Ghosts in the Graveyard Poke Cake

If you’re looking for a fun and spooky dessert that will impress your guests this Halloween, you’ve come to the right place! This Ghosts in the Graveyard Poke Cake is not only a feast for the eyes but also a delight for the taste buds. It’s easy to whip up, making it perfect for busy weeknights or festive family gatherings. I love how this cake transforms into a playful graveyard scene complete with adorable ghosts and tombstones—it’s sure to be a hit at any Halloween party!

The best part about this recipe? It’s as simple as it is impressive! You’ll enjoy every bite of this moist chocolate cake filled with creamy pudding and topped with fluffy whipped topping. Plus, it’s a great way to get your little ones involved in the kitchen!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Easy to Make: The steps are straightforward and don’t require any baking expertise. Anyone can create this spooky masterpiece!
  • Family-Friendly Fun: Kids will love helping decorate the cake with all those fun Halloween treats.
  • Make-Ahead Convenience: You can prepare it in advance and let it chill, leaving you stress-free on party day.
  • Customizable Decorations: Use your favorite Halloween candies and sprinkles to make it uniquely yours.
  • Deliciously Decadent: With rich devil’s food cake and creamy pudding, every bite is pure bliss!
Ghosts

Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s dive into the ingredients for our Ghosts in the Graveyard Poke Cake! These simple and wholesome ingredients are sure to bring joy to your kitchen.

For the Cake

  • 15.25 ounces devil’s food cake mix (+ ingredients called for on box)

For the Pudding Filling

  • 3.4 ounce instant white chocolate pudding mix
  • 2 cups cold milk
  • green and orange food coloring

For Topping

  • 8 ounces Cool Whip (thawed)
  • 30 Oreo cookies (crushed)

For Decoration

  • 4 Milano cookies
  • ½ cup semi-sweet chocolate chips (or black writing icing)
  • additional decorations, as desired (ghost peeps, black cat peeps, pumpkin peeps, candy pumpkins, Halloween sprinkles, pectin-based gummy candies)

Variations

This recipe is wonderfully flexible! Feel free to tweak the ingredients or decorations to suit your tastes.

  • Switch Up the Cake Flavor: Instead of devil’s food cake, try using yellow or red velvet cake for a different flavor profile.
  • Use Different Puddings: Vanilla or chocolate pudding can be substituted for white chocolate based on your preference.
  • Add Crunch: Sprinkle some chopped nuts or crunchy candy over the whipped topping for an extra texture contrast.
  • Change Up Your Decorations: Get creative with other Halloween-themed candies like gummy worms or edible eyeballs!

How to Make Ghosts in the Graveyard Poke Cake

Step 1: Prepare the Cake

Start by preparing the devil’s food cake mix in a 9×13 pan as directed on the package. After baking, it’s important to let the cake cool for about 15 minutes. This cooling time ensures that when we poke holes in it later, we don’t end up with a crumbled mess!

Step 2: Make the Pudding Filling

While your cake cools, combine the instant pudding mixes with cold milk in a large bowl. Whisk until blended well—this step creates that luscious filling we want! Divide the pudding equally into two small bowls and add green food coloring to one bowl and orange to another. This festive touch is what makes our poke cake truly come alive.

Step 3: Poke Holes in the Cake

Using the handle of a wooden spoon, gently poke holes all over the top of your cooled cake about an inch apart. This step is crucial because these holes will hold all that delicious pudding goodness!

Step 4: Fill with Pudding

Carefully spoon alternating layers of green and orange pudding into the holes you created. The vibrant colors will look so inviting! This not only adds flavor but also makes for an eye-catching presentation.

Step 5: Add Cool Whip

Spread Cool Whip evenly over the top of your beautifully colored cake. It gives that fluffy finish we’re aiming for while complementing all those rich flavors beneath.

Step 6: Sprinkle Cookie Crumbs

Now it’s time to sprinkle crushed Oreo cookies generously over the whipped topping. This adds both flavor and texture—who doesn’t love that chocolatey crunch?

Step 7: Chill

Place your decorated masterpiece in the fridge to chill for at least two hours. This waiting period allows all those flavors to meld beautifully together.

Step 8: Decorate Tombstones

While waiting, you can prep your Milano cookies by breaking off one end of each cookie. Using black writing icing or melted chocolate (which you can melt gently in a microwave), write “R.I.P.” or even some spooky dates on them before setting them aside.

Step 9: Final Touches

Before serving, have fun decorating the top of your cake with tombstone cookies, ghost peeps, delightful sprinkles, and any other Halloween-themed treats you fancy. The more festive it looks, the better!

And there you have it—a delightful Ghosts in the Graveyard Poke Cake that’s perfect for any Halloween gathering! Enjoy sharing this treat with friends and family; it’s sure to create lasting memories!

Pro Tips for Making Ghosts in the Graveyard Poke Cake

Creating your spooky poke cake can be a delightful experience, and with these handy tips, you’ll ensure it turns out perfectly every time!

  • Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Starting with eggs and milk at room temperature helps the cake mix to blend better, resulting in a fluffier texture.

  • Poke Holes Evenly: To ensure that your pudding seeps into the cake uniformly, poke holes about 1 inch apart. This will create an even distribution of flavors throughout the cake.

  • Chill Thoroughly: Allowing the cake to chill for at least 2 hours before serving gives the pudding time to set and flavors to meld together, enhancing your dessert’s overall taste.

  • Get Creative with Decorations: Don’t hesitate to personalize your graveyard scene! Use different types of Halloween candies and fun toppings, like candy pumpkins or ghost peeps, to make your cake truly unique.

