Growing up, my mother was a total Halloween pusher. This probably explains my undeniable love for the holiday. Must be hereditary–it’s in my blood…
It was never good enough that I wanted to be a Fairy Princess or a Ballerina. Oh no, in preparation for my costume, my mother would always say to me, “Why don’t you be a scary zombie? Or instead of a princess, be a headless one? Be spooky! That’s what Halloween is all about!”
This is probably why in the 8th grade when I dressed up as Little Red Riding Hood, I decided at the last minute to paint my face white and put fake blood on my neck. I was the dead version of Little Red Riding Hood–you know, the one who had been eaten up by the Big Bad Wolf. {What, you don’t remember that version in your fairy tale books?} I saw the look of pride in my mother’s eyes as I walked out of the door to the bus stop for school.
This must be the best explanation as to why my photos have blood splatters and severed hands in them. It just wouldn’t be a proper Halloween theme without these little touches. We can thank my mother for that. Thanks, Carol.
Raw Peppermint Patties Recipe
{Raw Vegan} Gluten, egg, dairy, and refined sugar-free
Makes 8 2″ patties
INGREDIENTS:
- 1 c. shredded coconut (unsweetened)
- 2 tsp agave or maple syrup (use to taste–if you need more, add by 1/2 tsp until desired preference)
- 2 tsp coconut oil, melted
- 1/2-1 tsp peppermint extract (depending on preference)
- Raw Chocolate Recipe (use in melted form)
DIRECTIONS:
- Blend coconut, agave, and oil in food processor/blender until almost smooth. Keep the faith. It WILL blend…eventually.
- Add peppermint extract (according to taste); mix well.
- Gently pack coconut mixture into 2″ patties with your hands. Place on a wax paper-lined plate.
- Freeze for 20 minutes.
- With a fork, put a patty into the bowl of melted raw chocolate. Using a spoon, coat top of patty with chocolate until fully covered. Set back on wax paper. Allow to set for 10 minutes on the counter. {You might have to double dip the patties after they set the first time}.
- Freeze 10 minutes until chocolate is fully hardened.
You Might Also Like:


















103 comments
Shelley says:
Mar 11, 2013
I made these Saturday afternoon [a double batch] and by Sunday evening, they were gone.
Recipe Remixes – My top 10 healthy food blogs | The Attitude Revolution says:
Nov 19, 2012
[...] Cara transforms classic recipes – like Peppermint Patties - into raw, vegan, gluten free [...]
Carla says:
Oct 17, 2012
I’m making these now
How long did it take to blend smooth? I’m using a kitchen aid food processor.
Cara says:
Oct 17, 2012
It depends on what kind of blender you have, Carla. Mine took about 5 minutes. Add a little non-dairy milk to aid the smoothing process if you are having troubles
Carla says:
Oct 17, 2012
Ok. I’ll try again. I blended for a lot longer than 5 minutes. My final result was very oily, like dripping with oil. I bought new coconut so I’ll try it again just in case my coconut was stale. I sooooo want this to work!
adventurousandrea says:
Oct 9, 2012
These look positively delectable!
I kid you not, I was wondering just last week if there was a way to make raw/vegan peppermint patties.
BabyFeet says:
Oct 8, 2012
I loooove chocolate, peppermint and coconut!!! Going to try this TODAY. Thanks for sharing
Elizabeth says:
Oct 8, 2012
FYI, sub vanilla for the mint extract, press a couple of raw almonds into the top before freezing the filling and then dip, you have amazing almond joys. You might as well double the recipe and make both!
Cara says:
Oct 8, 2012
I like the way you think, Elizabeth! Thanks for the tip
Gabby @ the veggie nook says:
Oct 5, 2012
These patties look amazing Cara! I love the simple ingredients list!
