60 Best Halloween Desserts Better Than a Bucket of Candy
It's scary how good they are!
Every item on this page was chosen by an editor from The Pioneer Woman. We may earn commission on some of the items you choose to buy.
When spooky season comes around, you can't go wrong with a bucket of Halloween candy. But if you want to take your spread up a notch, try making some of these frightfully fun homemade Halloween desserts. Some of them are eerily sweet (like the cake made with marshmallow "spiderwebs") and others are perfect for a wicked witch-themed party (hello, candy coated apples). Looking for Halloween treats that's both cute and creepy? Try Ree Drummond's monster bark decorated with candy eyeballs.
The best part is these Halloween desserts are all incredibly easy to whip up. For instance, there's a pumpkin dip that only takes ten minutes to make and the ghost-shaped cupcakes start with a box of cake mix. Not only will these sweets be the perfect ending to your Halloween dinner menu, but they'll also make for a festive Halloween activity to do with your kids. Who wouldn't get a thrill from decorating the haunted house cookies with sprinkles, candy corn, and orange frosting?
If you're planning a Halloween party, these will all certainly be crowd pleasers, from individual cheesecakes they can grab and go to a sky-high pumpkin trifle or a Bundt cake that will surely impress all the ghouls and goblins. Try any one of these ideas and you'll hardly remember to save room for all that candy. (Speaking of which, there are plenty of ways to use leftover candy, too. They make the most boo-tiful decorations!)
Spiderweb Cake
The tangle of webs on this chocolate cake looks impressive, but it's simply made. All you need to do is melt some marshmallows in the microwave and you're halfway to decorating this sweet holiday treat.
Get the Spiderweb Cake recipe.
Ghost Cupcakes
This spooky treat starts off easy with boxed cake mix. To get the friendly buttercream ghosts on top, simply use a piping bag with a large, round tip and finish with mini chocolate chips for the eyes.
Get the Ghost Cupcakes recipe.
Pumpkin Whoopie Pies
Everyone will say "whoopie!" when they see a plate of these treats on the table. They're like the perfect hybrid of cake and cookies. Plus, they're filled with marshmallow frosting!
Get Ree's Pumpkin Whoopie Pies recipe.
Candy Corn Cookies
There's nothing controversial about candy corn when its baked into these soft homemade cookies. They'll make anyone fall in love with the treat, even the naysayers.
Get the Candy Corn Cookies recipe.
Halloween Brownies
What's better than an assortment of candy? When that candy is on top of fudgy brownies, of course! Here, the sweets and sprinkles make for a tasty decoration.
Get the Halloween Brownies recipe.
Pumpkin Spice Cake
There's nothing quite like a big ol' Bundt that makes all the ghouls howl with delight. This one is perfectly spiced and pumpkin-y. Plus, there's a caramel glaze on top!
Get the Pumpkin Spice Cake recipe.
Caramel Apple Sheet Cake
If you love the taste of caramel apples, then this homemade cake is for you! It's full of Granny Smiths and topped with a caramel frosting that you can eat by the spoonful.
Get the Caramel Apple Sheet Cake recipe.
Halloween Cheesecake Bars
Do you have your "eye" on a fun Halloween dessert? Try pumpkin-swirled cheesecake bars topped with candy eyeballs! You can also add sprinkles, candy corn, or anything your heart desires.
Get the Halloween Cheesecake Bars recipe.
Pumpkin Slab Pie
Whether you're going to a Halloween potluck or simply feeding a crowd of ghoul-friends, this pumpkin pie made in a jelly roll pan is a no-brainer during the spooky season. Top each slice with a dollop of whipped cream and everyone will want a piece.
Get Ree's Pumpkin Slab Pie recipe.
Apple Cider Doughnuts
Just like the kind you might find at a pumpkin patch, these homemade doughnuts are covered in sugar! They're the perfect dessert that can be served at any time of day (even in the morning).
Get the Apple Cider Doughnuts recipe.
Homemade Peanut Butter Cups
Reese's is one of the most popular Halloween candies in the country, but you can try. your hand at a homemade version for a fun Halloween activity. Top them off with flaky sea salt to really make them shine!
Get the Homemade Peanut Butter Cups recipe.
Candied Apples
These candied apples are frightfully irresistible! They're made with melted red-hot candies so they're a mixture of sweet and spicy, too.
Get the Candied Apples recipe.
Spider Cookies
Both kids and adults will get a kick out of this creepy crawly cookie! The "spiders" are made from mini peanut butter cups and chocolate covered raisins.
Get the Spider Cookies recipe.
Pretzel Turtles
Part sweet, part salty, and entirely snackable, these treats are the best way to turn four simple ingredients into something magical. All you need are pretzels, caramel candies, chocolate, and pecans.
Get Ree's Pretzel Turtles recipe.
Baked Apples
If all that candy is getting to be a little too much, make something naturally sweet! Baked apples are the answer, filled with hearty oats, dried cranberries, and warm cinnamon.
Get the Baked Apples recipe.
Pumpkin Cheesecake
Cheesecake is always a good idea. And when it's seasonally spiced and topped with chopped pecans and caramel sauce, it'll make your Halloween gathering over the top!
Get the Pumpkin Cheesecake recipe.
Caramel Apple Cookies
Fact: Caramel apples are a fall staple. Another fact: These cookies inspired by the sweet treat are even easier to make!
Get the Caramel Apple Cookies recipe.
Pumpkin Truffles
These beautiful candies would make cute giveaway gifts for your Halloween party guests. You can even dress them up with orange sprinkles for more festive fun.
Get the Pumpkin Truffles recipe.
Apple Cider Doughnut Cake
Just like those apple cider doughnuts from your trip to a pumpkin patch, this cake version is covered in cinnamon sugar! You'll want to grab a few napkins and a mug of cider to enjoy.
Get the Apple Cider Doughnut Cake recipe.
Pumpkin Dip
Create a sweet Halloween charcuterie board with this creamy pumpkin dip in the center. Then, surround it with fun snacks for dipping like sliced apples, graham crackers, and pretzels.
Get the Pumpkin Dip recipe.
Feel the Disco With These '70s Halloween Costumes
Spirit Halloween Is Officially Open for 2025
How to Keep Squirrels from Eating Your Pumpkins
Home Depot Is Selling a 7-Foot Dog Skeleton
