I’m excited to share a festive and simple Halloween treat: a Halloween Jack-o-Lantern Bundt Cake. Sofie and I had so much fun making this one, and it was a hit with everyone who tried it. It’s playful, delicious, and perfect for fall gatherings.
When it comes to Halloween desserts, I love ones that capture the spooky season while staying easy to make. Instead of the usual cupcakes or candy apples, this Jack-o-Lantern Bundt Cake stands out and only requires a few pantry staples. If you have canned pumpkin and a box cake mix on hand, you can make a festive pumpkin Bundt in no time. The finished cake looks impressive, but the method is wonderfully simple—ideal for parties, school events, or neighborhood get-togethers.
Last year we tried a graveyard-themed cake, and this year we wanted something bright and pumpkin-shaped. With just a few simple extras—orange frosting, a couple of mini ice cream cones for the stem, chocolate chips for the mouth, and craft eyes—you can transform a basic Bundt into a cheerful jack-o-lantern.
What you need for this Halloween Jack-o-Lantern Bundt Cake
- 1 box yellow cake mix (or another preferred flavor)
- 3 eggs
- 1 (15 oz) can pumpkin (if you skip pumpkin, follow cake mix instructions for oil)
- 1 1/4 cups water
- Whipped vanilla frosting (or plain white frosting)
- Orange food coloring (or mix red + yellow)
- Light corn syrup (optional, for coating cones)
- Brown sugar (optional, for coating cones)
- Mini ice cream cones (for stem and nose)
- Chocolate chips (for the mouth)
- Two large plastic craft eyes (remove before slicing)
Watch the video below!
How to make this fun Halloween Bundt Cake
Preparation:
Preheat the oven according to the cake mix directions. In a large bowl, whisk together the cake mix, canned pumpkin, eggs, and water until smooth and fully combined. Grease a Bundt pan, pour in the batter, and bake following the package time and temperature (about 30–35 minutes). The cake is done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Allow the cake to cool completely before decorating.
Once the cake is cooled, prepare the frosting and decorate.
Decorating the Halloween Jack-o-Lantern Bundt Cake
For the orange frosting:
Remove the frosting lid and warm the can in the microwave for 25–30 seconds so it becomes pourable. Stir in orange food coloring until you reach the desired shade. Pour the colored frosting slowly over the cooled Bundt and use a spatula to spread it evenly.
For the stem & nose:
Brush mini ice cream cones lightly with corn syrup, then roll or sprinkle them with brown sugar to give a textured, caramelized look. Place one cone in the center top of the cake for the stem and another smaller cone or trimmed cone piece for the nose. This step is optional—cones can be used uncoated as well.
For the face:
Position the craft eyes toward the top of the cake. Arrange chocolate chips in a zig-zag pattern to form a friendly jack-o-lantern mouth. Be sure to remove any non-edible decorations, like plastic eyes, before serving slices.
Slice and serve this upbeat pumpkin Bundt at Halloween parties, potlucks, or any fall celebration. It’s simple to make, visually fun, and sure to bring smiles.
Make sure to PIN IT!
Halloween Jack-o-Lantern Bundt Cake
Pin Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 yellow cake mix Use another flavor if desired
- 1 15 oz. can pumpkin
- 3 eggs
- 1 1/4 cups water
- Orange food coloring If orange isn’t available, mix red and yellow
- Light corn syrup optional
- Brown Sugar optional
- Mini ice cream cones
- Chocolate chips
- Two large plastic eyes from a crafts store
Method
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Combine the cake mix, pumpkin, eggs, and water in a large bowl and whisk until smooth.
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Pour the batter into a greased Bundt pan and bake following the cake mix directions.
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When a toothpick comes out clean, remove from oven and let cool completely.
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Warm the frosting in the microwave for 25–30 seconds until pourable.
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Stir in orange food coloring until you achieve the shade you want.
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Pour the frosting over the cooled cake and spread to cover.
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Optional: brush cones with corn syrup, coat with brown sugar, and place on top as the stem and nose.
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Arrange chocolate chips to form a mouth.
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Place plastic eyes in position, removing them before slicing and serving.
Video
Notes
Coating the cones is optional; you can place them on the cake plain if you prefer.
Like this pumpkin cake recipe? make sure to check out my:
Simple Graveyard Bumpy Cake
Easy Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cake