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Haunted House Layer Cake with Dark Chocolate Frosting decorated with Halloween candy

Haunted House Layer Cake with Dark Chocolate Frosting

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  • Author: Sam
  • Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
  • Yield: 12 slices
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Description

This Haunted House Layer Cake with Dark Chocolate Frosting is a Halloween showstopper. Inspired by a foggy October spent baking spooky treats in Grandma’s kitchen, this moist, rich chocolate cake is layered with velvety frosting and decorated with candy ghosts and eerie silhouettes. It’s festive, fun, and deeply delicious.

Ingredients

  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • ¾ cup unsweetened cocoa powder (preferably Dutch-processed)
  • 2 tsp baking powder
  • 1½ tsp baking soda
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 2 cups granulated sugar
  • 1 cup neutral oil
  • 1 cup buttermilk
  • 1 cup brewed coffee (cooled)
  • 2 large eggs
  • 2 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1 cup unsalted butter, room temperature
  • ¾ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 3½ cups powdered sugar
  • ¼ cup whole milk
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • ¼ tsp salt
  • Black cocoa or extra dark chocolate chips (optional, for deep color)
  • Candy ghosts, bats, pumpkins, or DIY fondant decorations
  • Halloween sprinkles
  • Optional: black wafer paper cutouts for haunted house shapes

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line three 8-inch cake pans.
  2. In a large bowl, whisk together flour, cocoa, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
  3. In a separate bowl, beat sugar, oil, eggs, and vanilla until light and smooth.
  4. Add buttermilk and coffee to the wet mix. Gradually fold in dry ingredients until fully combined.
  5. Divide batter evenly into pans and bake for 30–35 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean. Cool completely.
  6. Cream butter until fluffy. Sift in cocoa powder and powdered sugar. Add milk, vanilla, and salt. Beat until smooth. Add black cocoa or melted dark chocolate for extra depth and color.
  7. Level cake layers if needed. Spread frosting between layers and over top and sides. Chill cake for 15–20 minutes.
  8. Decorate with candy ghosts, Halloween sprinkles, and haunted house silhouettes. Use edible glitter for added glow.

Notes

Use room-temperature ingredients for smoother batter. Chill layers briefly between frosting for stability. Coffee enhances chocolate flavor—don’t skip it! Add black cocoa to frosting for a deep, spooky look.

  • Prep Time: 35 minutes
  • Cook Time: 35 minutes
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Find it online: https://www.freshleafrecipes.com/haunted-house-layer-cake-with-dark-chocolate/