Ghosts in the Graveyard Poke Cake

If you’re looking for a fun and festive dessert to wow your friends this Halloween, look no further than this delightful Ghosts in the Graveyard Poke Cake! This recipe is a cherished favorite of mine because it combines the rich flavor of devil’s food cake with colorful pudding and a playful Halloween twist. Not only does it look adorable on any dessert table, but it also tastes incredible!

Perfect for family gatherings, classroom parties, or just a spooky night at home, this poke cake is easy to make and even easier to enjoy. With every slice, you’ll be greeted by creamy layers of pudding and sweet decorations that will delight both kids and adults alike.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Make: This recipe comes together quickly and requires minimal baking skills. Even beginner bakers can create this festive treat!
• Family-Friendly Fun: Kids love helping decorate the cake with their favorite Halloween candies. It’s a great way to get them involved in the kitchen!
• Make-Ahead Delight: You can prepare this poke cake in advance. Just pop it in the fridge and let it chill until you’re ready to serve.
• Deliciously Decadent: The combination of rich chocolate cake and creamy pudding makes each bite a heavenly experience.
• Customizable Decorations: Get creative with your toppings! Use whatever spooky candies you have on hand for a personal touch.

Ingredients You’ll Need

You’ll be pleasantly surprised at how simple and wholesome these ingredients are! They’re staples that you might already have in your kitchen. Let’s gather everything we need to whip up this delicious Ghosts in the Graveyard Poke Cake.

For the Cake

• 15.25 ounces devil’s food cake mix (plus ingredients called for on box)
• 3.4 ounce instant white chocolate pudding mix
• 2 cups cold milk
• green and orange food coloring
• 8 ounces cool whip (thawed)

For the Decorations

• 30 oreo cookies (crushed)
• 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

One of the best things about this Ghosts in the Graveyard Poke Cake is its flexibility! Feel free to make it your own with these fun variations:

• Switch Up the Pudding Flavor: Instead of white chocolate, try using vanilla or even butterscotch pudding for a different taste!
• Change the Cake Base: Use a chocolate fudge or red velvet cake mix if you want to switch up the flavor profile.
• Add Some Crunch: Mix in some chopped nuts or candy bars into the cookie crumb topping for an extra crunch factor.
• Make It Gluten-Free: Swap out the regular cake mix for a gluten-free version so everyone can enjoy!

How to Make Ghosts in the Graveyard Poke Cake

Step 1: Prepare the Cake

Begin by preparing your devil’s food cake mix according to package instructions. Pour it into a greased 9×13 pan and bake until it’s perfectly fluffy. Once baked, let it cool for about 15 minutes. Cooling is essential as it allows time for those yummy flavors to settle!

Step 2: Make the Pudding

While your cake cools, grab a large bowl and whisk together the instant pudding mix with cold milk until smooth. Divide this mixture equally into two smaller bowls—this is where we’ll add our vibrant colors! Use green food coloring in one bowl and orange in another. This colorful touch adds excitement as we layer our cake!

Step 3: Poke Holes

Take a wooden spoon handle (or any similar tool) and gently poke holes about an inch apart across the top of your cooled cake. These holes are crucial—they’ll allow our delicious pudding to seep down into every bite!

Step 4: Fill with Pudding

Now comes the fun part! Carefully spoon alternating layers of green and orange pudding into those holes you just made. This will create a spooky surprise when someone cuts into your cake!

Step 5: Top with Whipped Cream

Spread an even layer of Cool Whip over the top of your decorated cake. Not only does this add sweetness but also gives us that ghostly appearance we want for Halloween!

Step 6: Add Cookie Crumbs

Sprinkle crushed Oreo cookies generously over that whipped cream layer—this will serve as our dirt for that graveyard effect!

Step 7: Chill Out

Place your masterpiece in the fridge and let it chill for at least two hours. Chilling helps all those wonderful flavors meld together while also firming up just right.

Step 8: Decorate Your Tombstones

While waiting for your poke cake to chill, take those Milano cookies and break off their bottoms. Use black writing icing or melted chocolate to write “R.I.P.” or some spooky dates on them—these will be our tombstones!

Step 9: Final Touches Before Serving

When you’re ready to serve this delightful dessert, bring out your chilled poke cake from the fridge! Decorate its top lavishly with your tombstone cookies, ghost peeps, Halloween sprinkles, and any additional treats you desire.

Now you’re all set to impress at any Halloween gathering with this fun Ghosts in the Graveyard Poke Cake! Enjoy every spooky bite!

