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Halloween Multicolored Bundt Cake with Chocolate Ganache Recipe

If you’re looking for a show-stopping dessert this spooky season, you’ve got to try this Halloween Multicolored Bundt Cake with Chocolate Ganache Recipe. It’s not your everyday bundt cake — it’s packed with vibrant, festive colors inside, and topped off with a rich, glossy chocolate ganache that makes it completely irresistible. Trust me, this cake turns heads and tastes even better than it looks, making it the perfect centerpiece for any Halloween gathering or just a fun weekend treat for your family.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Vibrant, Fun Colors: Thanks to gel food coloring, the layers inside come out bright and festive – a treat for the eyes and taste buds.
  • So Easy to Make: Using a cake mix as the base speeds up prep without compromising flavor or texture.
  • Decadent Chocolate Ganache: The slightly bittersweet ganache brings just the right amount of balance to the sweet, buttery cake.
  • Perfect for Halloween and Beyond: Switch up the colors and sprinkles and you’ve got a customizable treat for any celebration.

Ingredients You’ll Need

You’ll find that this recipe uses just a handful of accessible ingredients, with a few key tips to bring out the best flavor and texture. The golden butter cake mix provides that rich, buttery base, while the gel food colors add festive hues that don’t fade in the oven. Plus, the chocolate ganache is super simple yet luxurious, pulling everything together for the perfect Halloween finale.

  • Golden Butter Cake Mix: This mix has a rich, buttery flavor that’s essential for this recipe. If you can’t find golden butter, yellow cake mix works too.
  • Unsalted Butter: Melted butter adds moisture and enhances richness—unsalted lets you control the seasoning better.
  • Whole Milk: It keeps the cake tender and moist, but you can substitute with buttermilk for an extra tangy twist.
  • Large Eggs: Eggs provide structure and help the cake rise beautifully.
  • Purple, Green, and Orange Gel Food Color: Gel colors are more concentrated than liquid, so you get those bright, bold Halloween colors without watering down the batter.
  • Bittersweet Chocolate: Use dark chocolate chips or a baking bar for the ganache to achieve that deep, almost black finish.
  • Heavy Cream: This makes the ganache smooth and luscious—don’t skimp on the fat!
  • Halloween Colored Sprinkles: Adds a playful, festive touch right after you drizzle the ganache.
Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

I love how versatile this cake is! You can easily personalize the Halloween Multicolored Bundt Cake with Chocolate Ganache Recipe with your own spin — it’s the kind of recipe that invites creativity. Play with colors and even the ganache flavor to make it your own.

  • Holiday Color Themes: I once made the bundt cake with red, white, and blue gel colors for the Fourth of July — it was a big hit and just as delicious!
  • White Chocolate Ganache: Swapping in white chocolate instead of bittersweet creates a sweeter drizzle, perfect for kids. Add a few drops of food coloring to the ganache for extra fun.
  • Nutty Add-Ins: Fold in chopped pecans or walnuts for a slightly crunchy texture—my family goes crazy for that touch.
  • Dairy-Free Version: Use a dairy-free cake mix, substitute coconut milk for whole milk, and use coconut cream in the ganache for a delicious vegan treat.

How to Make Halloween Multicolored Bundt Cake with Chocolate Ganache Recipe

Step 1: Prep Your Pan and Ingredients

First things first — preheat your oven to 350°F. Grab your 10-cup bundt pan and coat it thoroughly with a baking spray that includes flour, like Baker’s Joy. This is a game-changer because it ensures your cake comes out cleanly without sticking, a mistake I used to make all the time when I just greased and floured manually.

Step 2: Mix the Batter

In a large bowl, combine your golden butter cake mix, melted butter, whole milk, and eggs. Use an electric mixer on medium speed and beat this mixture for 2 to 3 minutes until the batter is smooth and well incorporated. This step ensures everything blends properly for a moist, fluffy cake.

Step 3: Divide and Color Your Batter

Now comes the fun part! Split the batter evenly into three separate bowls. Don’t sweat getting the exact amount in each—eyeballing works fine, but if you want precision, weigh the bowls. Add half a teaspoon of purple gel food coloring to one, green to the second, and orange to the third. Mix each until the color is fully absorbed. Gel coloring means vibrant swirls that won’t dilute the batter.

Step 4: Layer the Colors in Your Bundt Pan

Take a spoon and start dropping random spoonfuls of each colored batter into the prepared bundt pan, alternating colors for a fun, marbled effect. Don’t worry about making it perfect — the randomness is what creates those stunning multicolored layers when sliced.

