Save A whimsical and festive candy platter arranged to resemble a cheerful scarecrow—perfect for autumn gatherings, Halloween parties, or a fun edible centerpiece.
This candy platter has become a favorite at our fall parties, always delighting guests with its creativity and sweet variety.
Ingredients
- Base & Face: 1 round sugar cookie (8–10 inches diameter) or large round rice cake, 1/3 cup vanilla or cream cheese frosting, 2 tablespoons peanut butter (optional, for flavor)
- Decorations: 1/4 cup candy corn, 1/4 cup mini chocolate chips, 1/4 cup orange jelly beans or orange M&Ms, 1/4 cup pretzel sticks, 1/4 cup red licorice strings, 2 large marshmallows, 6–8 mini chocolate cookies (e.g., mini Oreos) for hat, 1/4 cup shredded coconut tinted yellow with food coloring (for straw hair), 1/4 cup chocolate sprinkles, 1/4 cup assorted gummy candies (for cheeks and bow tie)
Instructions
- Step 1:
- Place the large sugar cookie or rice cake on a serving platter to form the scarecrows face.
- Step 2:
- Spread an even layer of frosting over the surface. Swirl in peanut butter if using.
- Step 3:
- Arrange the tinted shredded coconut along the top and sides of the cookie to resemble straw hair.
- Step 4:
- Create the hat by lining mini chocolate cookies above the hair, using a marshmallow for the hats tip if desired.
- Step 5:
- Use chocolate chips or candies for the eyes. Slice a marshmallow in half for extra large eyes, if you like, and place a chocolate chip in the center of each.
- Step 6:
- Form a triangle nose with orange jelly beans or M&Ms.
- Step 7:
- Make a smiling mouth using red licorice strings.
- Step 8:
- Add cheeks with round gummy candies.
- Step 9:
- Decorate around the base with candy corn and additional gummies for a festive look.
- Step 10:
- Use pretzel sticks to create a bow tie beneath the face.
- Step 11:
- Scatter chocolate sprinkles for extra detail. Serve immediately or cover until ready to present.
Save Our family enjoys assembling this candy platter together each fall, creating lasting memories with every colorful decoration placed.
Tips for Coloring Coconut
Tint shredded coconut by mixing with a few drops of yellow food coloring in a sealed bag and shaking until evenly colored.
Variation Ideas
Try frosting flavors such as chocolate or maple to change up the base taste of the scarecrow face.
Allergen Information
Contains wheat (in cookies and some candies), dairy (in frosting), peanuts (if using peanut butter), soy, and possible tree nuts depending on candy and cookie brands. Some candies may contain gelatin which is not vegetarian. Always check ingredient labels carefully.
Save This playful candy platter is the perfect festive centerpiece that is sure to bring smiles and sweet enjoyment to any gathering.
Cooking Questions
- → What can I use as an alternative base?
A large round rice cake or a gluten-free cookie works well as a substitute base for this platter.
- → How do I color the shredded coconut?
Mix a few drops of yellow food coloring into shredded coconut inside a sealed bag and shake until evenly tinted.
- → Can I omit the peanut butter?
Yes, the peanut butter is optional and can be left out for a nut-free version without affecting the overall look.
- → What candies are best for the facial features?
Mini chocolate chips or halved marshmallows with chocolate centers make great eyes; orange jelly beans or M&Ms form the nose; red licorice strings create a smile.
- → How should I assemble the bow tie?
Arrange pretzel sticks neatly beneath the scarecrow's face to resemble a bow tie for a festive touch.
- → Can this platter be prepared ahead of time?
It’s best served immediately, but can be covered and refrigerated briefly before presenting to keep candies fresh.