I was never anything spooky for Halloween either- I was a witch a few times, but never a really scary one- I usually did things like Marilyn Monroe or a princess. Such a girl!
lanatranraworganic says:
Oct 5, 2012
Reblogged this on Let's go Organic and Raw! and commented:
Yummy Raw Peppermint Patties
Leslie says:
Oct 5, 2012
Yes, YES! These will be my special Halloween treat as no one in my house likes coconut except for me. Muuuahahahahahahahaaaaa!
Cara says:
Oct 5, 2012
Aaaaahhh, you found the best solution ever! Eat the candy no one likes in the house–this way, you don’t have to share
Heather says:
Oct 4, 2012
Love how super easy these are!
Growing up my Mom made all our Halloween Costumes – we had the best costumes in school, we weren’t messing around!
Cara says:
Oct 4, 2012
I hope she passed the ability to make costumes over to you–I absolutely love that! Makes me want to get a sewing machine, actually…
Dawn says:
Oct 3, 2012
Oh. my. heck. That’s really all I’ve got.
I might have to make these the next time I have Mexican food. The two are definitely linked for me.
Cara says:
Oct 3, 2012
Oh My Heck is right girl!
Kelly Klepfer says:
Oct 3, 2012
You crack me up. And those minty delicious treats look pretty amazing.
Cara says:
Oct 3, 2012
Glad to put a smile on your face, Kelly
<–like that
Mandee says:
Oct 3, 2012
Haha, loved your story about Halloween costumes! I wish it was more of a thing here, though I do remember dressing as a cat or a witch most years as a child
These look delicious, I bet they’re lovely and minty
Cara says:
Oct 3, 2012
Sounds like you need to be making a trip over here to California for Halloween this year…
SilentMyth says:
Oct 3, 2012
I want those..!
Cara says:
Oct 3, 2012
Come on over!
Sihi says:
Oct 2, 2012
Those patties look totally delicious and divine!
Best,
Sihi
Cara says:
Oct 3, 2012
Thank you so much, Sihi! xo
Laurel says:
Oct 2, 2012
Ooh, Peppermint Patties, Charles Schulz would be so proud. I’m proud too, they’re my favorites. Well if you don’t count Mounds, or Milky Ways, or Chocolate Covered Caramels, or Chocolate Covered Cherries, or
Cara says:
Oct 3, 2012
HA! Now I know what to send you for your birthday…
Angela Thompson (@vegangela) says:
Oct 2, 2012
I love mint chocolate. These are too easy. Will make them for sure. Thanks lady
Cara says:
Oct 3, 2012
You are very welcome, pretty lady
Richa says:
Oct 2, 2012
those patties are gorgeous!! that hand and fly are creepy
i love the pictures and your moms enthusiasm!
Cara says:
Oct 3, 2012
I will take those creepy compliments–thanks Richa
Veggie V! @ Veggie V's Vegan Adventure says:
Oct 2, 2012
Love the effort for the Halloween theme. New banner. New photo. Tons of new recipes. Woohoo! Personally, I dislike Halloween, but my love of candy makes it tolerable. Especially my love of raw, vegan candy. Peppermint Patties! Yum.
Cara says:
Oct 3, 2012
WHAT??! You dislike Halloween??? Hold on, I’m catching my breath here. It hurts so bad to hear…
* Vegan Sparkles * says:
Oct 2, 2012
Hot DAMN!! I LOVED peppermint patties when I was growing up and these look AMAZEBALLS! Such a brilliant idea to use coconut in the centre. I love it and can’t wait to try them!
Cara says:
Oct 3, 2012
Hot damn, indeed! You crack me up with your fun little sayings
xo
Baker Bettie says:
Oct 2, 2012
I love your passion for Halloween. It is awesome. I for some reason just can’t get into it. I find it stressful to come up with the perfect costume that isn’t generic. This year I am going to be in Costa Rica on Halloween so I am not burdened with this task. Creativity is not my forte.
You, my dear, are so freaking creative! Love your posts. So inspirational. These look delish.
