As the leaves start to turn and that crisp autumn air settles in, my thoughts inevitably drift toward Halloween. I remember last year, when I excitedly mixed spices that filled my kitchen with warm aromas as I prepared spooky treats for a gathering. This year, I’m thrilled to introduce you to my Ghost Hi-Hat Conecakes—a playful twist on classic conecakes that will delight both kids and adults alike. Fluffy, spiced chocolate cake nestled in a crunchy sugar cone and crowned with a cloud-like vanilla bean swiss meringue—these ghostly confections combine nostalgia with a touch of whimsy.
Perfect for festive gatherings or cozy nights in, these treats are not only visually striking but also a breeze to whip up. Plus, they are a delicious way to break free from the monotony of fast food! With every bite, you’re met with a delightful crunch followed by a soft, flavorful cake that will have everyone asking for seconds. Grab your apron and let’s bring some Halloween magic to your kitchen with these enchanting Ghost Hi-Hat Conecakes!
Why Love Ghost Hi-Hat Conecakes?
Whimsical Presentation: These treats look like adorable ghosts, making them the star of any Halloween gathering.
Quick & Easy: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, even novice bakers can achieve stunning results.
Flavor Explosion: The spiced chocolate cake is rich and satisfying, perfectly balanced by the light meringue topping.
Versatile Fun: Feel free to experiment with different spices or candy melt colors to personalize your spooky conecakes.
Crowd-Pleasing Delight: Whether for a party or a cozy night, these Ghost Hi-Hat Conecakes will please kids and adults alike!
Ghost Hi-Hat Conecakes Ingredients
For the Cake Batter
• Spiced Chocolate Cake Mix – Provides a rich foundation for the flavor; feel free to customize with your favorite spices.
• Eggs – Bind the ingredients and give structure; a great opportunity to try egg substitutes if needed!
• Milk – Adds moisture; non-dairy alternatives work well if you want a vegan version.
• Vegetable Oil – Keeps the cake moist; melted coconut oil could be a fun switch!
For the Sugar Cones
• Sugar Cones – The crunchy shell of your cone, creating a fun and unique vessel; cake cones can be used for a softer option.
For the Meringue Topping
• Egg Whites – These are essential for achieving that light, airy meringue; ensure they are at room temperature for best results!
• Granulated Sugar – Stabilizes the meringue while adding sweetness; be sure to add it gradually for success.
• Vanilla Bean Paste – Infuses the meringue with a delightful aroma; vanilla extract can be a good substitute in a pinch.
For the Coating and Decoration
• Candy Melts (White) – Used to create a ghostly appearance on your meringue; feel free to switch to white chocolate for a different look!
• Coconut Oil – Thins out the candy melts for easy dipping; vegetable shortening can also do the trick.
• Black Gel Food Coloring – Perfect for adding spooky eyes; you can get creative with other color options too!
These Ghost Hi-Hat Conecakes will bring cheerful chills to your Halloween celebration!
How to Make Ghost Hi-Hat Conecakes
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Preheat Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While that’s warming up, prepare a cone holder or an inverted muffin tin to hold your sugar cones upright while baking.
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Prepare Batter: In a large mixing bowl, combine the spiced chocolate cake mix, eggs, milk, and vegetable oil. Stir until smooth, ensuring no lumps remain for a velvety texture.
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Fill Cones: Carefully fill each sugar cone about 1/2 to 2/3 full with the batter. This prevents overflow while they bake and helps achieve that perfect shape!
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Bake: Place the filled cones in the prepared holder and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
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Cool: Once baked, let them cool in the holder for about 10 minutes, and then carefully transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before frosting.
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Make Meringue: In a clean mixing bowl, whisk the egg whites until foamy. Gradually add granulated sugar while continuing to whisk until stiff peaks form, creating a light and airy vanilla bean swiss meringue.
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Frost Cones: Generously swirl the meringue on top of each cooled conecakes using a piping bag or spatula for a ghostly effect. Chill them in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes to help set the meringue.
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Dip in Candy Coating: Melt the white candy melts with coconut oil in a microwave-safe bowl. Dip the chilled meringue peaks into the mixture, ensuring they’re well coated.
