What cakes are best for a Halloween party?
What cakes are best for a Halloween party? Cupcakes, brownie squares and one showpiece for a UK house party
The best cakes for a Halloween party are cupcakes and small bakes, plus one showpiece cake for the middle of the table. Guests can eat them standing up, nobody needs a knife, and a few simple toppings are enough to theme them.
Halloween falls on a Saturday this year, so bakers are already filling their diaries. If you want a made to order spread, aim to order two to three weeks ahead.
Why small cakes beat one big cake at a party
Guests hold drinks, wear masks and stand around. A plated slice with a fork does not suit that. A cupcake does.
Small cakes also make quantities easy. Plan on 1.5 portions per guest if cake is your main sweet food. A single 8 inch round cake cuts into roughly 12 to 16 party slices, which covers a small gathering but not a crowd.
Five Halloween cakes that hold up on a party table
- Chocolate cupcakes with orange buttercream. The dark sponge and bright topping look right without fuss, and buttercream keeps its shape in a warm room.
- Brownie squares with a white chocolate spiderweb. They travel well, cut cleanly and keep for a day.
- Pumpkin or carrot traybake with cream cheese frosting. Cut it into small squares and keep it in the fridge until an hour before serving.
- Red velvet cake with a jam or raspberry centre. Cut it open and it looks like it bleeds. This is your showpiece.
- Ghost or mummy cake pops. Children hold them by the stick, which keeps sticky fingers off the sofa.
Black icing, warm rooms and other mistakes to avoid
Black icing is the classic trap. It takes a lot of dye to reach true black, and the result can taste bitter and stain mouths. Dark chocolate buttercream gets close without the dye.
Cream is the next problem. Whipped cream and cream cheese frosting soften fast in a heated house, so keep those cakes cold until serving.
Allergens catch hosts out too. Nuts, gluten, milk and eggs appear in most cakes. Label what you serve and add one nut free option.
Finally, do not decorate too early. Buttercream forms a dry crust if it sits uncovered overnight. Bake ahead, but decorate on the day.
Getting Halloween cakes made for you
Angies Tiny Treats bakes small, party sized treats, which suit a Halloween table well. Send over your guest numbers, allergy needs and party start time, and the bakery can suggest a mix of cupcakes and a centrepiece.
Prices depend on size, flavour and how much decoration each cake needs. A quote based on guest numbers and design will tell you more than a price per cake.
Halloween party cake questions
How many cupcakes do I need for 20 guests?
About 30, if cake is the main sweet. Order fewer if you are also serving other sweets.
Can I make Halloween cakes the day before?
Yes. Bake sponges and brownies a day ahead and store them airtight. Add buttercream and decorations on the day.
What is a good nut free Halloween cake?
A plain chocolate or vanilla sponge works well. Check the labels on sprinkles and chocolate for “may contain nuts” warnings.
How long can cakes sit out?
Buttercream cakes cope with a few hours at room temperature. Cream and cream cheese cakes should stay in the fridge until you serve them.
The short version: best cakes for a Halloween party
The best cakes for a Halloween party are small, easy to hold and happy in a warm room. Pick cupcakes or brownie squares, add one showpiece, label your allergens and keep cream cakes cold. Order early if you want them made for you.
