What do you think?
Rate this book
Ghost Food: 75 Spooky, Fun, and Frightening Halloween-Inspired Sweet Treats
Are you brave enough . . .
. . . to bake?
Sneak into a haunted house to hunt for Marshmallow Ghosts and cast some spells to turn them into a Ghostly S’mores Tart. Stop by the Pumpkin Patch for some Pumpkin Spice Hot Chocolate while on the way to the Creepy Carnival to win a Red Balloon Cake Pop and Homemade Candy Corn. This cookbook is packed with spooky, Halloween-y treats that are perfect for parties, scary movie nights, and for counting down to the most frightful holiday of the year! Turn your kitchen into a spooky, haunted coven with Ghost Food!
Sections
Haunted MansionPumpkin PatchCreepy CarnivalWitch’s CovenVampire’s Lair and more!
This collection will impress all ages of Halloween or year-round fans with of the creepy-cute aesthetic! It's perfect for your next themed party, movie night, or game night—and don't forget about your spooky season parties and get-togethers.
Don't miss Cayla's other imaginative books in this Unicorn Food, Mermaid Food, Spooky Food, Reindeer Food, Elf Food, and Dragon Food.
. . . to bake?
Sneak into a haunted house to hunt for Marshmallow Ghosts and cast some spells to turn them into a Ghostly S’mores Tart. Stop by the Pumpkin Patch for some Pumpkin Spice Hot Chocolate while on the way to the Creepy Carnival to win a Red Balloon Cake Pop and Homemade Candy Corn. This cookbook is packed with spooky, Halloween-y treats that are perfect for parties, scary movie nights, and for counting down to the most frightful holiday of the year! Turn your kitchen into a spooky, haunted coven with Ghost Food!
Sections
Haunted MansionPumpkin PatchCreepy CarnivalWitch’s CovenVampire’s Lair and more!
This collection will impress all ages of Halloween or year-round fans with of the creepy-cute aesthetic! It's perfect for your next themed party, movie night, or game night—and don't forget about your spooky season parties and get-togethers.
Don't miss Cayla's other imaginative books in this Unicorn Food, Mermaid Food, Spooky Food, Reindeer Food, Elf Food, and Dragon Food.
200 pages, Hardcover
Published August 5, 2025
1 person is currently reading
28 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 58 reviews
May 26, 2025
I received an advance reader copy of this book to read in exchange for an honest review via netgalley and the publishers.
Ghost Food is a fun and mouth-watering cookbook perfect for fans of Halloween and all things spooky. This book is Halloween themed, but the recipes can be adjusted to fit in all year round. The photography and designs of these cakes and recipes are amazing, and if many were put in front of me, I'd be hard pressed to cut into one!
Each recipe is straightforward and easy to follow with ingredients that are easily sourced.
I loved that there are levels of difficulty throughout the book, making it much more accessible and something a lower skilled baker/cook can access and build upon.
The decorations as I've said are so creative and adorable and even if you don't feel you could create the pictured decorations, the recipes themselves are so good you could decorate them in a much simpler way if needed. I can't wait to try my hand at a few of these recipes this Halloween.
Ghost Food is a fun and mouth-watering cookbook perfect for fans of Halloween and all things spooky. This book is Halloween themed, but the recipes can be adjusted to fit in all year round. The photography and designs of these cakes and recipes are amazing, and if many were put in front of me, I'd be hard pressed to cut into one!
Each recipe is straightforward and easy to follow with ingredients that are easily sourced.
I loved that there are levels of difficulty throughout the book, making it much more accessible and something a lower skilled baker/cook can access and build upon.
The decorations as I've said are so creative and adorable and even if you don't feel you could create the pictured decorations, the recipes themselves are so good you could decorate them in a much simpler way if needed. I can't wait to try my hand at a few of these recipes this Halloween.
April 26, 2025
I received a free copy of, Ghost Food, by Cayla Gallagher, from the publisher and Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. This book is so good. I love desert and I love Halloween. This book has some great looking recipes for Halloween, like marshmallow ghosts, hugging ghost cookies, pumpkin hand pies, and lots more. This is a really good cookbook, for all ages.
June 5, 2025
Though these are quite typical recipes, they are tasty and fun for the spooky season. My son loves ghosts and haunted/scary stuff, so he was excited that we've been trying one of these a week for several weeks now. So far, the Ghost Cake Pops, Graveyard Pudding, Strawberry Ghosts, Stuffed Skull Marshmallows, and Gravestone Cupcakes have been a huge hit amongst my son and his friends. I also loved that it had a recipe for the DIY candy eyes and sprinkles as they're used in some of the recipes. It is quite simple, some bits are more work but overall easy recipes.
