Pumpkin Ghost Cakes: 5 Simple Steps to Spooky Delights

Name: Pumpkin Ghost Cakes: 5 Simple Steps to Spooky Delights
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 cup all-purpose flour; 1/2 cup pumpkin puree; 1/2 cup granulated sugar; 1/4 cup brown sugar; 1/4 cup vegetable oil; 2 large eggs; 1 tsp baking powder; 1/2 tsp baking soda; 1 tsp ground cinnamon; 1/2 tsp ground nutmeg; 1/4 tsp salt; 1/2 cup cream cheese, softened; 1 cup powdered sugar; 1 tsp vanilla extract; Chocolate chips for eyes

July 3, 2025

By:

Julia marin

Jump to Recipe·Print Recipe

Halloween is my absolute favorite time of year, and nothing gets me in the spirit quite like whipping up some spooky snacks! One of my all-time go-to treats are these adorable Pumpkin Ghost Cakes. I mean, who wouldn’t want to devour a cute little ghost that’s packed with the warm flavors of pumpkin and spices? I remember the first Halloween I made these; I had a group of friends over for a pumpkin carving party, and the little ghost cakes were an instant hit! Everyone loved how they looked, and the taste was even better! Trust me, these cakes are perfect for festive gatherings, adding sweetness and a bit of whimsy to your dessert table. You’re going to love making and sharing them as much as I do!

Pumpkin Ghost Cakes - detail 1

Ingredients List

1 cup all-purpose flour: Make sure to spoon and level the flour for accuracy; this helps achieve the perfect cake texture.
1/2 cup pumpkin puree: Use pure pumpkin puree, not the spiced pie filling, for the best flavor. It adds moisture and that lovely autumn essence!
1/2 cup granulated sugar: This adds sweetness and helps create a tender crumb.
1/4 cup brown sugar: I love using brown sugar for its rich, caramel notes that enhance the pumpkin flavor.
1/4 cup vegetable oil: This keeps the cakes moist and tender. You can substitute with melted coconut oil for a different flavor.
2 large eggs: Make sure they’re at room temperature for better emulsification, which helps the batter come together smoothly.
1 tsp baking powder: This helps the cakes rise beautifully, creating that fluffy texture.
1/2 tsp baking soda: It works in harmony with the pumpkin to give the cakes a nice lift.
1 tsp ground cinnamon: You can never go wrong with cinnamon; it adds warmth and a hint of spice.
1/2 tsp ground nutmeg: Just a touch of nutmeg elevates the flavor profile and adds a cozy autumn vibe.
1/4 tsp salt: Enhances all the sweet flavors and balances the cake.
1/2 cup cream cheese, softened: This is the star of the frosting, giving it that rich and creamy texture.
1 cup powdered sugar: Sweetens the frosting and helps achieve that perfect spreadable consistency.
1 tsp vanilla extract: A splash of vanilla rounds out the flavors beautifully.
Chocolate chips for eyes: These give our ghost cakes their adorable and spooky expressions—get creative with placement!

How to Prepare Pumpkin Ghost Cakes

Preheat and Prepare Your Baking Tools

First things first, let’s get that oven going! Preheat it to 350°F (175°C). While that’s warming up, grab your ghost-shaped cake molds and give them a good greasing with some cooking spray or butter. Trust me, this step is crucial to ensure your spooky cakes come out easily and maintain their adorable shape. Plus, who wants to deal with a stuck cake? Not me!

Mixing the Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, and salt. It’s super important to mix these thoroughly to ensure the baking powder and spices are evenly distributed. This will help your cakes rise perfectly and give that wonderful spice flavor in every bite. So go ahead, get that whisk moving!

Combining the Wet Ingredients

In another bowl, mix together the pumpkin puree, granulated sugar, brown sugar, vegetable oil, and eggs until you achieve a smooth, velvety texture. You want this mixture to be completely combined; think of it like a warm hug of flavors coming together! This step is so satisfying; the smell will have your kitchen smelling like autumn.

Merging Wet and Dry Ingredients

Now it’s time to bring it all together! Pour the wet mixture into the bowl with the dry ingredients and gently stir until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; you want to keep that lovely fluffy texture. The batter should be thick but pourable, and the spices should make it look like a warm, inviting pumpkin treat!

