A Bright & Festive Halloween Dessert That Everyone Will Love!
Bring the spirit of Halloween straight to your dessert table with this fun and colorful Candy Corn Poke Cake! Inspired by the classic Halloween candy, this cake features layers of yellow, orange, and white that mimic the look of candy corn ā but tastes far better!
Itās soft, moist, and filled with sweet pudding, then topped with whipped cream and candy corn pieces for the perfect festive finish. Whether youāre hosting a Halloween party, fall gathering, or just want a playful treat for your family, this easy poke cake is a guaranteed showstopper! šš§”
š° Why Youāll Love Candy Corn Poke Cake
š Easy to Make: Uses a boxed cake mix with simple, colorful layers.
š¬ Visually Stunning: The candy corn stripes make a big impact!
š§ Moist & Creamy: The pudding filling keeps every bite rich and flavorful.
š» Perfect for Halloween Parties: Fun, bright, and festive for kids and adults alike.
šØ Customizable: Choose your favorite flavors or decorate it your way!
š§ŗ Ingredients Youāll Need
For the Cake:
- 1 box white cake mix (plus eggs, oil, and water as directed)
- Yellow food coloring
- Orange food coloring
For the Filling:
- 1 box (3.4 oz) instant vanilla pudding mix
- 2 cups cold milk
For the Topping:
- 1 container (8 oz) whipped topping (like Cool Whip), thawed
- ½ cup candy corn pieces for decoration
- Optional: orange and yellow sprinkles, edible glitter, or crushed cookies for garnish
š©āš³ How to Make Candy Corn Poke Cake
Step 1: Prepare the Cake Batter
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Prepare the white cake mix according to package directions.
Divide the batter evenly into three bowls:
- Leave one portion white.
- Tint one portion yellow with food coloring.
- Tint the last portion orange using red + yellow food coloring.
Step 2: Layer the Batter
Grease a 9Ć13-inch baking dish.
Pour in the yellow layer first and spread evenly.
Gently spoon the orange layer on top of the yellow, then finish with the white layer on top.
Use the back of a spoon to spread carefully so colors stay distinct.
Step 3: Bake the Cake
Bake according to the package instructions (usually 25ā30 minutes) or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Let the cake cool for about 10 minutes.
Step 4: Poke & Fill
Using the handle of a wooden spoon, poke holes about 1 inch apart all over the cake.
In a medium bowl, whisk together instant pudding mix and cold milk until smooth and slightly thickened.
Pour the pudding over the cake, making sure it seeps into the holes.
Refrigerate for 30 minutes to allow it to set.
Step 5: Frost & Decorate
Spread the whipped topping evenly over the chilled cake.
Sprinkle candy corn, Halloween sprinkles, or colored sugar on top for a festive finish!
Refrigerate until ready to serve.
š¬ Tips for Success
ā
Use gel food coloring ā it gives vibrant color without thinning the batter.
ā
Donāt overmix once colors are added to keep layers clean.
ā
Let it chill for at least an hour before serving for the perfect texture.
ā
Cut with a clean knife for sharp color separation.
šØ Fun Variations
š» Candy Corn Cheesecake Poke Cake: Substitute the pudding with cheesecake pudding for a richer flavor.
š Orange Creamsicle Version: Add orange extract to the orange layer and vanilla extract to the white layer.
š« Chocolate Twist: Use chocolate pudding instead of vanilla for a candy-bar-like surprise.
š§ Cupcake Style: Layer colored batters into cupcake liners and poke each for individual treats!
šøļø Make It a Halloween Centerpiece
This Candy Corn Poke Cake is a must-have for Halloween parties. Its vivid stripes and creamy topping make it the perfect dessert for a spooky dessert table.
Serve it alongside other themed treats like Black Velvet Cookies, Pumpkin Brownies, or Monster Fudge for a complete Halloween dessert spread.
You can even turn it into a graveyard cake ā top with crushed chocolate cookies for ādirt,ā add candy bones or tombstones, and your guests will be amazed!
š§ Storage Tips
- Refrigerator: Store covered in the fridge for up to 5 days.
- Freezer: Freeze without topping for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight and frost before serving.
- Make Ahead: Great for prepping the night before a party ā the flavors get even better as it chills!
āļø Nutrition (Per Serving ā Approximate)
- Calories: 290
- Fat: 9g
- Carbs: 47g
- Sugar: 30g
- Protein: 3g
(Values may vary depending on brand and ingredients used.)
š Final Thoughts
This Candy Corn Poke Cake is the ultimate Halloween dessert ā playful, colorful, and irresistibly moist. The layered design captures the candy corn aesthetic, while the creamy pudding and whipped topping make every bite melt-in-your-mouth delicious.
Itās easy enough for beginners, fun for kids to help with, and impressive enough to wow guests. Whether itās a Halloween party, fall bake sale, or family movie night, this cake will disappear in no time!
So grab your food coloring, whip up some pudding, and bring a pop of spooky sweetness to your celebration with this festive Candy Corn Poke Cake! š¬š§”š
Print
Candy Corn Poke Cake šš¬
Ingredients
⢠1 box (15.25 oz) yellow or white cake mix (plus ingredients listed on box: eggs, oil, water)
⢠1 can (3.4 oz) instant vanilla pudding mix
⢠1 cup cold milk (dairy or plant-based)
⢠½ cup heavy cream or whipped topping (like Cool Whip), thawed
⢠1 cup candy corn, chopped (plus extra for topping)
⢠Optional: ½ tsp orange food coloring (for marbled effect)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9Ć13-inch baking pan.
- Prepare cake batter according to package directions. Pour into the pan and bake as directed (about 25ā30 minutes). Let cool completely.
- Use the end of a wooden spoon or chopstick to poke holes all over the cooled cake.
- In a bowl, whisk instant pudding mix and cold milk. Beat 2 minutes until thickened. Fold in whipped cream and chopped candy corn (add food coloring if desired).
- Spread pudding mixture evenly over the cake, pressing gently so it seeps into the holes.
- Chill at least 2 hours (or overnight) to set.
- Before serving: Top with extra whole or chopped candy corn for a festive finish!
⨠Perfect for:
⢠Halloween parties
⢠Fall potlucks
⢠Kidsā celebrations
š” Make ahead: Assemble up to one day in advanceāstore covered in the fridge.
PREP TIME & NUTRITION :
Prep Time : 15 mins , Cook Time : 30 mins , Total Time : 2 hrs 45 mins (includes chilling) , Servings : 12 slices , Calories : 280 , Net Carbs: 38g , Fats: 12g , Protein: 4g