge or pantry. Scroll down to the recipe card for the full measurements and instructions.
Here’s what you’ll need:
- Wonton wrappers — use your favorite brand from the store. Slice them in half to where they’re in the shape of triangles instead of squares. You could use cinnamon sugar tortilla chips if you don’t want to make your own.
- Unsalted butter — we’ll use this to brush the wonton wrappers. If you don’t eat dairy products, you could use the same amount of your favorite neutral oil.
- Granulated sugar — also known as white sugar, this will add some sweetness to our wonton chips.
- Ground cinnamon — there’s no replacement for this, and it’s a total delight! Keep in mind that a little goes a long way.
- Leftover Halloween candy (or your favorite candy) — I use a combination of milk chocolate bars, Butterfingers, peanut butter cups, M&M’s and rainbow sprinkles. Feel free to use your favorite candy.
- Sweetened whipped cream — or your store bought favorite
Variations on these dessert nachos:
- Add chocolate chips instead of chocolate candies.
- Drizzle on chocolate sauce, caramel, peanut butter or more.
- Swap the whipped cream for ice cream.
Seriously—have fun with this because it’s hard to go wrong!
How to make Dessert Nachos with Candy
Make The Cinnamon-Sugar Wonton Chips
Preheat the oven. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Use a sharp knife to cut the wontons into triangles.
Combine cinnamon and sugar in a bowl, then set aside.
Place the wonton triangles on the baking sheet. Use a pastry brush to brush butter onto the wontons, then sprinkle with the cinnamon-sugar.
Bake until golden brown and crispy.
Once baked, let the chips cool completely.
Make The Dessert Nachos
Before you begin making the nachos, get out your candies. Place them in small bowls if you’re going to have little helpers assisting you make them. (I highly recommend letting your kids help because they will have a blast!)
Make the sweetened whipped cream, too. In another bowl, combine the heavy whipping cream with the powdered sugar. Beat with the hand mixer on high until the it reaches the desired consistency.
Get out your wonton chips, and choose your own adventure below…
To make individual nachos: Offer several plates for your children, family members or guests to build their own nachos on. Let them dollop the whipped cream, sprinkle candies, etc., on their wonton chips.
To make a nacho platter: Spread a layer of wonton chips on a large platter. Dollop a few spots of whipped cream on top of them, then top those with candy. Add another layer of wonton chips, then dollop additional whipped cream. Top with more candy, and serve immediately.
Erin’s Easy Entertaining Tips
When I developed this recipe, the idea was that they would make a fabulous dessert for Halloween. It’s great to consume after trick or treating.
You can double the recipe, if you’re feeding a crowd! Either serve them on a platter or let guests create their own individual nachos on their plates. (More information on this in the recipe card below.)
Also, this would be a great way to utilize leftover Halloween candy in the days after Halloween…
- Make the wonton chips early. Store at room temperature in a food storage container for up to a day in advance. Do not refrigerate because they will get mushy.
- Whip the sweetened whipped cream in advance, too. You can refrigerate it for 1-2 days before your gathering.
- Prep the candy in advance. If you need to chop Butterfinger (or another candy), do it. Place it in a bowl, cover with plastic wrap and store at room temperature. Pour all the individual candies into bowls, too, so they’re ready to go.
- Have fun! The process of these Halloween nachos takes time, but they’re fun to make with kids.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes! Instead of wonton shells, use baked apple chips as the chips. Be sure to check your candies to ensure they’re gluten free, too.
Yes, they are! The most time-consuming piece of them is baking the cinnamon sugar wonton chips.
Partially. The cinnamon-sugar wonton chips can be baked 1-2 days early. Store them in an airtight container at room temperature.
Don’t assemble the nachos until right before you plan to serve them. The sweetened whipped cream will cause the chips to become soggy.
Quick Tips and Tricks for the Best Candy Nachos
- Make ’em gluten free by using apple chips instead of wonton wrappers. You could also use gluten free cinnamon sugar tortilla chips.
- Customize them to your tastebuds! Whatever candy you love, use it! I used my favorites, and you should, too.
- Don’t be shy with the whipped cream. It’s so good and holds the nachos together.
- Drizzle with hot fudge, chocolate or caramel sauce if you’re feeling fancy!
More recipes to make with leftover Halloween candy:
If you’re in the market for a handheld dessert, Red Velvet Brownie Pops and Butterfinger Brownies are cute AND tasty.
Love cookies? Reese’s Pieces Peanut Butter Cookies and M&M Cookies are utterly delicious. So are these Candy Cookies!
Transform leftover candy into a Leftover Halloween Candy Cake!
Looking for something unique and spirit-infused? You’ve got to try Rum Gummy Bears.
Want to make this recipe?
Scroll on down to get it…
Halloween Dessert Nachos
Ingredients
Cinnamon-Sugar Wonton Chips
- 12 oz. wonton wrappers halved
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter melted
- 5 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 1 ½ teaspoons ground cinnamon
Dessert Nachos
- Cinnamon-Sugar Wontons recipe above
- 3 oz. milk chocolate bars chopped
- 1 Butterfinger Candy Bar
- 4 oz. milk chocolate peanut butter cups
- ½ cup M&M Chocolate Candies
- ¼ cup rainbow sprinkles
- ½ pint heavy whipping cream
- 2 tablespoons powdered sugar
As an Amazon Associate and member of other affiliate programs, I earn from qualifying purchases.
Instructions
Make the Cinnamon-Sugar Wonton Chips
- Preheat the oven to 400°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper, and set aside.
- Cut the wonton wrappers in halves so they are in triangular shapes.
- In a small bowl, combine the cinnamon and sugar, then set aside.
- Line the prepared baking sheet with the wontons, carefully spacing them out so they do not touch.
- Drizzle butter over the wontons, then sprinkle with cinnamon-sugar mixture.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 5-6 minutes, or until the wontons are golden brown and crisp.
- Remove from the oven, then transfer to a cooling rack.
- Repeat the process as many times as necessary until all the wonton chips are baked.
- Let cool completely once out of the oven.
Make the Dessert Nachos
- In small bowls, measure out all the individual candies.
- Place the wonton chips in a bowl or on a platter.
- In another glass bowl, pour in the whipping cream. Add the powdered sugar, and beat with the hand mixer until the consistency of whipped cream. Either store in the refrigerator or serve immediately.
- To make individual nachos: Offer several plates for guests to build their own nachos on, and let them dollop the whipped cream, sprinkle candies, etc., on their wonton chips.
- To make a platter of nachos: On a large platter, spread a layer of wonton chips. Dollop a few spots of whipped cream on top of them, then top with candy. Add another layer of wonton chips, then dollop additional whipped cream. Top with more candy, and serve immediately.
Nutrition
About the Author:
Erin Parker is a Southern gal living in Texas with her husband and two daughters. She started The Speckled Palate to share what she was cooking as a newlywed… and over the years, it’s evolved to capture her love for hosting. Specifically, the EASIEST, lowest key entertaining because everyone deserves to see their people and connect over good food. Learn more about her…
Oh my goodness, you have outdone yourself. Even though it’s not what you normally post, this recipe is definitely a fun treat!
Thank you so much, LeAndra! I’m glad you think this is a super fun treat, too!