Classic Halloween Pumpkin Layer Cake

When my kids were little, we used to carve pumpkins late at night, laughing as the kitchen filled with warm spices and candlelight. Those cozy moments inspired this haunted pumpkin layer cake recipe—fun, comforting, and perfect for Halloween nights. Just like the dishes I share on my blog, it’s easy, customizable, and family-friendly. Whether you want an easy haunted pumpkin layer cake or one made completely from scratch, this treat brings everyone together.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

If you’re searching for a dessert that brings Halloween magic to the table, this haunted pumpkin layer cake recipe is everything you need. It delivers the cozy fall flavors you love while staying incredibly easy, customizable, and perfect for busy families. Whether you want an easy haunted pumpkin layer cake for a weeknight celebration or the best haunted pumpkin layer cake for a Halloween party, this treat fits every occasion. The warm spices, soft pumpkin layers, and creamy frosting come together effortlessly, making it approachable for any skill level. If you enjoy comfort-driven baking like haunted pumpkin layer cake from scratch or classic pumpkin layer cake recipe styles, this cake lets you adjust sweetness, spice, or decoration to match your family’s preferences. Inspired by the simple, practical style often seen in haunted pumpkin layer cake pioneer woman traditions, this recipe keeps things flexible, fun, and stress-free. It’s the perfect mix of festive flavor, everyday ease, and family-friendly charm—ideal for anyone wanting a delicious Halloween dessert without complication.

Ingredients for This Recipe

Creating this haunted pumpkin layer cake recipe starts with simple ingredients that work together to build warm fall flavor and a soft, tender crumb. The pumpkin purée adds moisture, while the blend of granulated and brown sugar creates depth and sweetness. Pumpkin pie spice brings classic autumn aroma, and buttermilk keeps the cake fluffy. The cream cheese frosting adds balance with tanginess and richness, making it perfect for decorating a haunted pumpkin layer cake from scratch. Finally, spooky add-ons like black cocoa, chocolate shards, and candy pumpkins help transform this easy haunted pumpkin layer cake into a festive centerpiece. If you want the best haunted pumpkin layer cake, these ingredients ensure every layer tastes moist, warm, and perfectly spiced.

🛒 Ingredients (for one 3-layer 8-inch Haunted Pumpkin Cake):

For the Pumpkin Cake Layers:
2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
2 teaspoons baking powder
1 teaspoon baking soda
½ teaspoon salt
1 tablespoon pumpkin pie spice
1 cup pumpkin purée
1 cup granulated sugar
½ cup brown sugar
¾ cup vegetable oil
3 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
½ cup buttermilk

For the Cinnamon Cream Cheese Frosting:
16 oz cream cheese, softened
1 cup unsalted butter, softened
4 cups powdered sugar
1 tablespoon vanilla extract
1 teaspoon cinnamon
2–4 tablespoons milk

For Decorations:
Black cocoa or black gel coloring
Candy pumpkins or candy corn
Chocolate trees or shards
Edible glitter or sprinkles
Optional: tinted white chocolate drip

How to Make This Recipe

Making this haunted pumpkin layer cake recipe is surprisingly simple, even if it looks like a show-stopping Halloween dessert. The pumpkin batter comes together quickly with pantry staples, creating soft, moist layers perfect for stacking. The cinnamon cream cheese frosting adds the creamy balance that makes the best haunted pumpkin layer cake so irresistible. Whether you’re preparing an easy haunted pumpkin layer cake for a weeknight celebration or a haunted pumpkin layer cake from scratch for a party, this method keeps everything stress-free. With a few decorative touches—black cocoa accents, candy pumpkins, or chocolate trees—you’ll create a festive pumpkin layer cake recipe that’s spooky, fun, and incredibly delicious.

🛒 Steps:

Step 1: Prepare the Pumpkin Cake
• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line three 8-inch pans.
• Whisk flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and pumpkin pie spice.
• Mix pumpkin purée, sugars, oil, eggs, and vanilla until smooth.
• Add dry ingredients, then pour in buttermilk and stir gently.
• Divide batter evenly and bake 25–30 minutes. Cool completely.

Step 2: Make the Frosting
• Beat cream cheese and butter until smooth.
• Add powdered sugar gradually, then vanilla and cinnamon.
• Add milk until your frosting is fluffy and spreadable.

Step 3: Assemble the Cake
• Level cooled cake layers.
• Add frosting between each layer.
• Apply a crumb coat, chill, then finish with a smooth final coat.

Step 4: Decorate
• Add black cocoa details for a haunted look.
• Place candy pumpkins, chocolate shards, or Halloween sprinkles on top.
• Add a tinted drip for extra drama.

This process ensures a haunted pumpkin layer cake recipe that’s flavorful, moist, festive, and guaranteed to impress.