Cara says:
Oct 3, 2012
Did you just say that you aren’t creative??? Ummm….I really beg to differ, silly! And you are going to Costa Rica?! Take me please!
Baker Bettie says:
Oct 3, 2012
Ok. I have the perfect spot for you in my suitcase.
Your Biggest Fan! says:
Oct 2, 2012
You’re welcome! Thanks for the shout out to yo mamma.:-)
Love the patties, they look scrumptious, I’d just take out the peppermint and make mine a mounds
Although, I’m more the salty/cheesy type as someone else said.
Already getting the questions about what I’m going to be for Halloween – I’ve used all my good stuff – maybe this year…Marie Antionette, post guillotine. Too much blood at work may not be in good taste. :-0
XOXOXOX
Cara says:
Oct 3, 2012
HA! True. One must be careful choosing their Halloween costume when working at a hospital. Good point, mother! xo
jen says:
Oct 2, 2012
wow. your blog just blows me away. and your food photography is very pretty.
Cara says:
Oct 3, 2012
Jen, that is so incredibly kind of you to say! It really made my day and put a smile on my face. Thank you…xo
Lizzie says:
Oct 2, 2012
Definitely going on the “must make soon” list. I love the image of your dead Little Red Riding Hood costume. I had a couple good creative costumes, but they were kinda few and far between. I swear I was a “punk rocker” for three years running or something. (Those photos make me cringe so much – horrible makeup, and for some reason a bright fuscia sweatshirt…WTF was that about? I do not know.)
Cara says:
Oct 3, 2012
Uh, Lizzie–you know what this means… You HAVE to send me a pic of the punk rock costume now!!
the bear and the blackberry says:
Oct 2, 2012
Ah. I love your blog! : )
Cara says:
Oct 3, 2012
That is seriously so spooktacularly sweet of you to say–thank you!! xo
saltyvegan says:
Oct 2, 2012
Those look awesome! I can’t wait to try out this recipe. Of course I also saw your cheezy cracker recipe…that may have to come first. Yum!!
Cara says:
Oct 2, 2012
Let’s be real. Salty cheezy goodness ALWAYS comes before chocolate. At least according to my book…and seemingly yours too!
xo
Somer says:
Oct 2, 2012
Dude! I tried to make my own junior mints a few weeks ago to sneak into the movies with my home popped popcorn (I’m such a baddie) The interior was way too sweet, you’ve saved the recipe! I would have never thought to add coconut you genius!
Cara says:
Oct 2, 2012
Genius here, to better serve you, you ratbag
xo
Somer says:
Oct 2, 2012
The real question is, what do I really give all the little midgets for Halloween, home baked treats are out due to my propensity to put razor blades in treats… I’ve got a vegan reputation to keep!
Cara says:
Oct 2, 2012
So I see that you haven’t given up your need to putsharp objects into your baked goods…
Somer says:
Oct 2, 2012
It’s like a nervous tick really. Uncontrollable.
sarah@thesweetlife says:
Oct 2, 2012
Hey Kara,
I just found your blog through pinterest. Thanks VegNews! Anyway, looked over some of these recipes, read your story, fell in love. Thanks for this great blog. I’m adding it to my blogroll (and will be making these peppermint patties as well)
Cara says:
Oct 2, 2012
HI SARAH!!! Yay for finding your way over here–welcome! Hope you make yourself comfortable! xoxo
pbandkelly says:
Oct 2, 2012
Your blog always makes me so happy! These look amazing! <3
Cara says:
Oct 2, 2012
Okay…that comment just made me some serious happy! xo
The Almost Vegan says:
Oct 2, 2012
I am trying these ASAP!!! YUMM!!
Cara says:
Oct 2, 2012
Hooray! Happy Patty Day to you
xo
hampiesandwiches (@hampiesandwich) says:
Oct 2, 2012
Peppermint patties are one of my favorite candies ever–so excited to try out your homemade version!
Cara says:
Oct 2, 2012
This seems to be the consensus–no one can say no to a chocolately, minty fresh candy! And who can blame them? Peppermint patties really are the best, aren’t they???
