Table of Contents: Haunted Graveyard Cake
Haunted Graveyard Cake
Looking for the ultimate Halloween dessert that will wow your guests and send chills down their spines? This Haunted Graveyard Cake is the perfect spooky treat to steal the spotlight at any Halloween party! Imagine layers of rich chocolate cake, creamy frosting, and eerie edible tombstones—all coming together in a delightfully creepy masterpiece.
This cake isn’t just delicious—it’s a showstopper that’s surprisingly easy to make. Whether you’re hosting a haunted house party or just want a fun baking project with the kids, this recipe delivers the perfect mix of fright and flavor. Plus, with simple decorations like cookie tombstones, gummy worms, and crushed Oreo “dirt,” you’ll have a graveyard scene that looks professionally terrifying (but secretly tastes amazing).
If you loved our Spooky Bleeding Cupcakes Recipe – Easy Halloween Dessert Idea!, you’ll adore this haunted dessert even more. Get ready to dig into the most deliciously spooky cake of the season!
Introduction
Halloween is all about thrills, chills, and—most importantly—delicious treats! This Haunted Graveyard Cake is the perfect blend of spooky and sweet, making it a must-try for your Halloween festivities. Picture this: moist chocolate cake layered with velvety frosting, topped with edible tombstones, ghoulish candy, and crushed Oreo “dirt” for the ultimate eerie effect.
What makes this dessert so special? It’s incredibly easy to assemble, requires no fancy decorating skills, and is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Kids will love helping decorate, and adults will appreciate the rich, chocolatey flavor. Plus, it’s a fun twist on classic dirt cake, but with a Halloween makeover.
Fun fact: The idea of edible graveyards dates back to Victorian-era “mourning cakes,” which were served at somber gatherings. Thankfully, ours is way more fun—and tastier! If you enjoyed our Paleo Pumpkin Monkey Bread – Healthy Fall Dessert You’ll Love, you’ll love how simple and festive this recipe is. Ready to create a dessert that’s both creepy and crave-worthy? Let’s get baking!
What is Haunted Graveyard Cake?
Ever wondered why it’s called a Haunted Graveyard Cake? Well, it’s not because it’s actually haunted (though it might disappear mysteriously fast!). This spook-tacular dessert is a chocolate lover’s dream, featuring layers of cake, frosting, and creepy-crawly decorations that bring a graveyard to life—literally!
The name comes from the fun, eerie decorations: cookie tombstones, gummy worms “buried” in Oreo dirt, and maybe even a chocolate skeleton or two. It’s like a delicious Halloween-themed archaeological dig! As the saying goes, “The way to a monster’s heart is through its stomach.”
Whether you’re serving it at a party or just indulging in some frightfully good fun, this cake is a must-make. So, grab your apron and let’s turn your kitchen into a haunted bakery!
Why You’ll Love This Haunted Graveyard Cake
1. Spooky Yet Simple – No advanced baking skills needed! This cake uses store-bought ingredients and easy decorating tricks to create a terrifyingly tasty masterpiece.
2. Budget-Friendly Fun – Skip the expensive bakery cakes. With affordable ingredients like Oreos, chocolate cake mix, and gummy worms, you can make a jaw-dropping dessert at a fraction of the cost.
3. Endless Customization – Want extra gore? Add red frosting “blood.” Prefer a ghostly touch? Use marshmallow ghosts. The decorating options are endless, just like our Zombie Brain Jello Shots.
Ready to dig into this deliciously creepy creation? Let’s bake!
How to Make Haunted Graveyard Cake

Quick Overview
– Prep Time: 20 mins
– Cook Time: 30 mins
– Total Time: 1 hour (plus chilling)
– Difficulty: Easy
– Servings: 12
This cake is a breeze to make—just bake, frost, decorate, and watch your graveyard come to life!
Key Ingredients
– 1 box chocolate cake mix (+ ingredients listed on box)
– 2 cups chocolate frosting
– 15 Oreo cookies, crushed
– 10 Milano cookies (for tombstones)
– 1 tube black icing (for tombstone writing)
– Gummy worms, skeletons, or other Halloween candies
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Bake the Cake – Prepare the chocolate cake mix as directed and bake in a 9×13″ pan. Let cool completely.
