Name: Spooky Graveyard Halloween Poke Cake
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 2 h 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 box chocolate cake mix (plus eggs, oil, and water as directed); 2 (3.9 oz) boxes instant chocolate or vanilla pudding mix (or 1 large box red gelatin for bloody effect); 4 cups cold milk (if using pudding); 1 (8 oz) tub whipped topping (like Cool Whip), thawed; 20 chocolate sandwich cookies (Oreos), crushed; 8–10 Milano cookies (or similar, for tombstones); Black decorating gel or edible marker (for writing on tombstones); Gummy worms, candy bones, pumpkins, or edible eyeballs; Optional: red food coloring (to add gore)

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This poke cake is not just festive—it’s incredibly easy to make using a boxed cake mix and simple ingredients. It’s the perfect make-ahead dessert that can feed a crowd and thrill guests with its gooey interior and spooky toppings. The contrast between the rich cake, creamy filling, and crunchy “dirt” topping makes every bite irresistible, while the decorations make it the star of any Halloween dessert table.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Chocolate cake mix (plus eggs, oil, and water as called for on the box)
Instant chocolate or vanilla pudding mix (or red gelatin for a “bloody” effect)
Cold milk
Whipped topping (like Cool Whip)
Chocolate sandwich cookies (such as Oreos), crushed
Milano cookies or similar (for tombstones)
Black decorating gel or edible marker
Gummy worms or other Halloween candies (bones, pumpkins, eyeballs)
Optional: red food coloring (for added gore)

Directions

Bake the chocolate cake according to the package instructions in a 9×13-inch pan. Let it cool for about 15 minutes.
Use the handle of a wooden spoon to poke holes evenly across the surface of the cake.
In a bowl, prepare the pudding or gelatin according to the package instructions. If using pudding, add red food coloring for a spooky effect.
Pour the pudding or gelatin over the cake, making sure it fills the holes. Gently spread it over the top.
Refrigerate the cake for at least 1 hour to let it set and chill.
Spread whipped topping evenly over the chilled cake.
Sprinkle crushed chocolate cookies on top to create a “dirt” layer.
Decorate with Milano cookie tombstones (write “RIP” or spooky messages with black gel), gummy worms, candy bones, and pumpkins.
Keep chilled until ready to serve.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes about 12–16 servings.
Preparation time: 20 minutes
Bake time: 30–35 minutes
Chill time: 1–2 hours
Total time: about 2.5 hours including chilling

Variations

Use red gelatin: Instead of pudding, use red Jell-O for a “bloody” poke cake effect.
Make it from scratch: Substitute the boxed cake mix with your favorite homemade chocolate cake recipe.
Switch up the pudding flavor: Try white chocolate, butterscotch, or even green-colored pistachio pudding for a ghoulish twist.
Add layers: Mix crushed candy bars or chocolate chips into the topping for added crunch.
Gluten-free option: Use a gluten-free cake mix and cookies.

Storage/Reheating

Store the cake covered in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
This cake is best served cold and does not require reheating. For best texture, add candy decorations close to serving time to keep them from getting soggy.

FAQs

What is a poke cake?

A poke cake is a sheet cake that has holes poked into it after baking, which are then filled with pudding, gelatin, or sauce for extra moisture and flavor.

Can I make this cake in advance?

Yes, this cake is actually better when made ahead, as the filling has time to soak into the cake. Add decorations just before serving.

Can I freeze poke cake?

You can freeze the cake without the toppings. Wrap it tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge and decorate before serving.

Do I have to use whipped topping?

No, you can use homemade whipped cream or even chocolate frosting for a richer topping.

What candy works best for decoration?

Gummy worms, candy pumpkins, candy bones, edible eyeballs, and Halloween sprinkles all work great.

How can I make the “dirt” layer more realistic?

Use finely crushed chocolate sandwich cookies and sprinkle unevenly for a natural dirt effect. A mix of chocolate and vanilla crumbs adds texture.

Can I use white cake instead?

Yes, but chocolate cake gives a more “graveyard dirt” look and pairs well with the chocolate topping.

How do I write on the cookie tombstones?

Use black decorating gel or an edible food marker. Let the writing dry before placing on the cake.

Can kids help with this recipe?

Absolutely. Kids love poking the holes, mixing pudding, and especially decorating with the spooky candies.

Is it okay to leave this cake out at room temperature?

It’s best kept chilled due to the pudding and whipped topping. Leave out for no more than 1–2 hours when serving.

Conclusion

Spooky Graveyard Halloween Poke Cake is a deliciously creepy dessert that brings Halloween fun to your dessert table. With its moist, pudding-filled base and festive decorations, it’s the perfect treat for parties, potlucks, or a haunted family dinner. Easy to make and even easier to customize, this graveyard cake is sure to be a spooktacular hit!