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Set & Serve: Allow the coated conecakes to set in the refrigerator for at least 15 minutes. Add spooky black gel eyes for decoration before serving them to your thrilled guests!
Optional: To add extra flair, sprinkle edible glitter on top for a twinkling ghostly effect!
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
Make Ahead Options
These Ghost Hi-Hat Conecakes are perfect for busy cooks looking to save time during the Halloween festivities! You can prepare the spiced chocolate cake batter and fill the sugar cones up to 24 hours in advance; simply cover them tightly with plastic wrap after filling to maintain their moisture. The vanilla bean swiss meringue can also be made ahead and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to serve, just swirl the chilled meringue on top, dip the meringue peaks in the candy coating, and add the spooky eyes. This way, you’ll have delightful treats to wow your guests with minimal last-minute effort!
How to Store and Freeze Ghost Hi-Hat Conecakes
Room Temperature: Enjoy your Ghost Hi-Hat Conecakes fresh for up to 3 hours at room temperature, but they are best served chilled!
Fridge: Store assembled conecakes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. This will keep the texture of the meringue light and fluffy.
Freezer: For longer storage, freeze the unfrosted spiced chocolate cones wrapped tightly in plastic wrap for up to 1 month. Thaw in the fridge before frosting.
Reheating: If you want to enjoy the cake warm, reheat individual cones (without meringue) in a 350°F (175°C) oven for about 5-7 minutes, then frost with fresh meringue afterward.
Variations & Substitutions for Ghost Hi-Hat Conecakes
Feel free to get creative and customize these delightful treats to match your tastes!
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Pumpkin Spice: Swap out the regular spices in the chocolate cake for pumpkin spice to bring a seasonal flavor. It’s perfect for fall and adds a warm aroma.
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Gluten-Free: Use a gluten-free chocolate cake mix to accommodate dietary needs without sacrificing flavor. Everyone deserves a spookily delicious treat!
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Vegan Option: Replace eggs with flaxseed meal and use almond milk instead of regular milk for a vegan-friendly version. The result is still fluffy and delightful!
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Chocolate Cone: Switch sugar cones for chocolate-flavored cones to enhance the chocolate experience and make it extra indulgent.
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Fruit Filling: Add a layer of fruit preserves in the cone before the cake batter for a surprise fruity burst in every bite. Strawberry or raspberry will add a lovely sweetness!
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Different Sweeteners: Try using coconut sugar or agave syrup instead of granulated sugar in the meringue for a unique twist. It will slightly change the flavor while still keeping the overall experience delicious.
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Spiced Candy Coating: Mix in a dash of cinnamon or cayenne pepper to the melted candy coating for a subtle spice kick that will surprise your guests.
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Decorative Ideas: Instead of just black eyes, get festive by using edible glitter or vibrant sprinkles to truly make your Ghost Hi-Hat Conecakes come to life!
Embrace the Halloween spirit with these fun variations that keep the festive vibes alive in your kitchen!
What to Serve with Ghost Hi-Hat Conecakes?
When it’s time to enchant your Halloween gathering, consider these delightful pairings to complete the experience.
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Spooky Punch: A fruity, colorful punch creates a festive atmosphere, perfectly complementing the whimsical nature of the conecakes. Serve in a clear bowl to showcase its vibrant hues!
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Cinnamon Sugar Popcorn: This crunchy, sweet treat adds an enjoyable texture contrast to the soft and fluffy conecakes. Plus, it’s an easy snack for guests to munch on between bites.
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Chilled Apple Cider: The crisp, refreshing taste pairs beautifully with the rich flavors of the spiced chocolate cake, giving a cozy, autumnal vibe to your gathering.
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Witch’s Brew Brownies: Rich, fudgy brownies drizzled with green frosting or serve in eerie shapes. This dessert keeps the chocolate theme while offering a different texture to delight the taste buds.
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Gummy Worms: Scatter these around your dessert table; they add a playful touch that kids will adore! Their fun appearance invites laughter and joy at your gathering.
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Vanilla Ice Cream: A scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream served alongside the conecakes elevates the dessert experience, creating a delightful temperature contrast with the warm cake.
