Name: Best Candy Corn Cake (Halloween Cake) Recipe
Prep time: 45 min
Cook time: 26 min
Total time: 3 h 44 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1/3 cup candy corn; 1/3 cup water; 1 (14.25 oz) box white cake mix (dry mix only); 3 eggs + 1 egg yolk; 3/4 cup whole milk; 1/2 cup (1 stick) melted butter; 2 teaspoons vanilla bean paste or vanilla extract; 2 tablespoons mayonnaise (or sour cream, or yogurt); 1/4 teaspoon yellow gel food coloring (optional); 1/4 teaspoon orange gel food coloring (optional); 1 (14 oz) can sweetened condensed milk; 1 batch whipped cream cheese frosting (recipe not included); Candy corn (optional garnish)

Introduction

This Best Candy Corn Cake is a festive and colorful treat perfect for Halloween celebrations. Moist layers of white cake infused with candy corn syrup create a unique, sweet flavor. Topped with whipped cream cheese frosting and more candy corn, it’s a delightful showstopper for any spooky gathering.

The image shows a square piece of cake with two clear layers: the bottom layer is a soft, moist orange cake, and on top is a thick, smooth white frosting layer. There are two small, shiny candy corn pieces placed on the frosting, one at the bottom left corner and another near the top right corner, both with bright orange, yellow, and white colors. The cake sits on a white piece of paper, and more pieces of the same cake are blurred in the background, all arranged on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

1/3 cup candy corn

1/3 cup water

1 (14.25 oz) box white cake mix (dry mix only)

3 eggs + 1 egg yolk

3/4 cup whole milk

1/2 cup (1 stick) melted butter

2 teaspoons vanilla bean paste (or vanilla extract)

2 tablespoons mayonnaise (sour cream, or yogurt)

1/4 teaspoon yellow gel food coloring (optional)

1/4 teaspoon orange gel food coloring (optional)

1 (14 oz) can sweetened condensed milk

1 batch whipped cream cheese frosting

Candy corn (optional garnish)

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F. Grease a 9×13 baking dish and set it aside.

Step 2: In a medium saucepan over medium-low heat, combine candy corn and water. Stir occasionally until the candy corn is fully melted and blended with the water. Remove from heat and let cool while keeping the mixture in the saucepan.

Step 3: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the cake mix, eggs, egg yolk, whole milk, melted butter, vanilla bean paste, and mayonnaise until well combined.

Step 4: Divide the batter evenly into three bowls, about 1 1/3 cups each. Add yellow gel food coloring to one bowl, orange gel food coloring to another, and leave one bowl white. Mix each thoroughly.

Step 5: Pour the colored batters into the baking dish lengthwise—yellow on one side, orange on the other, and white in the center. Using a butter knife, gently swirl the colors together, being careful not to overmix. Smooth the batter by gently shaking the dish front-to-back and side-to-side.

Step 6: Bake on the middle rack for 24 to 26 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

Step 7: With about 5 minutes left on the timer, place the saucepan with the candy corn syrup back on low heat and stir in the sweetened condensed milk until fully incorporated.

Step 8: After baking, place the cake on a protected surface. Immediately poke holes all over the cake with a fork or toothpick. Pour the warm candy corn syrup evenly over the cake and allow it to cool completely so the liquid soaks in.

Step 9: Once cooled to room temperature, frost the cake with whipped cream cheese frosting. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, preferably overnight, to let the syrup fully absorb. Garnish with candy corn just before serving and enjoy!

Tips & Variations

For extra moisture, try substituting sour cream or yogurt for mayonnaise.

Gel food coloring enhances the vibrancy of cake layers without affecting texture.

Use vanilla bean paste for a richer vanilla flavor, but pure vanilla extract works well too.

To make this cake even more festive, add a sprinkle of chopped nuts or orange zest to the batter.

FAQs

Can I make this cake gluten-free?

Yes, you can substitute the white cake mix with a gluten-free white cake mix. Just ensure it is suitable for your dietary needs and follow the package instructions.

What if I don’t have gel food coloring?

You can use liquid food coloring instead, but gel colors provide a more vibrant hue with less liquid added, helping maintain the batter’s consistency.