Name: Spooky and Delicious Halloween Cake Recipe
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 1 h 20 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour (300 g); 2 teaspoons baking powder; ½ teaspoon baking soda; ½ teaspoon salt; 1 cup granulated sugar (200 g); ½ cup brown sugar (100 g); 1 cup unsalted butter (226 g), softened; 3 large eggs; 1 cup buttermilk (240 ml); 2 teaspoons vanilla extract; 1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice (optional); Orange or black food coloring (gel preferred); 8 ounces cream cheese (225 g), softened; ½ cup unsalted butter (113 g), softened; 3 cups powdered sugar (360 g); 2 teaspoons vanilla extract; Black, orange, and purple food coloring; Sprinkles; Candy eyes; Mini chocolate chips; Edible glitter or shimmer powder; Gummy worms or candy corn

Jump to Recipe· 3.9 from 20 reviews

If you are looking for a crowd-pleaser that perfectly captures the spirit of the season, this Spooky and Delicious Halloween Cake Recipe is just what you need. It’s a vibrant, moist, and flavorful cake that combines festive colors with creamy frosting and playful decorations like candy eyes and gummy worms. Whether you’re throwing a haunted gathering, bringing treats to school, or enjoying a scary movie night at home, this cake brings both party and comfort together in every bite. Let’s get into the magic of baking this delightfully eerie masterpiece!

Ingredients You’ll Need

A round chocolate cake with one slice missing, revealing its dark, moist inside. The top is covered with bright green icing that drips down the sides, creating a shiny and smooth texture. On top of the green layer, there are small dollops of black icing shaped into little peaks and round eyes, decorated with tiny colorful sprinkles. A big smile made from black and yellow icing creates a friendly face on the cake. The cake sits on a white plate, placed on a white marbled surface with a knife and small pumpkin decorations around. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Don’t let the list intimidate you—each ingredient is straightforward, but they all play essential roles in making this cake moist, colorful, and bursting with festive flavor. From the warm spices in the batter to the rich cream cheese frosting, each element works together to create that perfect Halloween treat.

2 ½ cups all-purpose flour (300 g): The sturdy base that gives the cake structure and fluff.
2 teaspoons baking powder: Helps the cake rise beautifully, making it light and airy.
½ teaspoon baking soda: Adds a little extra lift and balances acidity from the buttermilk.
½ teaspoon salt: Enhances all the flavors without making the cake salty.
1 cup granulated sugar (200 g): Sweetens the batter while contributing to tender crumb.
½ cup brown sugar (100 g): Adds moistness and a hint of caramel depth.
1 cup unsalted butter (226 g), softened: Gives richness and moisture, plus a smooth texture.
3 large eggs: Bind the ingredients and add richness.
1 cup buttermilk (240 ml): Keeps it tender and adds a delightful tang.
2 teaspoons vanilla extract: Infuses warmth and enhances the overall flavor profile.
1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice (optional): Adds that cozy, seasonal hint of cinnamon and nutmeg.
Orange or black food coloring (gel preferred): For eye-catching, Halloween-themed colors without watering down the batter.
8 ounces cream cheese (225 g), softened: The star of the frosting, creamy and tangy for balance.
½ cup unsalted butter (113 g), softened: Lightens the frosting and makes it silky smooth.
3 cups powdered sugar (360 g): Sweetens and thickens the frosting to the perfect spreadable consistency.
Black, orange, and purple food coloring: To tint the frosting for colorful, spooky layers and decorations.
Sprinkles, candy eyes, mini chocolate chips, edible glitter or shimmer powder, gummy worms or candy corn: These fun decorations bring your cake to life with playfulness.

How to Make Spooky and Delicious Halloween Cake Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Your Pans and Preheat the Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). It’s important to get it nice and hot so your cake rises evenly. Then, grease your pans—two 9-inch round pans or one 9×13-inch pan works well. Don’t forget to line the bottom with parchment paper for easy cake release and clean edges.

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

Combine flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt in a bowl by whisking them together. This simple step ensures your leavening agents are evenly distributed and prevents clumps in the batter, which guarantees smooth, consistent cake layers.

Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugars

In a large bowl, beat the softened butter with granulated and brown sugars until the mixture is light and fluffy; this takes about 3–5 minutes. This process introduces air that will help your cake become tender and rise well. Then add eggs one at a time so they incorporate smoothly, followed by vanilla extract for that subtle, inviting fragrance.

Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients Alternately

Start by adding some of the dry mixture to your butter and sugar, then add a portion of the buttermilk, mixing gently but thoroughly after each addition. This alternating method keeps the batter smooth and prevents it from becoming dense. Once fully combined, divide the batter into bowls and add gel food coloring—orange, black, or purple—for that signature Halloween look.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Pour your colorful batters into the prepared pans. Make sure to spread them evenly so the layers bake uniformly. Bake for 25–30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Once baked, transfer your pans to a cooling rack and allow the cakes to cool completely—this is absolutely key before frosting, as warm cake can cause your frosting to melt and slide off.

Step 6: Make the Creamy, Tangy Frosting

Beat softened cream cheese and butter in a bowl until silky smooth. Then, gradually add powdered sugar, blending well to avoid lumps. Stir in vanilla extract. Divide the frosting into different bowls and tint them using black, orange, and purple food coloring for eye-popping Halloween hues. You can add a touch of cocoa powder to the black frosting for richness and depth.

Step 7: Assemble and Decorate Your Masterpiece

Start with a thin crumb coat of frosting to seal in crumbs, then chill your cake in the fridge for 20 minutes to set this layer. Next, apply a final, generous layer of frosting and unleash your creativity—scatter Halloween sprinkles, place candy eyes strategically, and add gummy worms or candy corn for that extra spooky charm. For an imaginative twist, dust on edible glitter or shimmer powder for a magical glow.

How to Serve Spooky and Delicious Halloween Cake Recipe

The image shows a round, two-layer dark chocolate cake with bright green icing that drips slightly over the edges. On top of the green icing are small round chocolate balls decorated with light green circles to look like cute ghost faces. The green icing also has small orange and black flower-like decorations scattered around. The cake sits on a white cake stand placed on a white marbled surface. There is a slice taken out of the cake, showing the rich, dark inside. In the background, there is a blurry orange pumpkin and another white plate with Halloween-themed cookies, all on the white marbled texture. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

To enhance your presentation, consider additional garnishes like miniature candy pumpkins, edible flowers in autumn colors, or even a drizzle of blackberry sauce for a dark, moody effect. These add an exciting layer of texture and flavor alongside the decorative elements.

Side Dishes

This cake pairs brilliantly with simple sides like vanilla bean ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. For something fun and thematic, serve it with spiced apple cider or pumpkin-spiced latte. These cozy beverages complement the warm spices in the cake and elevate the festive vibe.

Creative Ways to Present

Impress guests by serving your cake on a rustic wooden board surrounded by faux cobwebs or small carved pumpkins. You could also slice it into cute cupcakes or create a monster-themed layered cake by stacking colored layers with gummy worms peeking out. The possibilities to personalize your spooky dessert spread are endless and so much fun!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have leftovers, wrap the cake tightly in plastic wrap or store in an airtight container in the refrigerator. This will keep it moist and fresh for up to 4 days. The frosting stays luscious, and the flavors even deepen over time.

Freezing

You can freeze individual cake layers or the fully assembled cake if covered well with plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Frozen cake can last up to 2 months. When ready, thaw it overnight in the fridge to retain texture and moisture.

Reheating

Typically, you don’t need to reheat cake, but if you prefer a slightly warm slice, place it in a microwave for 10-15 seconds. Just be careful not to melt the frosting. Let it come back to room temperature for the best taste and texture experience.

FAQs

Can I make this cake gluten-free?

Absolutely! Substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1-to-1 gluten-free baking flour blend. Make sure it contains xanthan gum or another binding agent to achieve a similar texture.

What if I don’t have buttermilk?

No worries! You can make a quick buttermilk substitute by adding 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or white vinegar to 1 cup of milk. Let it sit for 5 minutes before using.

Can I use regular liquid food coloring?

Gel food coloring is preferable since it gives vibrant colors without thinning the batter or frosting. However, you can use liquid food coloring; just add a little less liquid elsewhere to keep the batter firm.

How far in advance can I decorate the cake?

You can decorate the cake on the same day or up to a day before your event. Just store it in the refrigerator and take it out about 30 minutes before serving for the best texture and flavor.

Can I make cupcakes instead of a cake?

Yes! This batter is perfect for cupcakes — just adjust the baking time to about 18-22 minutes. Decorate them with the same frosting and Halloween decorations for a fun hand-held treat.

Final Thoughts

This Spooky and Delicious Halloween Cake Recipe is truly a joyful baking adventure, perfect for adding a splash of color and fun to your celebrations. Its moist layers, rich frosting, and whimsical decorations make every slice a little party on its own. I can’t wait for you to try it out and share the spooky sweetness with your friends and family—it’s a guaranteed hit that brightens up any haunted house or cozy night in!