  • Serve Cold for Best Results: Poke cakes are best enjoyed cold. Keeping it in the fridge until serving time will keep it refreshing and delightful on those warm Halloween nights.

How to Serve Ghosts in the Graveyard Poke Cake

When it comes to presenting your Ghosts in the Graveyard Poke Cake, a fun display can make all the difference! Here are some ideas that will surely impress your guests.

Garnishes

  • Sprinkled Crushed Oreos: Dusting some extra crushed Oreo cookies over the top can add an extra crunch and enhance that graveyard look.
  • Additional Halloween Sprinkles: A sprinkle of colorful Halloween-themed sprinkles can add a festive touch that captures attention.

Side Dishes

  • Witch’s Brew Punch: This fun and fruity punch made with green apple soda and lime sherbet provides a refreshing contrast to the sweet poke cake.
  • Mummy Dogs: Wrap sausages in crescent roll dough and bake them until golden to create adorable ‘mummies’ that complement your spooky theme.
  • Pumpkin Soup: A warm, creamy pumpkin soup adds a savory element to balance the sweetness of your poke cake while sticking with the fall theme.
  • Crispy Veggie Platter: A colorful assortment of fresh veggies served with a zesty dip offers a healthy option that contrasts nicely with all the sweets.

With these serving suggestions, you’re sure to host a memorable Halloween gathering filled with delicious treats! Enjoy crafting this fun dessert and celebrating the spooky season!

Ghosts

Make Ahead and Storage

This Ghosts in the Graveyard Poke Cake is not only a crowd-pleaser but also perfect for meal prep. You can make it ahead of time, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully while saving you time on the day of your Halloween festivities.

Storing Leftovers

  • Store any leftover cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
  • It will stay fresh for up to 3 days, but it’s best enjoyed within 1-2 days for optimal flavor and texture.

Freezing

  • Although it’s best fresh, you can freeze the cake if needed.
  • Wrap the cake tightly in plastic wrap, then place it in a freezer-safe container or bag.
  • It can be frozen for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before serving.

Reheating

  • If you prefer to serve it slightly warm, microwave individual slices for about 10-15 seconds.
  • Avoid reheating the entire cake to maintain its texture and toppings.

FAQs

Here are some common questions about making Ghosts in the Graveyard Poke Cake.

Can I use a different cake mix for Ghosts in the Graveyard Poke Cake?

Absolutely! While devil’s food cake gives a rich chocolate flavor, you could try vanilla or any other flavored cake mix that suits your taste.

What should I do if I can’t find certain decorations for my Ghosts in the Graveyard Poke Cake?

No worries! You can get creative with whatever Halloween-themed candies or decorations you have on hand. Gummy worms, chocolate spiders, or even crushed candy corn can work wonderfully!

How long does Ghosts in the Graveyard Poke Cake last?

If stored properly in the fridge, this delicious poke cake lasts about 3 days. However, it’s so tasty; it might not last that long!

Can I make Ghosts in the Graveyard Poke Cake vegan?

Yes! Substitute eggs and milk with plant-based alternatives like flax eggs and almond or oat milk. Ensure your pudding mix is dairy-free as well.

Final Thoughts

I hope you enjoy making this whimsical Ghosts in the Graveyard Poke Cake as much as I do! It’s not just a dessert; it’s a delightful way to bring joy and creativity to your Halloween celebrations. Get ready for fun memories filled with laughter and sweetness. Happy baking!

Print

Ghosts in the Graveyard Poke Cake

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

No reviews

Indulge in the spooky spirit of Halloween with the Ghosts in the Graveyard Poke Cake! This delightful dessert transforms a simple chocolate cake into a playful graveyard scene, featuring vibrant layers of pudding and fluffy whipped topping. It’s not just visually stunning; each bite is an explosion of flavor that combines moist chocolate cake with creamy fillings. Perfect for family gatherings or Halloween parties, this cake is easy enough for anyone to create and fun to decorate with your favorite seasonal candies. Whether you’re hosting a festive celebration or simply want to enjoy a sweet treat, this poke cake is sure to impress both kids and adults alike!

  • Author: Wrenleigh
  • Prep Time: 30 minutes
  • Cook Time: 35 minutes
  • Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
  • Yield: Approximately 12 servings 1x
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale
  • 15.25 ounces devil's food cake mix
  • 3.4 ounce instant white chocolate pudding mix
  • 2 cups cold milk
  • Green and orange food coloring
  • 8 ounces Cool Whip (thawed)
  • 30 crushed Oreo cookies
  • 4 Milano cookies (for decoration)
  • Additional Halloween-themed treats (e.g., ghost peeps, pectin-based gummy candies)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the devil's food cake mix in a 9×13 pan according to package instructions. Let it cool for 15 minutes.
  2. In a large bowl, whisk together the instant pudding mix and cold milk until well blended. Divide into two bowls, adding green food coloring to one and orange to the other.
  3. Poke holes all over the cooled cake using the handle of a wooden spoon, about an inch apart.
  4. Spoon alternating layers of green and orange pudding into the holes.
  5. Spread Cool Whip evenly over the top of the cake.
  6. Sprinkle crushed Oreo cookies generously on top.
  7. Chill in the refrigerator for at least two hours before serving.
  8. Decorate with Milano cookies as tombstones and any additional Halloween treats.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 slice (approximately 130g)
  • Calories: 320
  • Sugar: 26g
  • Sodium: 250mg
  • Fat: 14g
  • Saturated Fat: 6g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 6g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 48g
  • Fiber: 1g
  • Protein: 4g
  • Cholesterol: 20mg

Did you make this recipe?

Share a photo and tag us — we can't wait to see what you've made!

Similar Posts

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe rating 5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star