Cakes & CupcakesNo. 7823 · The 2026 edition
Halloween Explosion Cake Recipe
Make a showstopping Halloween cake with a hidden candy center that spills out when sliced.
Our own summary of the original by Casey Barber — the full post and photos live at today.com.
This ombre green and purple layer cake is packed with M&M's and sprinkles inside. After stacking and frosting, decorate with more candies for a spooky surprise. When you cut into it, the filling cascades out—perfect for a Halloween party reveal.
Ingredients
Directions
- Set your oven to 325°F to preheat.
- In a stand mixer with the paddle attachment, combine the cake mix, water, oil, and egg whites. Beat on medium-low speed for 2 minutes.
- Separate the batter into 5 equal parts, roughly 1 cup each.
- Using purple and green gel food coloring, dye each portion to create an ombre effect: dark purple, light purple, purple-green, light green, and dark green.
- Spray each pan of a 5-layer cake pan set with nonstick cooking spray, then pour each colored batter into its own pan.
- Bake for 18–20 minutes, rotating the pans halfway through, until the cakes pull away from the edges and show slight browning on top and sides.
- Place the pans on cooling racks and let them cool completely.
- Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Run an offset spatula around each pan to loosen the cake, then carefully invert onto the baking sheet. Freeze overnight.
- Prepare the frosting: In a stand mixer with the paddle attachment, beat the softened butter on low speed for 1 minute until smooth.
- Gradually add the powdered sugar in batches, beating until the mixture is thick and fluffy.
- Turn the mixer to low, then add the vanilla extract.
- Slowly pour in the milk until you reach your desired consistency (you may not use all 4 tablespoons).
- Mix in orange gel food coloring until the frosting is tinted to your liking.
- To assemble: Using a 2½-inch round cookie cutter, cut a hole in the center of every frozen cake layer except the top dark green one.
- Place the dark purple layer on a serving plate and spread frosting on top. Repeat with the light purple, purple-green, and light green layers, frosting each as you stack.
- In a bowl, stir together the M&M's and silver sprinkles, then carefully pour this candy mix into the hollow center of the stacked layers.
- Set the final dark green layer on top, then frost the entire cake—top and sides—completely.
- Decorate with frosting rosettes and arrange candy corn, candy pumpkins, broken miniature candy bars, extra M&M's, and silver sprinkles on top.
- Before slicing, gather your guests for the big reveal. Cut carefully so the candy spills out. Serve immediately and enjoy!
