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24 Best Halloween Cakes Are Scary Good for a Party Dessert

Pumpkin, apple, and lots of candy, of course.

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halloween cakes
C. W. Newell

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If you thought the Halloween candy was the only sweet treat for your spooky celebration, think again! We're making the case for a Halloween dessert that'll impress all your ghoul-friends. Enter: these frightfully fun Halloween cakes. Whether you're looking for something full of fall flavor or a creepy treat that's decorated for your Halloween party, this list of Halloween cake recipes and ideas has something for everyone.

Here, you'll find so many creative ways to decorate cakes using piped spiderwebs, googly eyes, and even skeleton bones made out of candy. Still, don't let the spine-chilling designs scare you off—these cakes are surprisingly easy and fun to make. Decorating them with Halloween sprinkles can even double as an activity to do with the kids. There are over-the-top cakes loaded with leftover Halloween candy and simple cakes that celebrate apple season.

Pick from sheet cakes, pumpkin recipes, trifles, and more! There's even some cheesecake recipes for an extra decadent treat. No matter which direction you choose, these Halloween cake recipes are perfect for dessert after a long night of trick-or-treating. And if you still need more Halloween sweets for your party or potluck, try our list of Halloween cupcakes and cookies—they're truly just as spook-tacular!

1

Caramel Apple Sheet Cake

caramel apple halloween cake
C. W. Newell

This spiced apple cake is great for any fall occasion. But once you add the flavor of caramel to evoke the classic Halloween treat, it makes it perfect for the holiday.

Get the Caramel Apple Sheet Cake recipe.

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2

Spiderweb Cake

spider web halloween cake
C. W. Newell

It's actually quite easy to make this impressive spiderweb decoration. It's just melted marshmallow that you stretch over the cake. Want to get extra creepy? Add candy spiders on top!

Get the Spiderweb Cake recipe.

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3

Pumpkin Layer Cake

layered pumpkin halloween cake
Ralph Smith

Using a can of pumpkin puree makes this impressive cake even easier. It has tons of fall flavor, topped off with cream cheese frosting that's to die for!

Get Ree's Pumpkin Layer Cake recipe.

4

Apple Cider Doughnut Cake

apple cider doughnut halloween cake
Danielle Daly

If your idea of Halloween is a trip to a pumpkin patch followed by a doughnut, then you'll love this cake inspired by the treat! It even has that cinnamon-sugar crust that you know and love.

Get the Apple Cider Doughnut Cake recipe.

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5

Pumpkin Roll Cake

pumpkin roll halloween cake
Will Dickey

Your friends and family are sure to be hypnotized by the impressive swirl in this classic pumpkin roll cake. Don't worry, it's actually quite easy to assemble!

Get the Pumpkin Roll Cake recipe.

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6

Chocolate Ganache Cake

halloween chocolate ganache cake
Will Dickey

This dark and moody chocolate cake is topped with a rich chocolate ganache and peanut butter drizzle to make it even more sinful. Luckily, the cake can be made ahead so you can enjoy a slice after trick-or-treating!

Get the Chocolate Ganache Cake recipe.

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7

Pumpkin Trifle

pumpkin trifle halloween cake
Caitlin Bensel

Up your cake game by making this show-stopping trifle! The pumpkin and cream cheese filling is decadently layered between pieces of spiced cake, gingersnap cookies, and whipped cream.

Get the Pumpkin Trifle recipe.

8

Chocolate Bundt Cake

chocolate bundt halloween cake
Danielle Daly

If you're all about the chocolate candy come Halloween, then you'll definitely want a slice of this! Moist, decadent cake is topped with a thick ganache. Add seasonal sprinkles for good measure.

Get the Chocolate Bundt Cake recipe.

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9

Caramel Apple Cheesecake

caramel apple halloween cake
Will Dickey

Caramel apples are a must have come Halloween, but if you're looking for something just as sweet that can feed a crowd, try this twist on cheesecake instead!

Get the Caramel Apple Cheesecake recipe.

10

Pumpkin Spice Cake

pumpkin spice bundt halloween cake
Will Dickey

This update to a simple pumpkin spice cake is topped with a luscious caramel sauce that you'll want to drizzle over everything! It's perfect for serving with your favorite pumpkin spice latte.

Get the Pumpkin Spice Cake recipe.

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11

Pumpkin Cheesecake

halloween pumpkin cheesecake
Will Dickey

This classic pumpkin cheesecake is delicious on its own for any fall party, but top it with caramel sauce, candied nuts, and whipped cream and it transforms into a sweet Halloween dessert.

Get the Pumpkin Cheesecake recipe.

12

Pumpkin Sheet Cake

pumpkin sheet halloween cake
Hector Manuel Sanchez

This simple pumpkin sheet cake can feed a crowd of ghosts and goblins so it's perfect for your Halloween party. Give it some extra decoration by topping the frosting with black and orange sprinkles.

Get Ree's Pumpkin Sheet Cake recipe.

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13

Hocus Pocus Spell Book Sheet Cake

hocus pocus spell book sheet halloween cake
Brite and Bubbly

Make a crowd-pleasing cake in honor of the movie Hocus Pocus! It's a spellbinding treat that both kids and adults will love.

Get the Hocus Pocus Spell Book Sheet Cake recipe at Brite and Bubbly.

14

Spider Web Cheesecake

halloween spiderweb cheesecake
Sugar Free Sprinkles

With a rich mocha fudge filling and a chocolate crumb crust, this cheesecake is decadent through and through. Give it a Halloween spin with a creative method for making spider webs.

Get the Spider Web Cheesecake recipe at Sugar Free Sprinkles.

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15

Death by Chocolate Cake

death by chocolate halloween cake
Also The Crumbs Please

Chocolate lovers will kill for this show-stopping cake. It has three layers of dark chocolate cake covered by an ultra-rich dark chocolate buttercream and cake crumbles.

Get the Death by Chocolate Cake recipe at Also The Crumbs Please.

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16

Witch Cauldron Mug Cake

witch cauldron mug cake
Bitz n Giggles

These creepy little cakes are made in ceramic cauldrons, but you could also use black mugs to get the look.

Get the Witch Cauldron Mug Cake recipe at Bitz & Giggles.

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17

Monster Eye Cake

monster eye halloween cake
The Cake Blog

Bakers at all levels can enjoy this silly googly-eyed cake. It’s made with large and mini chocolate sandwich cookies, frosting and Junior Mints.

Get the Monster Eye Cake recipe at The Cake Blog.

18

Graveyard Dirt Cake

graveyard dirt halloween cake
House of Nash Eats

Turn the classic dirt cake into a spooky graveyard by adding cookie tombstones and candy pumpkins. It's as fun to decorate as it is to eat!

Get the Graveyard Dirt Cake recipe at House of Nash Eats.

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19

Halloween Candy Cake

halloween candy cake
Cookies and Cups

This might just be the easiest cake you make all season! Take a bunch of extra Halloween candy and use it as decoration right on top. Now that's one sweet treat.

Get the Halloween Candy Cake recipe at Cookies and Cups.

20

Candy Corn Poke Cake

halloween candy corn poke cake
Simple Joy

Boxed cake mix is the secret ingredient in this easy candy-colored cake. It's decorated with whipped cream and extra candy corn for good measure.

Get the Candy Corn Poke Cake recipe at Simple Joy.

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