Ghosts in the Graveyard Poke Cake

If you’re looking for a fun and festive dessert to bring to your Halloween gathering, look no further than this delightful Ghosts in the Graveyard Poke Cake! This cake isn’t just a treat for the taste buds; it’s a treat for the eyes too! With its colorful layers of pudding and cheerful decorations, it’s bound to be a hit with kids and adults alike. I love how simple it is to make, which means I can whip it up even on busy days when time is tight. It’s perfect for family gatherings, classroom parties, or just a spooky night at home with loved ones!

What makes this poke cake extra special is the way it combines flavors and fun. The rich devil’s food chocolate cake pairs perfectly with the creamy white chocolate pudding, making every slice a little slice of heaven. Plus, decorating it like a haunted graveyard? Absolutely priceless!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Simple ingredients: You likely have most of these items in your pantry already!
• Fun decorations: Get creative and let your imagination run wild with toppings.
• Family-friendly: Everyone will love helping out with this spooky project!
• Make-ahead option: You can prepare this cake in advance; just chill until ready to serve.
• Deliciously festive: It’s not just cute—it tastes amazing too!

Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe uses simple, wholesome ingredients that are easy to find at your local grocery store. Let’s take a look at what you’ll need to create this spooktacular dessert!

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)
• 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 parts about this Ghosts in the Graveyard Poke Cake is how flexible it can be! Feel free to get creative and make it your own with these variation ideas:

• Change the flavor: Swap out the devil’s food cake mix for vanilla or red velvet for an exciting twist.
• Mix up the colors: Use different shades of food coloring to match your Halloween theme.
• Add fruit: Try layering in some crushed berries or banana slices for added flavor and texture.
• Go gluten-free: Look for gluten-free cake mix options to accommodate dietary needs.

How to Make Ghosts in the Graveyard Poke Cake

Step 1: Prepare the Cake

Start by preparing the devil’s food cake mix according to the package instructions in a 9×13 pan. Once baked, let it cool for about 15 minutes. This cooling time helps set the structure of your cake before adding all those delicious fillings!

Step 2: Make the Pudding

While your cake is cooling, grab a large bowl and combine the instant pudding mix with cold milk. Whisk until smooth! Divide this mixture into two smaller bowls—color one green and the other orange using your food coloring. These vibrant colors will make your poke cake pop!

Step 3: Poke Holes

Using the handle of a wooden spoon, carefully poke holes about an inch apart over the top of your cooled cake. This step is important because these holes will allow all that tasty pudding to soak into the cake.

Step 4: Fill with Pudding

Now comes the fun part! Spoon alternating layers of green and orange pudding into each hole you’ve poked. Don’t worry if it gets messy—that just adds to its character!

Step 5: Add Cool Whip

Spread an even layer of Cool Whip over the top of your decorated cake. This fluffy topping adds creaminess and balances out all that rich chocolate.

Step 6: Crush Cookies

Sprinkle crushed Oreo cookies generously over the top of your Cool Whip layer. The cookie crumbs resemble dirt in our spooky graveyard theme!

Step 7: Chill

Cover your masterpiece and place it in the fridge to chill for at least two hours. Chilling allows all those delicious flavors to meld together beautifully.

Step 8: Decorate Cookies

While waiting for your cake to chill, you can decorate Milano cookies by breaking off part of each cookie’s bottom and using black writing icing or melted chocolate to write R.I.P. or create little gravestones.

Step 9: Final Touches

Before serving, go wild decorating! Place tombstone cookies on top along with ghost peeps and any other fun candies you desire. Your Ghosts in the Graveyard Poke Cake is now ready to impress! Enjoy sharing this spooky delight with friends and family!

Pro Tips for Making Ghosts in the Graveyard Poke Cake

Creating your Ghosts in the Graveyard Poke Cake can be a delightful experience, especially with a few handy tips to ensure it turns out perfectly!

• Use a quality cake mix – Choosing a good devil’s food cake mix can make all the difference in flavor and texture. A richer cake will complement the creamy pudding and Cool Whip topping beautifully.

