10 Halloween Treats to Bake This Year

Halloween
By Ava Foster

Halloween brings out the baker in all of us, with its perfect excuse to whip up spooky sweets and festive desserts. Whether you’re hosting a costume party, sending treats to school, or just craving something delicious and seasonal, homemade goodies always steal the show. This year, skip the store-bought stuff and fill your kitchen with the warm smells of cinnamon, pumpkin, and sugar. Here are ten fantastic Halloween treats that are fun to make and even more fun to eat.

1. Halloween Peanut Spider Cookies

© kimscravings

Nothing says Halloween quite like creepy crawlies, and these adorable spider cookies bring the fun without the fright. Each cookie features a chocolate base topped with a peanut butter cup and eight pretzel stick legs that make them look like little spiders.

Kids absolutely love helping assemble these because they’re simple and require no fancy decorating skills. You can use store-bought cookie dough or bake from scratch, making them flexible for any skill level.

They’re perfect for classroom parties, trick-or-treat handouts, or just a fun afternoon project. Plus, the combination of chocolate, peanut butter, and salty pretzels creates an irresistible flavor that everyone enjoys. These spiders might just become your new Halloween tradition.

2. Caramel-Apple Skillet Buckle

© nytcooking

Picture warm apples swimming in sweet caramel sauce, all tucked beneath a tender, cake-like topping that bakes up golden and crispy. This skillet buckle is autumn comfort food at its finest.

The beauty of this dessert lies in its simplicity—you mix everything right in the skillet, which means fewer dishes to wash later. Fresh apples get tossed with cinnamon and caramel, then topped with a buttery batter that puffs up as it bakes.

Serve it straight from the skillet while it’s still warm, maybe with a scoop of vanilla ice cream melting on top. It’s rustic, homey, and tastes like fall in every bite. Your house will smell absolutely amazing while this bakes.

3. Pumpkin Bars

© cucinabyelena

Soft, moist, and bursting with pumpkin spice flavor, these bars are like eating a slice of pumpkin pie without all the fuss. They’re topped with a thick layer of cream cheese frosting that perfectly balances the warm spices.

What makes pumpkin bars so great is how easy they are to transport and share. You bake them in a single pan, frost them, and cut them into squares—no fancy plating required.

They’re ideal for potlucks, bake sales, or anytime you need to feed a crowd. The texture is somewhere between a cake and a cookie, making them incredibly satisfying. Don’t be surprised when people ask for the recipe after just one bite.

© tyberrymuch

Take your standard cinnamon roll and give it a Halloween twist by adding cookie butter to the filling. Cookie butter has that warm, spiced flavor that reminds you of speculoos cookies and autumn afternoons.

The dough gets rolled out, spread with a generous layer of cookie butter mixed with cinnamon and sugar, then rolled up and sliced. As they bake, the filling melts into gooey pockets of sweetness that make each bite heavenly.

Top them with a simple vanilla glaze while they’re still warm, and watch them disappear in minutes. These rolls are perfect for Halloween morning breakfast or as a special dessert. The unique filling makes them stand out from ordinary cinnamon rolls.

5. Halloween Witch Cake

© let_them_eat_cake_bh

With her pointy hat, green frosting face, and wild candy hair, this witch cake becomes the centerpiece of any Halloween celebration. Creating her is easier than you might think, and the result looks impressively professional.

Start with your favorite chocolate cake recipe, then use frosting to build the witch’s features. An ice cream cone becomes her hat, and candies or cookies make great decorative touches for her face and hair.

Kids can help decorate, making it a fun family activity that doubles as entertainment. The cake tastes delicious, but honestly, everyone will be too busy admiring your creation to care. This showstopper guarantees compliments and photo requests at any Halloween gathering.

6. Cinnamon-Sugar Apple Pie

© Reddit

Is there anything more classic than apple pie during fall? This version gets an extra boost from a generous coating of cinnamon sugar on the crust, which caramelizes as it bakes into sweet, crunchy perfection.

Sliced apples tossed with cinnamon, nutmeg, and sugar fill a flaky homemade crust. The lattice top not only looks beautiful but also lets steam escape while baking, preventing a soggy bottom.

That cinnamon-sugar topping creates little crystals of sweetness that add wonderful texture. Serve warm slices with whipped cream or ice cream for the ultimate autumn dessert. This pie proves that sometimes the traditional recipes are popular for good reason—they’re simply the best.

7. Sour Cream-Pumpkin Coffee Cake

© bakedbyrachel

Mornings get better when there’s coffee cake involved, especially when it’s loaded with pumpkin and topped with a crunchy cinnamon streusel. Sour cream keeps the cake incredibly moist and adds a subtle tang that balances the sweetness.

The cake layer is infused with pumpkin puree and warm spices, while the streusel topping provides that satisfying crunch everyone loves. A simple glaze drizzled over the top adds an extra touch of sweetness.

It’s wonderful for Halloween brunch, an afternoon snack, or even dessert. The cake stays fresh for several days, making it great for meal prep or enjoying throughout the week. Pair it with hot coffee or apple cider for the perfect fall treat.

8. Sugar Ghost Cupcakes

© bitsandbitesgf

These adorable ghost cupcakes are almost too cute to eat—almost. Start with vanilla cupcakes, then pipe white frosting in a ghostly shape on top, adding little chocolate chip eyes and mouths.

They’re simple enough for beginner bakers but impressive enough to wow your guests. The key is using thick buttercream frosting that holds its shape when piped into peaks and swirls.

Kids can help decorate their own ghosts, giving each one a unique personality. Some might look spooky, others silly, but they’ll all taste delicious. These cupcakes work perfectly for school parties, Halloween gatherings, or just because you’re in the festive spirit. They’re proof that Halloween treats don’t have to be complicated to be memorable.

9. Copycat Starbucks Pumpkin Bread

© olivesnthyme

Why spend money at the coffee shop when you can make that famous pumpkin bread at home? This copycat recipe tastes remarkably similar to the original, with its super moist texture and perfect blend of spices.

Pumpkin puree, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves create that signature flavor everyone craves during autumn. The bread bakes up tall and tender, with a slightly crispy top that contrasts beautifully with the soft interior.

Make a loaf for yourself and another to gift to friends or neighbors. It freezes wonderfully, so you can bake several loaves and save them for later. Enjoy a thick slice toasted with butter for breakfast, or eat it plain as an afternoon snack.

10. Apple Crisp

© Reddit

When you need a dessert that feels like a warm hug, apple crisp delivers every single time. Tender baked apples sweetened with cinnamon and brown sugar hide beneath a buttery oat topping that bakes up crispy and golden.

The best part? It comes together quickly with ingredients you probably already have in your pantry. No fancy techniques or special equipment needed—just slice apples, mix the topping, and bake.

Your kitchen will smell incredible as it bakes, filling your home with the cozy scents of autumn. Serve it warm with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream for maximum enjoyment. Apple crisp is the kind of dessert that makes everyone feel right at home.