Expert Cooking Tips

Crafting the best haunted pumpkin layer cake recipe comes down to technique, moisture balance, and decoration. Pumpkin adds richness, but it can also weigh down the batter—so mixing gently helps keep every layer soft and fluffy. Using room-temperature ingredients ensures a smoother batter and a more even rise, especially when making a haunted pumpkin layer cake from scratch. The cream cheese frosting should be cool but pliable so it spreads cleanly between layers. If you want an easy haunted pumpkin layer cake that still looks dramatic, focus on simple décor like candy pumpkins, black cocoa details, or a moody drip. These small touches transform a classic pumpkin layer cake recipe into a spooky showpiece worthy of any Halloween table.

💡 Expert Tips:

• Chill cake layers before stacking for cleaner edges and easier frosting.
• For the best haunted pumpkin layer cake, don’t overmix—stop once ingredients combine.
• Add extra pumpkin pie spice if you want stronger autumn flavor.
• Use a rotating cake stand for smoother frosting application.
• For a haunted pumpkin layer cake pioneer woman style, keep decorations simple and rustic.
• If making a haunted pumpkin layer cake from scratch, measure flour carefully to avoid dryness.
• Add black cocoa to frosting for deep, spooky color without bitterness.
• Refrigerate the assembled cake 20 minutes before adding decorations for stability.

FAQs

Want more sweet and savory recipes like this? Follow us on Facebook for daily dinner ideas, cooking tips, and behind-the-scenes moments from Eminent Recipes.

See how others are plating this dish on Instagram! Tag your version with #Eminentrecipes and get featured.

Love collecting recipes? Don’t miss our latest pins on Pinterest—perfect for saving your favorite meals in one spot.

Spooky Pumpkin Mousse Cake — A Ghostly, Airy Halloween Delight

Graveyard Pumpkin Cake Pops for Creepy Bite-Sized Fun

Spooky Skeleton Pumpkin Ghost Cake — A Spectral Showstopper

10 Spooky-Sweet Halloween Birthday Hacks You Won’t Believe!

10 Halloween Pumpkin Ideas for 2025!

This haunted pumpkin layer cake recipe brings together the cozy flavors of fall with festive Halloween fun. Whether you’re making a haunted pumpkin layer cake from scratch or opting for an easy haunted pumpkin layer cake shortcut, each layer is moist, spiced, and perfectly paired with creamy cinnamon frosting. For those who love a rustic, charming presentation, the haunted pumpkin layer cake pioneer woman style is simple yet impressive. With this pumpkin layer cake recipe, you’ll have the best haunted pumpkin layer cake to delight family and friends, perfect for weeknights, parties, or special seasonal celebrations.

Haunted Pumpkin Layer Cake

---

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

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

A spooky-chic pumpkin layer cake stacked with moist pumpkin spice layers, creamy cinnamon frosting, and eerie Halloween decorations. This haunted pumpkin layer cake is perfect for parties, fall gatherings, or a fun family baking night. Dress it up with ghostly drips, chocolate trees, candy pumpkins, or black cocoa accents to create a haunting centerpiece everyone will remember.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

🛒 Ingredients (for one 3-layer 8-inch Haunted Pumpkin Cake):

For the Pumpkin Cake Layers:

2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
2 teaspoons baking powder
1 teaspoon baking soda
½ teaspoon salt
1 tablespoon pumpkin pie spice
1 cup pumpkin purée
1 cup granulated sugar
½ cup brown sugar
¾ cup vegetable oil
3 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
½ cup buttermilk

For the Cinnamon Cream Cheese Frosting:

16 oz cream cheese, softened
1 cup unsalted butter, softened
4 cups powdered sugar
1 tablespoon vanilla extract
1 teaspoon cinnamon
2–4 tablespoons milk for consistency

For Decorations:

Black cocoa or black gel food coloring
Candy pumpkins or candy corn
Chocolate trees or shards
Edible glitter, sprinkles, or Halloween toppers
Optional: white chocolate drip tinted gray or black

---

Instructions

📝 Instructions:

Step 1: Bake the Cake

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line three 8-inch round cake pans.

2. In a bowl, whisk flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and pumpkin spice.

3. In another bowl, mix pumpkin purée, sugars, oil, eggs, and vanilla until smooth.

4. Fold dry ingredients into wet. Add buttermilk and mix until just combined.

5. Divide batter among pans and bake 25–30 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean.

6. Cool completely before frosting.

Step 2: Make the Frosting

1. Beat cream cheese and butter until creamy.

2. Slowly add powdered sugar, vanilla, and cinnamon.

3. Add milk until smooth and spreadable.

Step 3: Assemble the Cake

1. Level each cake layer.

2. Add frosting between layers, then apply a thin crumb coat. Chill for 20 minutes.

3. Apply a final smooth coat. Tint some frosting black to add “haunted” accents or shadows.

Step 4: Decorate

1. Add chocolate trees, shards, or black cocoa designs around the sides.

2. Add a drip using tinted white chocolate if desired.

3. Top with candy pumpkins, sprinkles, or Halloween figurines.

Notes

• For cleaner stacking, chill layers before assembling.
• Add extra spice for a deeper fall flavor.
• Make mini haunted pumpkin cupcakes using the same batter.
• Cake can be baked 1 day ahead and decorated the next.

 

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