Baking and Cooling

Pour the batter into your prepared ghost molds, filling them about two-thirds full. Pop those cuties into the oven and bake for 20-25 minutes. You’ll know they’re done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Once baked, let them cool in the molds for about 10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Patience is key here—frosting warm cakes is a recipe for disaster!

Preparing the Frosting

While your cakes are cooling, let’s whip up that delicious cream cheese frosting! In a mixing bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until it’s smooth and creamy. If it’s too thick, you can add a tiny splash of milk to get that perfect spreadable consistency. It should be luscious and ready to spread!

Decorating the Cakes

Once your ghost cakes are completely cool, it’s time to frost! Use a spatula to generously spread the cream cheese frosting over the tops of each cake. And here comes the fun part—take your chocolate chips and press them into the frosting to create adorable eyes! Get creative with their expressions; after all, these little ghosts should have personality! For an extra spooky touch, consider serving them on a dark platter or with some eerie decorations around them.

Nutritional Information

These delightful Pumpkin Ghost Cakes are not only a treat for the eyes but also offer a fun balance of flavors and nutrition! Below are the estimated nutritional values per serving (1 cake):

Calories: 150
Fat: 6g
Saturated Fat: 1g
Unsaturated Fat: 4g
Trans Fat: 0g
Cholesterol: 30mg
Sodium: 120mg
Carbohydrates: 22g
Sugar: 12g
Fiber: 1g
Protein: 2g

Keep in mind that these values are estimates and can vary based on specific ingredients used and portion sizes. Enjoy these spooky snacks guilt-free, knowing they bring a bit of sweetness to your Halloween festivities!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick Preparation: With only 15 minutes of prep time, you’ll have these delightful ghost cakes ready in no time, making them perfect for last-minute Halloween gatherings!
Festive Appeal: Their adorable ghostly shape and spooky decorations make these cakes a showstopper at any Halloween party, guaranteed to impress your friends and family.
Delicious Flavors: The combination of pumpkin, warm spices, and creamy frosting creates a flavor profile that’s both comforting and festive, embodying the essence of fall.
Perfect for Gatherings: With a yield of 12 ghost cakes, there’s plenty to share, making them an ideal treat for parties, potlucks, or cozy get-togethers.
Kid-Friendly: These spooky snacks are not only fun to eat but also easy for kids to help decorate, adding a delightful activity to your holiday festivities.
Customizable: Feel free to get creative with the frosting and decorations, allowing you to make each cake uniquely yours while keeping the spirit of Halloween alive!

Tips for Success

To ensure your Pumpkin Ghost Cakes turn out perfectly every time, here are some of my favorite pro tips that I’ve learned along the way:

Ingredient Temperature: Always use room temperature ingredients for the wet mixture—this helps everything blend together smoothly and creates a light, fluffy cake.
Don’t Overmix: When merging your wet and dry ingredients, mix until just combined. Overmixing can lead to dense cakes, and we want them airy and tender!
Greasing the Molds: Don’t skip the greasing step! Even if your molds are non-stick, a little extra grease goes a long way to prevent any sticking and ensure well-formed cakes.
Check for Doneness: To check if your cakes are done, insert a toothpick into the center. If it comes out clean or with just a few crumbs, they’re ready. If it’s wet, give them a few more minutes.
Frosting Consistency: If your frosting is too thick, add a splash of milk a teaspoon at a time until you reach the desired spreadable consistency. This will make frosting a breeze!
Flavor Boost: For an extra punch of flavor, consider adding a pinch of ground ginger or cloves to the batter. It elevates the spice profile and makes them even more festive!
Presentation Matters: Serve your ghost cakes on a dark platter or plate them with Halloween-themed decorations like fake spider webs or mini pumpkins to enhance the spooky vibe!
Experiment with Toppings: Get creative with your cake decorations! You can use colored sprinkles, edible glitter, or even different types of chocolate for the eyes to make each ghost unique.

With these tips in your back pocket, you’ll be well on your way to creating the most delightful and spooktacular Pumpkin Ghost Cakes that everyone will rave about!