Indian Summer Spiked Strawberry Mint Lemonade | Healthy Slow Cooking says:
Oct 2, 2012
[...] always seems more exciting when Vegan Mofo is going on – or it that just me? Did you see Cara’s Raw Peppermint Patties this morning? What about Veganosaurus’ Raw Fig and Cinnamon Ice Cream? And I can’t [...]
Allison says:
Oct 2, 2012
Oh my goodness, peppermint patties are my favorite, and these look amazing! I’m so impressed!
Cara says:
Oct 2, 2012
Thank you so much, Allison! xo
Kari @ bite-sized thoughts says:
Oct 2, 2012
My goodness, these sound unbelievably good!
Cara says:
Oct 2, 2012
And they are fun to make
xo
My Plant Based Family says:
Oct 2, 2012
I’m not a huge Halloween fan but I had fun dressing up as a kid. I remember being a domino, a punk rocker twice, a butterfly (complete with 4 foot homemade wings), and a skunk. All homemade costumes all won “most orignial” at my school.
I think I’ll have to hid this recipe from my husband! He is a peppermint patty lover! Maybe I’ll make these for a special treat for him.
Cara says:
Oct 2, 2012
Okay, now I am going to be needing hardcore proof (ie: pictures) of said homemade Halloween costumes from the past!!!
My Plant Based Family says:
Oct 2, 2012
I only have pictures of the domino and the punk rocker! I’m sure other exist but I have no idea where.
GiGi says:
Oct 2, 2012
I dig raw candy!!! Yay bring it on. Yum. Hey I had a crazy ass creative mom too. My sister and I were Bonnie and Clyde one year, and then one year I was a strong man, my mom made me my costume out of an old towel. Yep. Look how I turned out.
Cara says:
Oct 2, 2012
HAHA! I got the best laugh out of your comment, GiGi. I see that the old towel served you quite well, in fact…
Brooke (Crackers on the Couch) says:
Oct 2, 2012
*Gurgle!* I love peppermint patties! The flies add that “extra special” flavor. PS, In college I took a course on children’s literature. It was mostly about the original versions of fairy tales, like the one where Cinderella’s sisters got their eyes pecked out by crows in the end, and the one where Sleeping Beauty marries the prince and has kids but her Mother in Law is an ogre and tries to eat them all while he’s away. In the original Charles Perrault version, both Grandma and Red Riding Hood get eaten up and that’s the END! Then there’s a little moral poem about not talking to strangers. If you want some fodder for seriously scary stuff, read children’s fairy tales!!
Cara says:
Oct 2, 2012
Get out! So I was the actual original Riding Hood afterall. Look at me, I was a literary genius even in 8th grade
ha.
Brooke (Crackers on the Couch) says:
Oct 2, 2012
I always knew you were a smart cookie!
Ashley F. says:
Oct 2, 2012
Peppermint Patties were my absolute favorite treat before I became vegan – can’t wait to try these out!
Cara says:
Oct 2, 2012
Who said going vegan meant deprivation, right?
xo! Happy Patties to you!
kittee says:
Oct 2, 2012
Looks so good!!! Does the raw chocolate stay firm at room temp, or do you need to serve out of the fridge/freezer?
xo
kittee
Cara says:
Oct 2, 2012
Oooo, great question–something I need to write in the directions, thanks Kittee! They will melt a bit, yes, so they need to be eaten right out of the fridge/freezer
Emmy says:
Oct 2, 2012
They sound really good! I love peppermint.
Cara says:
Oct 2, 2012
So. Do. I. Sometimes when I make these, I like to sneak some peppermint oil into my mouth. Is that weird?
