70 Best Halloween Desserts That Are More Sweet Than Scary
They're better than a bucket of candy!
When spooky season comes around, you can't go wrong with a bucket of Halloween candy. But if you want to take your spread up a notch, try making some of these frightfully fun homemade Halloween desserts. Some of them are eerily sweet (like the Halloween graveyard dirt cups or cake made with marshmallow "spiderwebs") and others are perfect for a wicked witch-themed party (hello, candy coated apples). Looking for Halloween treats and no-bake Halloween desserts that's both cute and creepy? Try Ree Drummond's monster bark decorated with candy eyeballs.
The best part is these Halloween desserts are all incredibly easy to whip up. For instance, there's a pumpkin dip that only takes ten minutes to make and the ghost-shaped cupcakes start with a box of cake mix. Not only will these sweets be the perfect ending to your Halloween dinner menu, but they'll also make for a festive Halloween activity to do with your kids. Who wouldn't get a thrill from decorating the haunted house cookies with sprinkles, candy corn, and orange frosting?
If you're planning a Halloween party, these will all certainly be crowd pleasers, from individual cheesecakes they can grab and go to a sky-high pumpkin trifle or a Bundt cake that will surely impress all the ghouls and goblins. Try any one of these ideas and you'll hardly remember to save room for all that candy. (Speaking of which, there are plenty of ways to use leftover candy, too!)
Halloween Dirt Cups
Dig into some fun with these dirt cups! Layers of rich homemade chocolate pudding, crushed cookie "soil," gummy worm candies and "tombstone" cookie make them look straight out of a haunted graveyard, and that's exactly the point.
Get Ree's Halloween Dirt Cups recipe.
Bat Cupcakes
How creepily cute are these? Everyone will go batty for rich chocolate cupcakes topped with chocolate frosting and Oreo-cookie "bat wings." White candy melts make up the teeth and eyes with red candy-coated chocolates on top.
Get the Bat Cupcakes recipe.
Pumpkin Spice Tiramisu
While this fall dessert seems fancy, it's actually an easy, no-bake recipe! Layers of luscious pumpkin-mascarpone filling meet espresso-soaked ladyfingers, all dusted with crushed gingersnaps and shaved chocolate.
Get Ree's Pumpkin Spice Tiramisu recipe.
Apple Cider Cookies
These cookies combine rich butter that's browned for deep, nutty flavor, spiced dough, and a hit of concentrated apple cider for a baked treat that's like your favorite autumn drink in cookie form.
Get Ree's Apple Cider Cookies recipe.
Pumpkin Spice Cupcakes
You can't go wrong with cupcakes! With these, you'll have pumpkin-infused batter topped with tangy maple-flavored cream cheese frosting and a dusting of pumpkin pie spice that makes them irresistible to guests of all ages.
Get Ree's Pumpkin Spice Cupcakes recipe.
Apple Cider Slushies
Sweet slushies make a deliciously chilly dessert! These layer the crispness of fresh cider with frosty texture and a hint of spice, so you can have a seasonal sip at your Halloween gathering. Bourbon or apple brandy is optional!
Get the Apple Cider Slushies recipe.
Pumpkin Spice Cheesecake Bars
The ultimate fall indulgence, these creamy cheesecake bars have smooth, spiced cheesecake layered over a buttery pecan-graham crust. Added pumpkin puree makes them even more dreamy. Don't forget whipped cream for serving!
Get Ree's Pumpkin Spice Cheesecake Bars recipe.
Pumpkin Oatmeal Cookies
Soft and chewy with plenty of fall flavor, these blend pumpkin puree, hearty oats, and warm spices—then finish off with a light vanilla glaze. Stir in pecans, walnuts, or even chocolate chips for added delight.
Get Ree's Pumpkin Oatmeal Cookies recipe.
Pumpkin Bread
Fall baking at its finest! This pumpkin bread blends smooth pumpkin puree with warm autumn spices and a moist, tender crumb. The recipe makes two loaves, one with pumpkin seeds and one with chocolate chips (or whatever else your heart desires).
Get the Pumpkin Bread recipe.
Pumpkin Spice Crème Brûlée
A standout for your spooky season soirée, this recipe puts a pumpkin-spice twist on classic crème brûlée with smooth custard that's infused with pumpkin puree and topped with that satisfying caramelized sugar crust.
Get Ree's Pumpkin Spice Crème Brûlée recipe.
Spiderweb Cake
The tangle of webs on this chocolate cake looks impressive, but it's simply made. All you need to do is melt some marshmallows in the microwave and you're halfway to decorating this sweet holiday treat.
Get the Spiderweb Cake recipe.
Ghost Cupcakes
This spooky treat starts off easy with boxed cake mix. To get the friendly buttercream ghosts on top, simply use a piping bag with a large, round tip and finish with mini chocolate chips for the eyes.
Get the Ghost Cupcakes recipe.
Pumpkin Whoopie Pies
Everyone will say "whoopie!" when they see a plate of these treats on the table. They're like the perfect hybrid of cake and cookies. Plus, they're filled with marshmallow frosting!
Get Ree's Pumpkin Whoopie Pies recipe.
Candy Corn Cookies
There's nothing controversial about candy corn when its baked into these soft homemade cookies. They'll make anyone fall in love with the treat, even the naysayers.
Get the Candy Corn Cookies recipe.
Halloween Brownies
What's better than an assortment of candy? When that candy is on top of fudgy brownies, of course! Here, the sweets and sprinkles make for a tasty decoration.
Get the Halloween Brownies recipe.
Pumpkin Spice Cake
There's nothing quite like a big ol' Bundt that makes all the ghouls howl with delight. This one is perfectly spiced and pumpkin-y. Plus, there's a caramel glaze on top!
Get the Pumpkin Spice Cake recipe.
Caramel Apple Sheet Cake
If you love the taste of caramel apples, then this homemade cake is for you! It's full of Granny Smiths and topped with a caramel frosting that you can eat by the spoonful.
Get the Caramel Apple Sheet Cake recipe.
Halloween Cheesecake Bars
Do you have your "eye" on a fun Halloween dessert? Try pumpkin-swirled cheesecake bars topped with candy eyeballs! You can also add sprinkles, candy corn, or anything your heart desires.
Get the Halloween Cheesecake Bars recipe.
Pumpkin Slab Pie
Whether you're going to a Halloween potluck or simply feeding a crowd of ghoul-friends, this pumpkin pie made in a jelly roll pan is a no-brainer during the spooky season. Top each slice with a dollop of whipped cream and everyone will want a piece.
Get Ree's Pumpkin Slab Pie recipe.
Apple Cider Doughnuts
Just like the kind you might find at a pumpkin patch, these homemade doughnuts are covered in sugar! They're the perfect dessert that can be served at any time of day (even in the morning).
Get the Apple Cider Doughnuts recipe.
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