Variations

Once you’ve mastered the basic Pumpkin Ghost Cakes, there’s a whole world of variations to explore! Here are some fun ideas to switch things up and make these spooky snacks even more exciting:

Spice It Up: Want to add a bit more kick? Try mixing in a teaspoon of ground ginger or allspice to the batter for an extra layer of flavor. It’ll give your cakes that autumn warmth that’s simply irresistible!
Chocolate Swirl: For chocolate lovers, fold in some mini chocolate chips into the batter before baking. Or, if you’re feeling fancy, swirl in some melted chocolate for a decadent twist that pairs beautifully with the pumpkin!
Alternative Frostings: Switch up your frosting game by using a chocolate ganache or a maple cream cheese frosting. Both options will add a deliciously different flavor that’ll surprise and delight your guests.
Decorative Toppings: Get creative with your toppings! Instead of just chocolate chips for eyes, you could use candy corn, gummy worms, or even edible googly eyes for a fun, whimsical touch. Let your imagination run wild!
Layered Cakes: If you want to take it up a notch, consider making a layered cake by stacking the ghost cakes with frosting in between. It’ll be a showstopper at any Halloween gathering!
Gluten-Free Option: For a gluten-free version, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Just make sure to check that your baking powder is gluten-free too!
Mini Ghosts: Instead of standard-sized ghost cakes, why not use mini molds? These bite-sized treats are perfect for parties and can be decorated just as adorably!

Feel free to mix and match these variations to create your perfect spooky snack. The best part about baking is experimenting, so have fun and let your creativity shine through!

Storage & Reheating Instructions

After enjoying your delightful Pumpkin Ghost Cakes, you might have a few leftovers (if you’re lucky!). Here’s how to store them properly to keep them fresh and tasty:

Storage: Allow the ghost cakes to cool completely before storing. Place them in an airtight container, layering parchment paper between cakes if you have multiple layers. This prevents the frosting from sticking and keeps them looking as cute as ever! Stored this way, they’ll last for up to 3 days on the counter or about a week in the refrigerator.
Freezing: If you want to save some for later, these cakes freeze beautifully! Just make sure they’re completely cooled, then wrap each cake individually in plastic wrap, followed by a layer of aluminum foil. They can be frozen for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy them, just thaw them overnight in the refrigerator.

Reheating: To ensure you get the best texture after thawing, avoid using the microwave, as it can make the cakes dry. Instead, let them come to room temperature on the counter for about 30 minutes. If you prefer them warm, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C), place the cakes on a baking sheet, and warm them for about 5-10 minutes. This way, they’ll be soft and delightful, ready to be devoured once more!

Serve with a Spooky Flair

When it comes to serving your adorable Pumpkin Ghost Cakes, presentation is everything! You’ll want to create an atmosphere that truly captures the Halloween spirit. Here are some fun ideas to elevate your spooky snacks and make them the star of the show:

Themed Platters: Consider serving your ghost cakes on a dark, eerie platter or a festive Halloween-themed tray. Black, orange, or even purple can really set the mood and make your cakes pop!
Garnish with Creepy Decor: Surround your ghost cakes with little decorative elements like faux spider webs, miniature pumpkins, or plastic spiders. These details not only enhance the spooky vibe but also make for a great photo opportunity!
Pair with Other Spooky Snacks: Create a dessert spread featuring a variety of Halloween treats. Think candy corn, chocolate-covered pretzels, or even some ghoulishly decorated sugar cookies. This mix of flavors and textures will delight your guests and keep the festivities lively!
Serve with Festive Drinks: To complete the Halloween experience, consider pairing your ghost cakes with themed beverages. A pumpkin spice latte, a spooky punch, or even some apple cider can complement the flavors beautifully and keep everyone in the festive spirit!
Creative Labels: Add some playful labels to your dessert table. You can name your ghost cakes something fun like “Bewitched Pumpkin Ghosts” or “Spooky Spirits of Fall.” It adds a personal touch and sparks conversation!
Spooky Lighting: If you’re hosting a gathering, dim the lights and use some candles or string lights to create a cozy yet spooky ambiance. The flickering light will cast delightful shadows and make your dessert table feel enchanting!

With these serving ideas, your Pumpkin Ghost Cakes will not only taste divine but also look absolutely hauntingly beautiful, ready to impress your friends and family at any Halloween celebration!

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About me

Hi, my name is Julia, I am the heart of Vihaad Recipes and a passionate lover of good food. My love for cooking began in childhood, inspired by my grandmother's delicious meals. Today, I share tasty recipes that bring people together through the shared enjoyment of food.