Halloween Cake Recipes That Are Terrifyingly Delicious

Candy may get top billing on Halloween, but cakes are just as worthy of your attention on this creepy holiday, as these spectacular creations go to show. There are spiders on fondant in the form of our Tattoo Cake, pictured here, witches on ganache, and tombstones on buttercream. In this collection of Halloween cakes, two themes emerge: chocolate and spice. Somehow lemon and blueberry just don't feel right for a day that's actually more about night.

On the chocolate side, non-squeamish bakers will love a creepy crawly chocolate cake with crunchy malt balls studding its ganache center. Ganache also stars in a chocolate cake adorned with a vibrant serpent, its design stenciled on glossy ganache.

What's the most suitable of desserts for October 31st? Why a devil's food cake! Especially when it's surrounded with red tuile cookies that look like flames to evoke a spooky vibe; and yet another devil's food cake (is there a more sinisterly named treat?) takes the form of a towering haunted house, with a winding nougat staircase leading up chocolate buttercream grounds to the entrance. It's a masterpiece of spookiness and sugar craft.

Pumpkin meets chocolate in a scare-worthy take on Boston Cream Pie. Dare we say this version is better than the original? Martha's Graveyard Cake also features pumpkin, there's a pumpkin spice base; with a warm chocolate glaze poured over the top so it "bleeds" down the sides. Top it with espresso shortbread headstones to mark each slice. How's that for suitably spooky, slightly over-the-top, and as advertised, entirely delicious?!

And if you want something a little different, you're in luck: You'll also find a cheesecake that's just right for Halloween. An added bonus is its webby topping and the fact that it's a no-bake version of the classic treat.

Better get baking before the ghouls arrive! These Halloween cake recipes are sure to inspire your supernatural side.