Pro Tips for Making Ghosts in the Graveyard Poke Cake

Creating a show-stopping dessert like this Ghosts in the Graveyard Poke Cake can be a breeze with a few handy tips!

• Use a toothpick to poke holes – Instead of a wooden spoon, a toothpick can give you more precision when creating holes, ensuring that the pudding seeps into every delightful bite.

• Chill your cake overnight – If time allows, chilling the cake overnight enhances the flavors and texture, making it even more delicious. Plus, it helps firm up the Cool Whip topping!

• Experiment with colors – Don’t hesitate to mix and match different food coloring shades for your pudding! A deeper green or a vibrant orange can create an eye-catching graveyard effect.

• Add extra decorations – Get creative with your Halloween decorations! Use gummy worms or edible glitter for a spooky twist, making your cake not only taste great but also look fantastic.

• Serve with a scoop of ice cream – Pairing this poke cake with a scoop of vanilla or mint chocolate chip ice cream adds extra creaminess and contrasts beautifully with the cake’s rich flavors.

How to Serve Ghosts in the Graveyard Poke Cake

Presenting your Ghosts in the Graveyard Poke Cake can be just as fun as making it! Here are some ideas to showcase this festive treat at your next Halloween gathering.

Garnishes

• Chocolate drizzle – A drizzle of melted semi-sweet chocolate over the top adds an elegant touch while enhancing the chocolate flavor.
• Candy corn – Scatter some candy corn around the edges of the cake for a pop of color and sweetness that captures the Halloween spirit perfectly.

Side Dishes

• Spooky Fruit Salad – Combine seasonal fruits like oranges, grapes, and blackberries for a refreshing side dish that complements the sweetness of the cake.
• Witch’s Brew Soup – A creamy pumpkin soup flavored with herbs offers a savory contrast to your dessert. Serve it warm for added comfort.
• Vegetable Platter with Hummus – A colorful assortment of fresh veggies served with hummus provides a healthy balance and adds crunch to your Halloween spread.
• Crispy Baked Nachos – Top tortilla chips with melted cheese and jalapeños for a fun finger food option that pairs nicely with dessert!

Now that you have all these delightful serving suggestions, you’re ready to make this Halloween unforgettable! Enjoy your festive baking!

Make Ahead and Storage

This Ghosts in the Graveyard Poke Cake is not only a delight to make but also perfect for meal prep! You can whip it up ahead of time, making your Halloween festivities that much easier.

Storing Leftovers

• Item: Cover the cake tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil to prevent drying out.
• Item: Store in the refrigerator for up to 3-5 days.
• Item: If you have leftover decorations, store them separately to maintain their freshness.

Freezing

• Item: It’s best to freeze this cake without the toppings.
• Item: Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then in foil before placing it in the freezer.
• Item: The cake can be frozen for up to 1 month. Thaw it in the refrigerator overnight when ready to serve.

Reheating

• Item: This poke cake is typically served chilled; there’s no need to reheat.
• Item: If desired, you can microwave individual slices for about 10-15 seconds, but be cautious not to melt the whipped topping.

FAQs

Got questions? We’ve got answers! Here are some common queries about making this delicious dessert.

Can I substitute the pudding mix in the Ghosts in the Graveyard Poke Cake?

Absolutely! You can use any flavor of instant pudding mix you like. Vanilla or even chocolate would pair wonderfully with the devil’s food cake!

How do I decorate my Ghosts in the Graveyard Poke Cake?

You can decorate your cake with tombstone cookies, ghost peeps, and Halloween-themed sprinkles. Get creative and use your favorite candy to bring your spooky graveyard scene to life!

What makes this Ghosts in the Graveyard Poke Cake so special?

This cake is a fun twist on traditional poke cakes, featuring vibrant colors and playful decorations that capture the spirit of Halloween perfectly!

How long does it take to make the Ghosts in the Graveyard Poke Cake?

The total time from prep to serving is about 175 minutes, including chilling time. It’s worth every minute for a festive treat!

Can I make this cake gluten-free?

Yes! Simply use a gluten-free devil’s food cake mix instead of regular flour-based mixes, and you’re good to go!

Final Thoughts

I hope you enjoy making this delightful Ghosts in the Graveyard Poke Cake as much as I do! It’s perfect for adding a touch of fun and spookiness to your Halloween celebrations. Whether you’re sharing it at a party or enjoying it with loved ones at home, this cake will surely bring smiles all around. Happy baking, and may your Halloween be filled with sweetness and joy!