Love them or hate them, Candy Corn are the mascot of this time of year. They hide away like a vampire waiting for the sun to set, only to reveal themselves and dominate the candy consciousness for the month of October. They are inescapable to some, irresistible to others.
On Boulder Locavore we love the whimsy of the candy corn visual. Like putting a dime next to an object in a photo for scale, any glimpse of candy corn lets us know what time of year it is. Personally I love a few candy corn, appreciating their buttery overtones however finding myself quickly queasy from the sucrose overdose.
All candy corn creations need not be sweet ones. I’m at the point of October where I’m a bit sugar-saturated and craving healthier options. I liked the idea of creating a candy corn inspired smoothie, from the visual only; don’t worry, ‘there were no candy corns killed in the making of this smoothie’.
Tropical fruits provide a wonderful palette to imitate candy corn in smoothie layers. Pineapple for yellow, papaya for orange and coconut for white. Once stirred together they become a poor man’s trip to ‘the Islands’ as my Grandmother used to refer to Hawaii.
Tropical fruits are especially appealing at this sugar-laden time of year. Papaya contains loads of Vitamin C as well as the enzyme ‘papain’ which aids in protein digestion. It has an anti-inflammatory effect as well as Vitamin A and C that support better immune system health. Pineapple is very low in calories, a great source of fiber, Vitamin C and includes the enzyme ‘bromelain’ which helps digest food by breaking down protein. Bromelain also has anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer properties. It is also a good source of B-complex vitamins. Coconut is gaining great attention for all its different properties; from anti-inflammatory benefits to those for hair and skin when ingested or used topically. They offer a good source of fiber, vitamins, minerals, amino acids and electrolytes (the coconut water). Seems perfect as an anecdote for this uber-sweet time of year!
This delicious tropical smoothie is made more fun by layering it in candy corn colors. The trick to successful layering lies in chilling between layers as well as slightly tilting the glass then turning it upright as the liquid is slowly poured. Pouring it too quickly or using a funnel results in more of a pop art mixing of the layers which is also fun!
The smoothie is delicious when mixed together and sweeteners may be added to meet your preference. For the white layer banana may also be used but will not result in a pure white layer.
Recipe
Tropical ‘Candy Corn’ Smoothie
Ingredients
{Yellow Layer}
- 1 heaping cup fresh Pineapple
- Juice of 1/2 Lime
- 1/4 cup Water
{Orange Layer}
- 2 cups fresh Papaya
- 1/2 cup freshly squeezed Orange Juice (approximately 2 large Navel Oranges)
{White Layer}
- 1 cup Coconut Milk (in a carton, not from a can)
- 1/4 cup Coconut Puree or shredded unsweetened coconut
Instructions
- Place 2 16-ounce glasses in the freezer.
- Blend together the ingredient for the yellow layer until completely pureed. Pour evenly into the two glasses and place back into the freezer. Leave glasses in the freezer for at least 5 minutes.
- While the yellow layer is chilling, blend the ingredient for the orange layer.
- When 10 minutes has elaped, gently tilt the first glass and slowly pour half of the orange layer into the glass, tilting the glass upright as soon as the liquid starts to fill in on top of the yellow layer. _A second method is to place a large kitchen spoon at a 45 degree angle, with the bottom of the spoon facing up, almost touching the yellow layer. Slowly pour the orange layer onto the spoon allowing it to fill over the yellow layer. The spoon can be moved to help evenly distribute the layer (method photos shown in this cocktail recipe) Repeat with the second glass. Place glasses back in the freezer while the white layer is prepared (5 minutes at least to help thicken the mixture).
- Blend the ingredients for the white layer. Following the pouring method suggestions, layer the white mixture on top of the orange layer.
- Serve.
Nutrition
More recipes featuring Candy Corn as an ingredient or an inspiration:
Candy Corn Vodka plus Candy Corn Vodka Martini with a Pop Rocks rim
Glowing Candy Corn Vodka Jello Frogs {shots}
Candy Corn Layered Halloween Sipper {non-alcoholic}
Melanie @ Carmel Moments says
This looks so fun! I definitely need to try it. Love pineapple and coconut together.
Pinned to our coconut obsession board. 🙂
Have a fabulous day!
Toni Dash says
Thank you Melanie. I love all these flavors and it does taste like vacation! I think the enzymes in the tropical fruits are a great compliment to the fatty and sweet foods right now too.
Brianne @ Cupcakes & Kale Chips says
Toni, this is so adorable! I could drink it any time of the year!
Toni Dash says
Thank you Bianne, I agree! Something about tropical fruit as we get into the heavy food and sweets time of year feels to lighten everything up, doesn’t it?
Lauren Kelly Nutrition says
I absolutely love this! Can’t wait to make them for my kids!
Toni Dash says
Mine loved it Lauren, I hope yours will too!
heather @french press says
PERFECT Halloween morning breakfast! and it sounds delicious
Toni Dash says
I was thinking the same think about breakfast Heather! I always try to ply my Trick-or-Treaters with some healthy fun food before the night of candy bingeing!
Christie - Food Done Light says
This is so adorable Toni. I love the healthy take on candy corn. I bet my little one would drink this smoothie.
Toni Dash says
My taste tester guzzled it down with gusto! It’s such a delicious combination of fruits and candidly if the fruit is ripe I don’t feel any additional sweetener is needed.
Anne-Marie @ This Mama Cooks! On a Diet says
I love how you turned something rather nasty and unhealthy into something delicious and nutritious. Brava!
Toni Dash says
Thank you Anne-Marie! I feel like healthy options should still be festive and fun.
Nancy P.@thebittersideofsweet says
I am doing a candy corn themed birthday party for my daughter! This would fit in perfectly!
Toni Dash says
Nancy that sounds so cute and fun! Fortunately there are so many candy corn things you could make other than just letting the tots eat the real stuff.
janelle says
I adore this! such a fun Halloween treat!
Toni Dash says
Thanks Janelle; I’m so glad you like it! Treats should JUST be sugar-laden, right?
Beth @ The First Year says
I adore this smoothie since I am totally experiencing the sugar saturation syndrome!
Toni Dash says
Thanks Beth. I’m craving water and healthy foods. Candy no longer feels like a treat!
Meg @ The Housewife in Training Files says
Gotta say, I am on the love it side! But I reallyyyy love your healthy candy corn smoothie! So colorful and perfect for this week!
Toni Dash says
Thanks Meg. I have a bit of a tortured relationship with candy corn at this time of year. After living together for a month now, I won’t be too teary eyed to say goodbye!