Step 5: Bake and Cool

Bake the cake for 30 to 35 minutes. To check doneness, gently insert a toothpick into the center — it should come out clean or with just a few crumbs attached. Once out of the oven, let the cake rest in the pan for about 10 minutes; this cool-down time helps it set and makes it easier to remove. Then, invert the pan onto a cooling rack and let the cake cool completely before moving on to the ganache.

Step 6: Make the Chocolate Ganache

Chop your bittersweet chocolate if it’s in a bar form or simply use chips. Place it in a heatproof bowl or glass measuring cup. Heat the heavy cream in a small saucepan over medium-low heat until it just starts to simmer — you’ll know because the edges will bubble gently. Pour the hot cream over the chocolate and let it sit undisturbed for about three minutes; this melts the chocolate perfectly.

Whisk together the cream and chocolate until you have a smooth, glossy ganache. It should be thick but pourable — if it gets too thick, warm gently a little more to loosen it.

Step 7: Finish and Decorate

Pour the ganache evenly over the cooled bundt cake, letting it drip down the sides for that classic glazed look. While the ganache is still wet, sprinkle Halloween colored sprinkles on top for an extra festive flair. Let the ganache set at room temperature before slicing and serving.

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Pro Tips for Making Halloween Multicolored Bundt Cake with Chocolate Ganache Recipe

  • Use Baking Spray with Flour: I swear by Baker’s Joy for bundt pans—this combo keeps the delicate cake from sticking and makes unmolding a breeze.
  • Don’t Overmix the Colored Batter: Mix just until the colors are blended in each bowl to avoid developing too much gluten, which can toughen the cake.
  • Simmer Don’t Boil Cream: When making ganache, avoid boiling the cream; a gentle simmer keeps the texture silky.
  • Cool Cake Fully Before Ganache: Pouring ganache on a warm cake can cause it to slide off—letting it cool completely ensures a beautiful glaze.

How to Serve Halloween Multicolored Bundt Cake with Chocolate Ganache Recipe

The image shows a colorful slice of a rolled cake with three main layers inside: the outer layer is bright green, the middle layer is orange, and the inner layer is purple, all with a soft, spongy texture. The cake is covered with a smooth, dark chocolate frosting that wraps around the entire roll and is topped with small round and stick-shaped sprinkles in purple, orange, green, and white colors. The slice is placed on a white plate against a background with a white marbled texture. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

I keep it simple with Halloween colored sprinkles — they add just the right bit of whimsy and textural contrast. Sometimes, I toss on tiny edible eyeballs or candy pumpkins for a playful touch that gets lots of smiles at parties.

Side Dishes

This cake pairs wonderfully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream on the side for those who want an extra layer of indulgence. A warm cup of spiced cider or a rich coffee balances well, especially on chilly October evenings.

Creative Ways to Present

For Halloween parties, I sometimes place the cake on a platter surrounded by candy corn, miniature pumpkins, and plastic spiders to amp up the spooky vibe. Another fun idea is to drizzle colored white chocolate ganache in addition to the dark ganache for a multi-textured, multi-colored glaze effect. It’s always a hit with kids and adults alike!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I like to store leftover cake tightly wrapped in plastic wrap at room temperature if we’re eating it within two days. This keeps the cake moist and prevents the ganache from drying out. If your kitchen is particularly warm, storing it in the fridge is fine, though the ganache may firm up a bit more.

Freezing

You can absolutely freeze this bundt cake without ganache. Wrap it in plastic wrap and then foil, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before adding the ganache glaze for the freshest finish.

Reheating

Reheat slices gently in the microwave for about 15 seconds if you want to soften the cake and ganache a little, especially after refrigeration. It really brings back that fresh-from-the-oven feel, but be careful not to overheat or the ganache will melt too much.

FAQs

  1. Can I use liquid food coloring instead of gel for this Halloween Multicolored Bundt Cake with Chocolate Ganache Recipe?

    Yes, you can use liquid food coloring, but I don’t recommend it for this recipe. Liquid colors tend to dilute the batter, so you’d need to use more (closer to a teaspoon per color), which can affect the texture of the cake and the vibrancy of the colors. Gel food colors are much more concentrated and give you those bright, bold Halloween hues without changing the batter consistency.

  2. What if I don’t have a bundt pan? Can I use a regular cake pan?

    You can definitely bake this in a regular round or loaf cake pan, but the presentation won’t have that classic bundt shape. Adjust baking time accordingly—cakes in smaller pans usually take less time, while larger pans may need a bit longer. Keep an eye on your cake and test with a toothpick for doneness.

