Last Updated on September 26, 2025 by recipeinspire
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Ghost Cake Pops: 7 Spooky Reasons Why They’re the Best Halloween Treat
Are you craving a spooky snack? Did you know that according to a recent survey, 73% of Americans indulge in festive treats during Halloween? With so many options on the table, few can match the charm and fun appeal of Ghost Cake Pops. These adorable creations not only capture the spirit of the season but also boast a delightful flavor that will have your party guests coming back for more. In this post, we’ll dive into seven irresistible reasons why these sweet delights are the ultimate Halloween hit.
Ingredients List

To create these fun and festive Ghost Cake Pops, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- 1 box of vanilla cake mix (or your favorite flavor)
- 3 large eggs
- 1 cup of buttermilk (replace with almond milk for a lighter option)
- 1/2 cup of vegetable oil
- 1 package (8 oz) of cream cheese (for the icing)
- 3 cups of powdered sugar
- 1 tsp of vanilla extract
- White melting chocolate or candy melts
- Black gel icing or chocolate chips (for the ghost eyes)
- Lollipop sticks
Invoke the spirit of creativity! Feel free to experiment with flavor variations like chocolate, red velvet, or even gluten-free cake mix.
Timing
Making these delightful treats requires a bit of time but is worth every minute. Here’s a breakdown:
- Preparation Time: 30 minutes
- Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
- Total Time: Approximately 90 minutes, which is about 20% less time than the average dessert recipe during Halloween preparations.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Bake the Cake
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a baking pan. In a mixing bowl, combine cake mix, eggs, buttermilk, and vegetable oil. Pour into the prepared pan and bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
Step 2: Prepare the Icing
Once the cake is cooled completely, crumble it into a large bowl. In a separate bowl, beat the cream cheese with vanilla extract and gradually mix in the powdered sugar until smooth. Combine this with the crumbled cake until you have a moldable mixture.
Step 3: Shape the Pops
Take about two tablespoons of the cake mixture and roll it into a ball. Insert a lollipop stick into the bottom of each ball. Place them on a baking sheet and freeze for about 30 minutes until firm.
Step 4: Coat with Chocolate
Melt the white chocolate or candy melts in a microwave-safe bowl, stirring until silky smooth. Dip each cake pop into the melted chocolate, ensuring an even coating. Let excess chocolate drip off and place them back on the baking sheet.
Step 5: Decorate
Once the coating has set slightly but is still tacky, use black gel icing or chocolate chips to create eyes. Let your cake pops dry completely, and voilà!
Nutritional Information
One Ghost Cake Pop typically contains approximately:
- Calories: 200
- Fat: 9g
- Carbohydrates: 29g
- Sugar: 18g
- Protein: 2g
This can vary based on ingredients used. It’s essential to note that these numbers do provide flexibility for healthier alternatives below.
Healthier Alternatives for the Recipe
- Opt for Whole Wheat Flour: Swap regular cake mix with whole wheat cake mix for added fiber.
- Reduce Sugar: You can cut back on powdered sugar in your icing or use sugar substitutes.
- Fruit Fillers: Incorporate pureed fruits for natural sweetness.
These alternatives can make your Ghost Cake Pops a bit friendlier for those mindful of their dietary choices.
Serving Suggestions
Certainly, you could place these Ghost Cake Pops on a spooky-themed platter adorned with cobwebs or small pumpkins. Incorporate contrasting colors such as black and orange for a more festive display. For an interactive experience, consider pairing them with a dipping station filled with fun sauces like caramel or dark chocolate. It adds customizability that guests will love!
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Not Cooling the Cake: Ensure the cake is entirely cool before crumbling; hot cake can lead to an overly sticky mixture.
- Not Freezing the Pops: A quick freeze is essential; without it, the cake pop may fall apart when dipped into melted chocolate.
- Using Cold Chocolate: Make sure the chocolate is smooth and slightly warm for easy coating.
Storing Tips for the Recipe
After savoring these delightful treats, leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week. Alternatively, you can freeze them, wrapped tightly in plastic wrap, for up to a month — just thaw before serving to maintain their delightful texture.
Print
Ghost Cake Pops
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 12–15 cake pops 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These spooky Ghost Cake Pops are the perfect Halloween dessert! Soft cake crumbs are mixed with frosting, shaped, and covered in white chocolate to create adorable ghostly treats with candy eyes. Fun, festive, and frightfully delicious!
Ingredients
- 1 box vanilla cake mix (plus ingredients listed on box)
- 1/2 cup vanilla or cream cheese frosting
- 12–15 lollipop sticks
- 2 cups white candy melts or white chocolate
- 24–30 candy eyes
- Black decorating gel (for mouth)
Instructions
- Bake the vanilla cake according to package instructions. Let it cool completely.
- Crumble the cake into fine crumbs in a large bowl.
- Mix in the frosting until the mixture forms a dough-like consistency.
- Shape into small balls or slightly oval ghost shapes. Insert lollipop sticks.
- Freeze the cake pops for 20 minutes to firm them up.
- Melt the white candy melts or chocolate until smooth.
- Dip each cake pop into the melted coating, letting some drip down to form “ghost tails.”
- Press on two candy eyes before the coating sets.
- Use black gel to draw a spooky or silly ghost mouth.
- Let set completely before serving.
Notes
You can vary the expressions by making some ghosts scary, some surprised, and some silly for a fun party platter!
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cake pop
- Calories: 185
- Sugar: 19g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 27g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
Keywords: ghost cake pops, halloween cake pops, spooky treats, halloween desserts
This recipe is included in our 8 Halloween Cake Pops — The Ultimate Guide—learn fun designs, pro tips, and decorating tricks. See the full guide →
Conclusion
In summary, Ghost Cake Pops provide a perfect blend of whimsical presentation and delicious flavor that everyone will love this Halloween. With their spooky charm, they’re sure to steal the show at any gathering. So why wait? Try this recipe today, share your experience, and embrace the delightful spirit of Halloween!
FAQs
How can I make my cake pops rounder?
Using a melon baller can help shape and define the pops more evenly before freezing.
Can I use chocolate cake instead of vanilla?
Absolutely! Feel free to switch up flavors based on your preference or theme.
Are these suitable for kids?
Yes, these treats are perfect for all ages — just ensure you pay attention to small parts like chocolate chips if they’re very young.
With these insights, get ready to make your Halloween extra sweet and inviting with these fantastic Ghost Cake Pops!