Cutie Mandarin Orange Pumpkins with Celery Stems – A Healthy Halloween Treat!
When we think of Halloween, most of us imagine sugary candy, caramel apples, and chocolate galore. While those treats have their place, sometimes it’s nice to offer something festive and healthy—especially when you’re planning a Halloween party for kids, prepping spooky lunchbox surprises, or just looking for a fun snack that won’t send little ones into a sugar spiral.
That’s where these Cutie Mandarin Orange Pumpkins with Celery Stems come in! With just two simple ingredients—mandarin oranges and celery—you can create a pumpkin patch of adorable, naturally sweet Halloween snacks. They’re bright, cheerful, and easy enough for kids to help make.
This post will walk you through everything you need to know, from ingredients and instructions to party ideas, kid-friendly tips, and creative serving suggestions.
Why Make Mandarin Orange Pumpkins for Halloween?
There are plenty of reasons to love these cute little orange pumpkins:
🎃 Healthy and delicious – Naturally sweet, packed with vitamin C, and hydrating.
🎃 Festive with no food dye or added sugar – They’re naturally bright orange and Halloween-ready.
🎃 Quick and easy to make – No cooking or baking required.
🎃 Perfect for all ages – From toddlers to teens, everyone loves a Cutie.
🎃 Great for classroom parties or allergy-safe events – Nut-free, gluten-free, and dairy-free.
🎃 Instagram-worthy snack – Bright colors and adorable presentation make these picture-perfect.
Whether you’re serving a group of kids or just want to feel festive during the Halloween season, this is a guilt-free way to enjoy spooky snacking.
Ingredients – Just Two Things!
To make your own pumpkin patch, all you need are:
- Cutie mandarin oranges (or any seedless clementines) – These are the base of your pumpkins. Choose ones that are plump, firm, and easy to peel.
- Celery stalks – You’ll slice these into small “stems” to insert into the tops of your peeled mandarins.
That’s it!
Optional add-ons:
- Either celery leaves or fresh mint leaves (for a “vine” effect)
- Candy eyes (if you want to turn them into jack-o’-lantern faces)
- Halloween-themed toothpicks for serving
How to Make Mandarin Orange Pumpkins – Step-by-Step
These little pumpkins are as fun to assemble as they are to eat. Here’s a simple step-by-step guide:
Step 1: Peel the Oranges
Carefully peel each mandarin orange, trying to keep them in one piece without breaking the segments apart. It’s okay if the top has a small opening—that’s where your celery stem will go.
Tip: Gently roll the oranges on the countertop before peeling to help loosen the skin.
Step 2: Prep the Celery
Wash your celery stalks thoroughly and pat dry. Cut the stalks into 1- to 2-inch pieces. You can also slice each piece in half lengthwise if they’re too thick. You want the stems to fit snugly into the top of each orange.
Pro Tip: Save the leafy tops of the celery for extra “pumpkin patch” flair.
Step 3: Assemble Your Pumpkins
Insert one celery piece into the center hole of each mandarin orange where the top was. That’s your pumpkin stem! If using mint leaves, tuck one in next to the celery for an added touch of greenery.
Now step back and admire your mini pumpkin patch.
Creative Ways to Serve Them
There are lots of fun ways to display your mandarin orange pumpkins. Here are a few of our favorite ideas:
Halloween Party Platter
Serve a whole tray of pumpkins with “grass” made of shredded lettuce or kale. Add a sign that says “Welcome to the Pumpkin Patch!” for a fun touch.
Bento Box Surprise
Add one or two pumpkins to a Halloween-themed bento box with ghost-shaped sandwiches, cheese stick mummies, and a handful of popcorn or pretzels.
Classroom Treat
Bring a tray to your child’s school party as a healthier alternative to candy. These are allergy-friendly and always a hit with teachers!
Halloween Snack Board
Create a spooky snack board with a mix of:
- Mandarin pumpkins
- Apple slices
- Purple grapes
- Pretzel sticks
- Mini cheese cubes
- Yogurt dip or peanut butter for dunking
Kid-Friendly Kitchen Activity
One of the best parts about this recipe is that it’s perfect for little hands. Here’s how to get kids involved:
Toddlers & Preschoolers:
- Can help peel the mandarins (with supervision)
- Push the celery stems into the top
- Count each pumpkin as they finish one
Older Kids:
- Can cut the celery with safety knives
- Add decorations like faces or candy eyes
- Help arrange the pumpkins on a tray
Turning this into a family activity makes the snack even more special. Plus, it’s a great way to start a conversation about healthy choices in a fun, seasonal way.
Fun Variations to Try
Want to add your own twist? Try one of these creative versions:
Decorate the Pumpkins
Use edible markers or melted chocolate to draw jack-o’-lantern faces on the mandarins. You can even glue on candy eyes with a dab of honey for some silly “pumpkin people.”
Candy-Free Trick or Treat Option
Instead of giving out candy, pass out individually wrapped mandarin oranges with Halloween stickers or little tags that say “You’re Boo-tiful!” or “Orange you glad it’s Halloween?”
Add Fresh Herbs
Use sprigs of rosemary, thyme, or mint in place of celery stems for a fragrant and elegant look on an adult Halloween charcuterie board.
Nutrition Benefits – A Smart Swap from Candy
Here’s why these Cutie pumpkins are more than just cute:
- Low in calories – Around 35 calories per fruit
- High in vitamin C – Helps boost immunity (especially helpful in fall!)
- Naturally sweet – No refined sugars needed
- Hydrating – High water content makes them refreshing
- Fiber-rich – Aids in digestion and keeps kids feeling full
It’s always nice to have some balance during a candy-heavy holiday. These are especially great for families who want to avoid artificial dyes and processed treats.
How to Store and Transport
Making ahead? These are best made the day of for maximum freshness, but they’ll keep well in the fridge for up to 2 days.
To store:
Place in an airtight container and refrigerate. Keep celery stems separate until just before serving so they stay crisp.
To transport:
Use a cupcake carrier or deep container with a lid to protect the pumpkins from rolling or getting squished. Wrap the tray in plastic wrap if you’re bringing them to a party.
Halloween Hosting Tip: Pair with Other Healthy Treats
If you’re looking to offer more than just one snack at your Halloween celebration, pair your Cutie pumpkins with these other fun ideas:
- Banana Ghosts – Banana halves with mini chocolate chips for eyes
- String Cheese Mummies – Wrapped in strips of tortilla or seaweed
- Apple Monster Mouths – Apple slices with nut butter and sunflower seed “teeth”
Together, they create a colorful, spooky spread that kids will devour—and parents will appreciate.
Final Thoughts: Cute, Tasty, and So Simple!
These Cutie Mandarin Orange Pumpkins with Celery Stems are a Halloween classic in our house. They’re the perfect combination of adorable, tasty, and simple—and they check all the boxes for a fun holiday snack:
- Healthy
- Budget-friendly
- Fast to make
- Kid-approved
- Classroom safe
Whether you’re making them for a school party, a Halloween playdate, or a fun after-dinner surprise, these little pumpkins bring big joy.
And let’s be honest: anything that lets us sneak some vitamins into Halloween without sacrificing fun is a win in our book.