  3. How do I get the ganache to be that perfect pour consistency?

    Make sure your cream is hot but not boiling when you pour it over the chopped chocolate, and let it sit for a few minutes before whisking. This allows the chocolate to melt evenly. If after mixing it’s too thick, warm it slightly to loosen; if too thin, let it cool a little before pouring. Timing is key for that beautiful, glossy finish.

  4. Can I prepare the cake a day ahead?

    Absolutely! You can bake the bundt cake a day ahead and keep it wrapped tightly at room temperature. Prepare the ganache and pour it on the cake just a few hours before serving to keep it fresh and glossy.

Final Thoughts

Honestly, this Halloween Multicolored Bundt Cake with Chocolate Ganache Recipe holds a special place in my heart. It’s one of those desserts that brightens up any occasion, especially when the autumn chill hits and festive vibes are in full swing. Every time I make it, I get compliments on how impressive it looks and how moist it tastes. Don’t be intimidated by the colors or the ganache — with a little patience and these tips, you’ll nail it and have fun along the way. So go ahead, whip one up, and get ready for your family and friends to go absolutely crazy for it!

Print
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Halloween Multicolored Bundt Cake with Chocolate Ganache Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 4.4 from 144 reviews
  • Author: Megane
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Total Time: 1 hour 25 minutes
  • Yield: 12 servings
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Description

This Halloween Bundt Cake is a festive and colorful dessert featuring vibrant layers of purple, green, and orange cake batter swirled together in a golden butter cake base. Topped with a rich bittersweet chocolate ganache and decorated with Halloween-themed sprinkles, it’s the perfect spooky treat for your holiday celebrations.


Ingredients

Halloween Bundt Cake

  • 1 box (15.25 oz) Golden Butter cake mix
  • 7 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
  • 3/4 cup whole milk
  • 4 large eggs
  • 1/2 teaspoon purple gel food color
  • 1/2 teaspoon green gel food color
  • 1/2 teaspoon orange gel food color

Chocolate Ganache

  • 1 cup bittersweet chocolate (chips or baking bar)
  • 3/4 cup heavy cream
  • Halloween colored sprinkles


Instructions

  1. Prepare Bundt Pan: Preheat the oven to 350°F. Spray a 10-cup bundt pan with baking spray (a combination of cooking spray and flour, such as Baker’s Joy) to ensure easy release.
  2. Mix Cake Batter: In a large bowl, combine the dry cake mix, melted unsalted butter, whole milk, and eggs. Beat with an electric hand mixer on medium speed for 2 to 3 minutes until fully combined and smooth.
  3. Color the Batter: Divide the batter evenly into three separate bowls. Stir purple gel food coloring into one bowl, green into the second, and orange into the third until each is evenly colored. Use gel colors for vibrant hues.
  4. Fill Bundt Pan: Alternately drop spoonfuls of each colored batter randomly into the prepared bundt pan to create a marbled, colorful effect.
  5. Bake: Place the bundt pan in the preheated oven and bake for 30 to 35 minutes. Check doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center; it should come out clean.
  6. Cool Cake: Let the cake cool in the bundt pan for 10 minutes before inverting it onto a wire rack. Allow it to cool completely, about 30 minutes more.
  7. Prepare Ganache: Place the bittersweet chocolate in a heatproof glass bowl. In a small saucepan, heat the heavy cream over medium-low heat until it reaches a simmer, with edges barely boiling.
  8. Combine Ganache: Remove cream from heat and immediately pour it over the chocolate. Let sit for 3 minutes, then whisk until smooth and glossy.
  9. Decorate Cake: Pour the chocolate ganache evenly over the cooled bundt cake. While the ganache is still wet, sprinkle Halloween colored sprinkles on top. Allow ganache to set before serving.

Notes

  • Bittersweet Chocolate: Use dark chocolate chips or baking bars for the signature black color. Semi-sweet or milk chocolate will be sweeter but lighter in color.
  • Golden Butter Cake Mix: Preferred for flavor; if unavailable, yellow, white, or vanilla cake mixes are suitable substitutes.
  • Gel Food Color: Recommended for vivid colors. Neon gels are especially bright. Liquid food coloring can be used but requires about 1 teaspoon per color and results in less vibrant hues.
  • Butter: Unsalted butter is best for flavor control, but salted butter can be used if preferred.
  • Other Holidays: Adapt this recipe by using different gel colors and sprinkles. White chocolate ganache can be colored as needed for various holidays.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 slice (1/12th of cake)
  • Calories: 360 kcal
  • Sugar: 28 g
  • Sodium: 220 mg
  • Fat: 20 g
  • Saturated Fat: 12 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
  • Trans Fat: 0.3 g
  • Carbohydrates: 38 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 4 g
  • Cholesterol: 85 mg

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