Print

Spooky Halloween Poke Cake Recipe Perfect for Parties

Halloween poke cake - featured image

A vibrant and festive Halloween poke cake with orange and black swirls, gooey filling, and spooky toppings, perfect for parties and gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 box of white cake mix (plus ingredients listed on the box)
  • Orange food coloring (gel works best for vibrant color)
  • Black food coloring (gel for bold depth)
  • 1 box of orange gelatin mix (3 oz)
  • 1 cup boiling water
  • 1/2 cup cold water
  • 1 container whipped topping (8 oz, thawed)
  • Halloween sprinkles (optional)
  • Crushed chocolate cookies

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease your 9×13-inch baking dish and set aside. Prepare the white cake mix according to the package instructions, but don’t bake it yet.
  2. Separate the cake batter evenly into two bowls. Add orange food coloring to one bowl and black food coloring to the other. Stir each until the colors are vibrant and smooth.
  3. Pour the orange batter into the baking dish, followed by the black batter. Use a knife or skewer to gently swirl the two colors together for a marbled effect. Don’t overmix, or you’ll lose the contrast.
  4. Place the pan in the oven and bake according to the package instructions (usually 28-32 minutes). The cake is ready when a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
  5. Allow the cake to cool slightly, then use the handle of a wooden spoon or a chopstick to poke holes all over the surface of the cake. Space them about 1 inch apart.
  6. In a medium bowl, dissolve the orange gelatin mix in 1 cup of boiling water. Stir until completely dissolved, then add 1/2 cup of cold water. Pour the gelatin mixture evenly over the poked cake, letting it seep into the holes. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours or until set.
  7. Once the cake and gelatin have set, spread the whipped topping evenly over the surface. Use a spatula to create a smooth finish.
  8. Sprinkle Halloween-themed sprinkles and crushed chocolate cookies on top for the ultimate spooky effect. Get creative—this is your chance to make it uniquely yours!
  9. Slice, serve, and enjoy!

Notes

[‘Don’t overmix the batter when swirling to maintain the marbled effect.’, ‘Use gel food coloring for vibrant results.’, ‘Refrigerate thoroughly for the gelatin to set properly.’, ‘Make ahead for better flavor melding.’, ‘Use parchment paper under the cake pan for easy cleanup.’]

Nutrition

Keywords: Halloween, Poke Cake, Dessert, Party, Spooky, Easy Recipe, Kid-Friendly