Graveyard Cake

This cake captures the eerie fun of Halloween with layers of chocolate pudding, crushed “dirt” cookies, and playful tombstone and gummy worm decorations. It’s dramatic yet surprisingly easy to pull together when I want to delight guests without spending all day in the kitchen.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love this recipe because it combines familiar flavors with a theatrical presentation. The creamy chocolate pudding pairs beautifully with crunchy cookie crumbs, and the decorations (gummy worms, tombstones, candy pumpkins) make it a conversation piece. It’s perfect for parties or any time I want a dessert that’s fun to look at and delicious to eat.

Ingredients

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

• 2 (5-ounce) boxes instant chocolate pudding mix

• 6 cups cold whole milk

• 1 (10-ounce) package chocolate sandwich cookies (e.g. Oreos)

• Gummy worms

• Candy pumpkins, candy skulls, or other Halloween-themed candies

• Tombstone cookies or decoration pieces

• Green sprinkles (optional, for “grass” effect)

Directions

1. In a large bowl, whisk together the instant chocolate pudding mixes and the cold milk until smooth and slightly thickened.

2. Crush the chocolate sandwich cookies (including filling) into fine crumbs. I often use a food processor or place them in a zip-top bag and crush with a rolling pin.

3. In a serving dish or cake pan, spread a layer of the chocolate pudding.

4. Sprinkle a thick layer of the crushed cookie crumbs over the pudding to look like soil.

5. Add decorations by inserting gummy worms so they appear to emerge from the “ground.” Place tombstone cookies upright in the “soil.” Scatter candy pumpkins, skulls, or other items. Optionally sprinkle green sprinkles around edges or between decorations to mimic moss or grass.

6. Chill the assembled cake in the refrigerator to allow flavors to meld and the pudding to firm up.

Servings And Timing

• Servings: About 12–15 people, depending on portion size

• Timing:
   • Prep time: ~ 20 to 30 minutes (including making pudding, crushing cookies, and decorating)
   • Chill time: At least 1 hour (longer if possible)

Variations

• Use vegan or dairy-free pudding and cookies to make a plant-based version

• Create multiple thinner layers: alternate pudding and cookie crumbs multiple times, then top with decorations

• Add a layer of caramel or peanut butter between pudding and cookie crumbs for extra flavor

• Use different “soil” textures — for example, crushed chocolate cake, chocolate wafer crumbs, or even chocolate cereal

Storage / Reheating

• Storage: Cover and refrigerate the cake. It stays good for 2–3 days in the fridge.

• Reheating: This dessert is meant to be served cold. I do not reheat it. If the “dirt” layer softens with time, I sometimes sprinkle a fresh layer of crushed cookies just before serving to restore some crunch.

FAQs

What type of cookies are best for the “dirt” layer?

I find chocolate sandwich cookies (with cream filling) work best — their dark crumb gives the look of soil and the flavor complements the pudding beautifully.

Can I make the pudding from scratch instead of using instant mix?

Yes. If I prefer, I’ll make a homemade chocolate pudding; just be sure it’s thick enough to hold the cookie “dirt” on top.

How far ahead can I assemble the cake?

I usually assemble it up to a day in advance, but I might wait to add gummy worms or tombstones until just before serving so they stay firmer and more decorative.

Will the cookie crumbs get soggy over time?

Yes — over time they soften from the moisture of the pudding. To keep texture, I sometimes reserve a bit of crumbs to add fresh just before serving.

Can I make individual servings instead of one large cake?

Absolutely — I’ll use cups or small jars, layering pudding and crumbs, then top each with mini decorations for individual “graveyard” treats.

Conclusion

I enjoy making this Graveyard Cake because it’s one of those desserts that’s fun to assemble and fun to serve. With simple components — pudding, cookie crumbs, and candy decorations — I can transform ordinary ingredients into a spooky centerpiece. If you want help converting it to a dietary preference (gluten-free, vegan, etc.) or scaling it for more guests, just let me know.