Halloween Candy Corn Layer Cake Recipe: Fun & Festive Dessert for Kids

Last Halloween, I watched my kids’ eyes light up as they saw a cake that looked just like candy corn. Inspired by my love for comfortable, family-friendly dishes, I decided to create a Halloween Candy Corn Layer Cake recipe that’s quick, easy, and perfect for any celebration. With layers of bright orange, yellow, and white, this candy corn cake recipe is customizable, fun to make, and a guaranteed hit for both weeknights and special occasions.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

If you’re searching for a festive treat that combines fun, flavor, and ease, this Halloween Candy Corn Layer Cake is your perfect solution. This candy corn cake recipe is designed to be family-friendly, quick to assemble, and customizable so you can adjust colors, layers, and frosting to your taste. It’s a Halloween cake that brings everyone together, making it ideal for parties, weeknight baking adventures, or special occasions.

The layered colors mimic classic candy corn, making it visually exciting and perfect for holiday celebrations. Unlike complicated desserts, this Halloween Candy Corn Layer Cake recipe keeps things simple without sacrificing flavor or presentation. From novice bakers to seasoned pros, anyone can create a show-stopping cake that tastes as good as it looks.

Whether you want a candy corn cake recipe for a Halloween party or a fun activity with the kids, this recipe balances convenience, creativity, and festive flair. Its vibrant layers, moist texture, and easy assembly make it a standout on any dessert table.

Ingredients for This Recipe

To make this Halloween Candy Corn Layer Cake truly shine, understanding the role of each ingredient helps ensure a perfect result. All-purpose flour provides structure, while baking powder gives the cake a light, airy rise. Salt enhances the flavor, and softened butter contributes to a tender, moist crumb. Granulated sugar sweetens the cake evenly, and eggs bind the layers together while adding richness. Vanilla extract brings warmth and depth, while whole milk balances moisture and texture. Food coloring transforms each layer into vibrant candy corn stripes, creating the signature festive look.

For the frosting, butter forms a creamy base, powdered sugar adds sweetness and stability, and milk smooths the consistency for easy spreading. Vanilla extract enhances flavor, and optional decorations like candy corn and Halloween sprinkles give your cake the perfect festive touch. Using these ingredients, this candy corn cake recipe is simple, family-friendly, and ideal for both Halloween parties and cozy weeknight celebrations.

🛒 Ingredients (9-inch three-layer cake)

For the Cake Layers:
2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
2 ½ teaspoons baking powder
½ teaspoon salt
1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
2 cups granulated sugar
4 large eggs
1 tablespoon vanilla extract
1 cup whole milk
Food coloring: yellow, orange

For the Frosting:
1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
4 cups powdered sugar
3–4 tablespoons milk
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Optional Decorations:
Candy corn pieces
Halloween sprinkles

How to Make This Recipe

Creating a show-stopping Halloween Candy Corn Layer Cake from scratch is easier than it looks when you understand the process. Each ingredient in this candy corn cake recipe plays a key role: the flour and baking powder give the cake structure and lift, while butter and eggs ensure a moist, tender crumb. Milk balances the texture, and food coloring turns ordinary layers into a festive Halloween cake. The frosting ingredients combine to create a smooth, creamy layer that enhances flavor and holds the candy corn decoration perfectly. This same method can be adapted for candy corn cupcakes, giving you a versatile recipe that works for any spooky occasion.

Following this Halloween candy corn layer cake recipe step by step guarantees consistent results. From mixing layers to adding vibrant colors and finishing with rich frosting, you’ll end up with a cake that’s as fun to make as it is to eat. Perfect for parties, family gatherings, or as a festive treat for kids, this candy corn cake recipe brings Halloween magic to your kitchen.

🛒 Steps:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour three 9-inch cake pans.
2. In a bowl, whisk together 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour, 2 ½ teaspoons baking powder, and ½ teaspoon salt.
3. In a separate large bowl, beat 1 cup softened butter with 2 cups granulated sugar until fluffy.
4. Add 4 eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition, then mix in 1 tablespoon vanilla extract.
5. Alternately add flour mixture and 1 cup whole milk, starting and ending with flour, mixing until smooth.
6. Divide batter into three portions and color each with food coloring: yellow, orange, and leave one plain.
7. Pour each colored batter into prepared pans and bake 25–30 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean. Cool completely.
8. For frosting, beat 1 cup softened butter with 4 cups powdered sugar, add 3–4 tablespoons milk and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract until smooth and spreadable.
9. Layer cakes with frosting in between each layer, cover sides and top. Decorate with candy corn pieces and Halloween sprinkles.
10. Slice and serve, or use the same batter to make candy corn cupcakes for a fun alternative.