• Poke holes carefully – When poking holes in the cake, use a gentle hand to avoid tearing it. This allows the pudding to seep in properly, ensuring every bite is deliciously moist and flavorful.

• Chill before serving – Letting your cake chill for at least 2 hours not only helps set the pudding but also enhances the flavors as they meld together, making each slice even more scrumptious.

• Get creative with decorations – Personalizing your toppings and decorations can elevate your cake’s appearance. Use various candies, sprinkles, or themed items to make it uniquely yours and truly festive for Halloween.

• Make it ahead of time – This poke cake stores well in the fridge for a couple of days. Preparing it ahead means less stress on party day and allows you to enjoy more time with your guests!

How to Serve Ghosts in the Graveyard Poke Cake

Presenting your Ghosts in the Graveyard Poke Cake can be as fun as making it! With a little creativity, you can make it a highlight of your Halloween party.

Garnishes

• Candy Eyeballs – Adding some spooky candy eyeballs on top of the Cool Whip gives an eerie yet playful look that kids will love.
• Chocolate Shavings – A sprinkle of chocolate shavings can add an elegant touch while enhancing the chocolate flavor of the cake.

Side Dishes

• Pumpkin Soup – A warm, creamy pumpkin soup pairs perfectly with this dessert. Its savory flavor balances out the sweetness of the poke cake.
• Apple Slices with Caramel Dip – Crisp apple slices served with a rich caramel dip offer a refreshing contrast and are easy to prepare for guests.
• Spooky Salad – A simple mixed green salad topped with edible flowers or Halloween-themed croutons makes for a colorful addition that’s healthy too!
• Cheese Platter – An assortment of cheeses served with crackers provides a savory option that complements sweet desserts nicely and keeps everyone satisfied until it’s time for cake!

Enjoy creating and serving this whimsical treat that promises to be a hit at your Halloween festivities!

Make Ahead and Storage

This Ghosts in the Graveyard Poke Cake is perfect for meal prep, making it easy to whip up ahead of time for your Halloween festivities. Storing and freezing this cake can help keep it fresh and ready for when you need a spooky treat!

Storing Leftovers

• Store any leftover cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
• Make sure to consume within 3-5 days for the best taste and texture.

Freezing

• If you want to freeze the cake, it’s best to do so before adding the toppings.
• Wrap the cake tightly in plastic wrap, then place it in a freezer-safe container or bag.
• The cake can be frozen for up to 2 months. Just thaw it in the fridge before serving.

Reheating

• For serving, there’s no need to reheat; this poke cake is delightful cold!
• If you prefer it slightly warmed, you can microwave individual slices for about 10-15 seconds.

FAQs

Have questions? Here are some common queries about making this delicious dessert!

Can I use a different flavor of pudding for the Ghosts in the Graveyard Poke Cake?

Absolutely! While white chocolate gives a great flavor, you can experiment with other flavors like vanilla or even chocolate pudding if you prefer something richer.

How long does the Ghosts in the Graveyard Poke Cake last?

When stored properly in the refrigerator, your Ghosts in the Graveyard Poke Cake will last about 3-5 days. Just be sure to keep it covered!

Can I make this Ghosts in the Graveyard Poke Cake gluten-free?

Yes! You can easily substitute the devil’s food cake mix for a gluten-free version. Just ensure all other ingredients are also gluten-free.

What type of decorations can I use on my Ghosts in the Graveyard Poke Cake?

Feel free to get creative! Use ghost peeps, candy pumpkins, Halloween sprinkles, or any favorite spooky treats you have on hand.

Final Thoughts

I hope you find joy in creating this whimsical Ghosts in the Graveyard Poke Cake! It’s not just a dessert; it’s a fun way to bring some festive spirit into your kitchen. Whether you’re hosting a Halloween party or simply looking to indulge yourself, this cake is sure to impress. Enjoy every bite and don’t forget to share your spooky creations with friends and family!