Beth @ Tasty Yummies says:
Oct 2, 2012
This look fabulous Cara!! I am working on a guest series of healthy halloween treats right now myself and having way too much fun with the ideas. All of your raw treats have been looking amazing so far, especially these, I love peppermint patties. I can’t wait for even more halloween recipes from you
Cara says:
Oct 2, 2012
Ooooohhh, I cannot wait to see what YOU come up with!! When is it going to be up???
coldandsleepy says:
Oct 2, 2012
Ha ha ha oh my goodness… So I was reading this on my phone through a feed reader that makes all the pictures really small and I’m like OH NO what happened to Cara’s hands?! I was so relieved when I opened it in Safari and saw that it’s a severed hand.
Only on your blog do I find myself typing “I’m so relieved it’s just a severed hand.”
Happy Halloween and MoFo month buddy!
Cara says:
Oct 2, 2012
HAHAHAHA!!!! Too funny!
Now, if I can just figure out how to leave a freaking comment on your blog, all will be well with the world!…
Amy says:
Oct 2, 2012
Will this work with stevia instead of agave?
Cara says:
Oct 2, 2012
Hi Amy! I don’t see why it wouldn’t work so I say go for it! If you need more liquid to make the patties stick together (which is what the agave would do), just add water until desired consistency is reached
Good luck! xo
Liz says:
Oct 2, 2012
Could you use honey for the sweetener? Trader Joe’s makes these ridiculously delicious “peppermint patties” that have just honey, chocolate, and peppermint extract in them. These look a bit tastier, but I like the slight honey flavor in the TJ treats!
Cara says:
Oct 2, 2012
Absolutely, Liz! I just didn’t add raw honey to the list of ingredients simply because this is Vegan MoFo and it would have been frowned upon
Try it though and tell me how it goes! xo
frugalfeeding says:
Oct 2, 2012
Yet another – I love peppermint patties
. BTW, you make a great witch… but we knew that already – I joke of course!
Cara says:
Oct 2, 2012
HAHAHAHA!! I have missed you, Nick! I am laughing so hard right now–that just made my day
frugalfeeding says:
Oct 2, 2012
I strive to bring joy to the world…
Cara says:
Oct 2, 2012
Again, laughing so hard!
frugalfeeding says:
Oct 2, 2012
What was funny about that?
Cara says:
Oct 2, 2012
I will let my silence speak for me…
Willow says:
Oct 2, 2012
Haha – nice! I remember I was always dressing up as spooky, scary things, while all the other kids were fairies or princesses. I pretty distinctly remember not fitting in.
These peppermint patties sound devilishly good! They look just like ‘regular’ patties… yum!
Cara says:
Oct 2, 2012
It’s sounds like you and my mother would get along swimmingly
Amanda says:
Oct 2, 2012
I love both your Mom’s and your enthusiasm for Halloween. It was big in my household too!
I miss peppermint patties! I can’t wait to try these!
Cara says:
Oct 2, 2012
Are you dressing up this year, Amanda?
Amanda says:
Oct 2, 2012
I am not sure, are you? We have plans the Saturday before Halloween, but it isn’t Halloween related. Probably not this year.
Caitlin says:
Oct 2, 2012
i love your mom’s enthusiasm for halloween! in 8th grade, i was a dead farmer, and did a similar face painting job. other than that, i’m the kinda gal who has to dress up ask something cute(but NOT sexy) for halloween. i haven’t decided on my costume this year, though…it’s really bugging me.
Cara says:
Oct 2, 2012
Okay I need a picture of your dead farmer costume now!
The bf and I are contemplating being Fred Armisen’s and Jason Sedakis’ characters in this SNL skit: http://www.nbc.com/saturday-night-live/video/what-up-with-that/1178425/ for Halloween. I get to be the sexy, curly-haired saxaphone player
haha
Caitlin says:
Oct 2, 2012
omg that is BRILLIANT!! i love that sketch! and the bf gets to wear the jumpsuit and gold chains? i can’t wait to see pics!
Cara says:
Oct 2, 2012
Isn’t it one of the funnier skits?! I love it too! I have to teach him how to dance, though. Currently all he knows is the “Roll the dice in the air” move while puckering his lips. ha!