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Candy Corn Medley: A bowl of mixed candy corns adds a pop of color and brings nostalgic Halloween vibes. It’s the perfect treat to keep the festive spirit thriving throughout the evening.
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Ghostly Marshmallow Treats: These add an extra ghostly element to your dessert table and are incredibly fun for kids (and adults) to snack on as they enjoy their conecakes.
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Pumpkin Spice Latte: A warming beverage choice for adults, this flavorful drink enhances the seasonal spirit and complements the sweet conecakes beautifully.
Let these complement your Ghost Hi-Hat Conecakes and create an unforgettable Halloween celebration!
Expert Tips for Ghost Hi-Hat Conecakes
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Don’t Overfill: Limit your batter to 1/2 to 2/3 full in the sugar cones; this prevents overflow and keeps your treats neat.
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Whip It Right: Ensure your egg whites are at room temperature before whisking, as this helps achieve the perfect stiff peaks for your meringue.
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Chill for Success: After frosting, chill the conecakes for at least 30 minutes. This helps the meringue hold its shape and enhances the overall texture of your Ghost Hi-Hat Conecakes.
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Test the Coating: For smooth candy coating, test the melted mixture on a small piece first. Adjust with coconut oil for the ideal consistency if needed.
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Eye for Detail: Use a toothpick to apply black gel eyes carefully; this adds character and charm to your spooky treats!
Ghost Hi-Hat Conecakes Recipe FAQs
What type of sugar cones should I use for Ghost Hi-Hat Conecakes?
Absolutely! I recommend using regular sugar cones for their crunchy exterior, which adds a fun texture. If you’re looking for a softer touch, cake cones work great too!
How should I store Ghost Hi-Hat Conecakes?
For the best texture, store your assembled Ghost Hi-Hat Conecakes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. They taste even better chilled, as it helps maintain that light, fluffy meringue!
Can I freeze Ghost Hi-Hat Conecakes?
Yes, you can! For longer storage, wrap the unfrosted spiced chocolate cones tightly in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 1 month. When you’re ready to enjoy them, simply thaw in the fridge, then whip up fresh meringue to top your cones.
What should I do if my meringue doesn’t form stiff peaks?
Very! If your meringue isn’t reaching those lofty, stiff peaks, there are a couple of things to check. First, ensure your mixing bowl and beaters are completely clean and free of any grease; leftover fats can prevent proper whipping. Second, ensure your egg whites are at room temperature, as this assists in aeration. If you still encounter issues, adding a pinch of cream of tartar can stabilize the mixture.
Are there any allergy considerations I should have for Ghost Hi-Hat Conecakes?
Definitely! Since this recipe includes egg whites and may have traces of nuts or gluten (depending on the cake mix), it’s essential to check the labels of your ingredients. For egg allergies, try an egg replacement product suitable for baking. If you’re accommodating dietary restrictions, utilizing non-dairy milk and ensuring all components are gluten-free can help make the treat accessible to everyone.
Can I customize the spices in the cake batter?
Oh, absolutely! The beauty of Ghost Hi-Hat Conecakes lies in their versatility. Feel free to experiment with different spice blends, such as pumpkin spice or cinnamon, to give your conecakes a unique seasonal flair. Just remember to adjust the quantities to your taste preferences for that perfect balance!
Ghost Hi-Hat Conecakes: Spooky Treats to Wow Your Halloween Party
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare a cone holder or an inverted muffin tin to hold your sugar cones upright while baking.
- Prepare Batter: In a large mixing bowl, combine the spiced chocolate cake mix, eggs, milk, and vegetable oil. Stir until smooth.
- Fill Cones: Fill each sugar cone about 1/2 to 2/3 full with the batter.
- Bake: Place the filled cones in the holder and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean.
- Cool: Let them cool in the holder for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Make Meringue: Whisk egg whites until foamy, then gradually add granulated sugar until stiff peaks form.
- Frost Cones: Swirl the meringue on top of each cooled conecakes using a piping bag or spatula.
- Dip in Candy Coating: Melt the white candy melts with coconut oil, dip the meringue peaks into the mixture.
- Set & Serve: Allow the coated conecakes to set in the refrigerator for at least 15 minutes. Add spooky black gel eyes before serving.