Expert Cooking Tips

Mastering a Halloween Candy Corn Layer Cake from scratch is all about understanding how each ingredient interacts. The flour provides structure, while baking powder ensures your layers rise evenly. Butter adds moisture and richness, and sugar balances sweetness throughout the cake. Eggs bind the layers, and milk keeps the crumb tender. Food coloring turns this candy corn cake recipe into a visually stunning Halloween cake. For frosting, butter and powdered sugar create a creamy base that holds decorations like candy corn and Halloween sprinkles perfectly. These tips also apply when making candy corn cupcakes, ensuring consistent texture and color. Following these expert tips guarantees your Halloween candy corn layer cake recipe looks festive and tastes irresistible.

💡 Expert Tips:

1. Always use room-temperature butter and eggs to create a smooth, airy batter for your Halloween Candy Corn Layer Cake.
2. Sift the flour and baking powder together to prevent lumps and ensure even rise.
3. Mix the colored batters gently to avoid deflating the cake layers in this candy corn cake recipe.
4. Cool the layers completely before frosting to prevent melting or sliding.
5. For candy corn cupcakes, fill liners with each color in thin layers to mimic the candy corn effect.
6. Add frosting gradually to achieve a smooth finish on the Halloween candy corn layer cake from scratch.
7. Decorate immediately after frosting with candy corn pieces or Halloween sprinkles for the best presentation.

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This Halloween Candy Corn Layer Cake recipe is the perfect blend of fun, flavor, and festive flair. Whether you’re making a full Halloween cake for a party or turning the batter into individual candy corn cupcakes, this candy corn cake recipe is simple, family-friendly, and visually stunning. By following this Halloween candy corn layer cake from scratch, you’ll create layers of vibrant color and moist, delicious texture that capture the spirit of the season. It’s a treat that’s sure to impress and delight everyone.

Celebrate Halloween with a dessert that’s as enjoyable to make as it is to eat, and let this candy corn cake recipe become a go-to for your holiday baking traditions. Whether it’s for weeknight baking, special occasions, or a fun activity with kids, this Halloween candy corn layer cake recipe delivers festive charm and memorable flavor in every bite.

Halloween Candy Corn Layer Cake

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• Author: Savannah
• Total Time: 40–45 minutes
• Yield: 10–12 servings 1x
• Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

A visually striking, tri-colored cake inspired by candy corn. Each layer is brightly colored (white, orange, and yellow) with complementary frosting, making it perfect for Halloween parties or festive dessert tables.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

🛒 Ingredients (9-inch three-layer cake):

For the Cake Layers:

• 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour

• 2 ½ teaspoons baking powder

• ½ teaspoon salt

• 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened

• 2 cups granulated sugar

• 4 large eggs

• 1 tablespoon vanilla extract

• 1 cup whole milk

• Food coloring: yellow, orange

For the Frosting:

• 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened

• 4 cups powdered sugar

• 3–4 tablespoons milk

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Optional Decorations:

• Candy corn pieces

• Halloween sprinkles

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Instructions

📝 Instructions:

Step 1: Prepare Cake Layers

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour three 9-inch round cake pans (or bake in batches).

2. In a medium bowl, whisk flour, baking powder, and salt.

3. In a large bowl, cream butter and sugar until fluffy. Beat in eggs one at a time, then add vanilla.

4. Alternately mix in flour and milk until smooth.

5. Divide batter into three bowls:

   • Bottom layer: Tint yellow

   • Middle layer: Tint orange

   • Top layer: Leave plain (white)

6. Pour each colored batter into its own prepared pan and smooth the tops.

7. Bake 25–30 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean. Cool completely.

Step 2: Make Frosting

1. Beat butter until creamy.

2. Gradually add powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla until smooth and spreadable.

Step 3: Assemble Cake

1. Place yellow layer on a serving plate and frost the top lightly.

2. Add orange layer and frost.

3. Place white layer on top and frost the top and sides of the entire cake.

4. Smooth frosting and optionally pipe decorations around edges.

Step 4: Decorate

 

• Press candy corn pieces along the sides or top.

• Add Halloween sprinkles for extra festivity.

Notes

• Make Ahead: Bake layers a day ahead and wrap tightly. Frost the day of serving.
• Flavor Twist: Add a teaspoon of almond or orange extract to the batter for extra dimension.
• Mini Version: Make in cupcake form with frosting layers and candy corn on top.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 35–40 minutes
• Category: Baked / Layered / Decorated
• Method: Dessert / Halloween Cake
• Cuisine: American