2. Crush the Oreos – Pulse Oreos in a food processor or place in a bag and crush with a rolling pin for “dirt.”
3. Frost the Cake – Spread chocolate frosting evenly over the cake.
4. Add the Dirt – Sprinkle crushed Oreos on top, covering the entire surface.
5. Make the Tombstones – Use black icing to write “RIP” or spooky messages on Milano cookies. Stick them into the cake at angles.
6. Add the Final Touches – Scatter gummy worms, skeletons, or other candies to complete the haunted scene.
7. Chill & Serve – Refrigerate for 30 minutes before slicing for clean cuts.
What to Serve With Haunted Graveyard Cake
This cake is a star on its own, but why not pair it with other Halloween treats for a full spooky spread? Serve it alongside Witch’s Brew Punch or Monster Eye Cookies for a themed dessert table. For a savory balance, try Mummy Hot Dogs or Pumpkin-Shaped Cheese Balls. The contrast of sweet and savory will keep your guests coming back for more!
Top Tips for Perfecting Haunted Graveyard Cake
– Use a chilled cake – Frosting spreads easier on cold cake.
– Get creative with decorations – Candy eyeballs, marshmallow ghosts, or even licorice “tree branches” add extra spookiness.
– Make it ahead – Assemble the cake a day before, but add fresh gummy worms last to prevent sogginess.
Storing and Reheating Tips
– Store covered in the fridge for up to 3 days.
– Freezing is not recommended due to the frosting and candy decorations.
– Revive leftovers by adding fresh crushed Oreos before serving.
People Also Ask

What is a haunted graveyard cake?
A haunted graveyard cake is a Halloween-themed dessert featuring chocolate cake, Oreo “dirt,” cookie tombstones, and gummy worms. It’s a fun, spooky treat that’s easy to make and perfect for parties.
How do you decorate a cake to look like a graveyard?
Use crushed Oreos for dirt, Milano cookies as tombstones (decorated with black icing), and gummy worms or skeletons for creepy details. Get creative with candy ghosts or edible “blood” (red frosting).
Can you make haunted graveyard cake ahead of time?
Yes! Bake and frost the cake a day before, but add fresh decorations (like gummy worms) right before serving to keep them from getting soggy.
What candies are best for graveyard cake decorations?
Gummy worms, skeleton candies, candy eyeballs, and chocolate bones work great. You can also use marshmallows for ghosts or licorice for twisted “tree roots.”
Conclusion
This Haunted Graveyard Cake is the ultimate Halloween dessert—easy, affordable, and irresistibly spooky! Whether you’re hosting a party or just craving a fun baking project, this cake is sure to impress.
Final tip: Take photos before serving—it disappears fast! If you loved this recipe, check out our Witch Finger Cookies for another creepy treat. Happy haunting, and happy baking!
(Don’t forget to pin this recipe for later!) 🎃
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Haunted Graveyard Cake
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A spooky and fun Haunted Graveyard Cake, decorated with cookies, candy, and frosting to create a creepy Halloween dessert centerpiece.
Ingredients
- 1 chocolate cake (baked and cooled, 9x13 inches)
- 2 cups chocolate frosting
- Crushed chocolate cookies (for dirt)
- Rectangular cookies (for tombstones)
- Black decorating gel or icing (for writing on tombstones)
- Candy pumpkins
- Gummy worms
- Green coconut flakes or sprinkles (for grass)
Instructions
- Prepare and cool the chocolate cake in a 9×13 inch pan.
- Frost the cake evenly with chocolate frosting.
- Sprinkle crushed chocolate cookies on top to resemble dirt.
- Stand rectangular cookies upright in the cake as tombstones.
- Use black decorating gel or icing to write spooky names or RIP on the tombstones.
- Add candy pumpkins, gummy worms, and green coconut flakes or sprinkles for decoration.
- Chill slightly before serving to help decorations set.
Notes
Get creative with your decorations! Add skeleton candy, spider rings, or edible eyes for an even spookier haunted graveyard look.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 380
- Sugar: 36g
- Sodium: 280mg
- Fat: 16g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 58g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 25mg
Keywords: haunted graveyard cake, halloween dessert, spooky cake, chocolate cake