I received this Cookbook from NetGalley and SkyHorse to read/try/review. All of the statements above are my true opinions after fully reading this cookbook.
I received this Cookbook from NetGalley and SkyHorse to read/try/review. All of the statements above are my true opinions after fully reading this cookbook.
April 29, 2025
This is an awesome book! It’s full of beautiful recipes, yet simple enough but guaranteed to impress!
I was so pleasantly surprised by the quality, quantity and originality of the content of this book.
Beautifully photographed, fun baking projects to do for kids and with kids.
These recipes are to be enjoyed all year round, not only for Halloween.
Thank you NetGalley and the publisher for this ARC of Ghost Food by Cayla Gallagher.
I was so pleasantly surprised by the quality, quantity and originality of the content of this book.
Beautifully photographed, fun baking projects to do for kids and with kids.
These recipes are to be enjoyed all year round, not only for Halloween.
Thank you NetGalley and the publisher for this ARC of Ghost Food by Cayla Gallagher.
June 20, 2025
Thank you to NetGalley for an ARC of
Ghost Food.
I ❤️❤️❤️ Halloween so Ghost Food was whispering in a spoooooky voice to readddd meeeee.
The recipes are funny and boo00tiful and I loved the addition to making googly eyes of your own.
Most of the recipes I've seen in other Halloween themed books but there were a few I hadn't seen before and I appreciate the originality and unique versions by the author.
The recipes are organized by themes and though some of them are labor intensive, they're not hard to make.
There's a photo for each recipe which I always appreciate.
What better time than now to plan what treats to make since we're five months away from Halloween? 🎃👻🍭🍫🧟
Also, super cute cover!
I ❤️❤️❤️ Halloween so Ghost Food was whispering in a spoooooky voice to readddd meeeee.
The recipes are funny and boo00tiful and I loved the addition to making googly eyes of your own.
Most of the recipes I've seen in other Halloween themed books but there were a few I hadn't seen before and I appreciate the originality and unique versions by the author.
The recipes are organized by themes and though some of them are labor intensive, they're not hard to make.
There's a photo for each recipe which I always appreciate.
What better time than now to plan what treats to make since we're five months away from Halloween? 🎃👻🍭🍫🧟
Also, super cute cover!
June 1, 2025
What an absolute delight this cookbook is! It has fun, spooky-cute, and fancy ideas for Halloween themed foods and drinks. Every single recipe has a photo - a MUST for any truly great cookbook, and the theme is consistently perfect.
Some of my favorites are the Haunted House Cake (so sophisticated!), Cauldron Brownies (Halloween, yes. But also, hear me out… a Macbeth themed party?!), Witch’s Birthday Cake (I would happily have this as a wedding cake), and the Batty Ganache Tart (dramatic and cute).
I think I need to throw a Summerween party because I want to bake all of the things in this book. I adore this book, thank you Cayla Gallagher, Skyhorse Publishing, and Net Galley for the advanced reader copy!
Some of my favorites are the Haunted House Cake (so sophisticated!), Cauldron Brownies (Halloween, yes. But also, hear me out… a Macbeth themed party?!), Witch’s Birthday Cake (I would happily have this as a wedding cake), and the Batty Ganache Tart (dramatic and cute).
I think I need to throw a Summerween party because I want to bake all of the things in this book. I adore this book, thank you Cayla Gallagher, Skyhorse Publishing, and Net Galley for the advanced reader copy!
April 11, 2025
Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for this ARC.
If you are looking for a recipe to sweeten your Halloween celebration, these are the perfect recipes for that occasion. Instructions are simple and very detailed.
I really liked the various recipes with spooky treats - ghosts, pumpkins, skulls, bats, black cats and creepy crawlies.
I give this book 5 stars.
If you are looking for a recipe to sweeten your Halloween celebration, these are the perfect recipes for that occasion. Instructions are simple and very detailed.
I really liked the various recipes with spooky treats - ghosts, pumpkins, skulls, bats, black cats and creepy crawlies.
I give this book 5 stars.
August 3, 2025
Thanks so much to NetGalley for the free Kindle book. My review is voluntarily given,
and my opinions are my own.
This is the perfect cookbook for those planning any type of Halloween or autumn celebration. 🍂 Tons of different recipes like Bat Cat Cookies, Vampire Hot Chocolate, Fluffy Monster Cake, and Zombie Candy Apples.
Definitely would recommend!
and my opinions are my own.
This is the perfect cookbook for those planning any type of Halloween or autumn celebration. 🍂 Tons of different recipes like Bat Cat Cookies, Vampire Hot Chocolate, Fluffy Monster Cake, and Zombie Candy Apples.
Definitely would recommend!
May 31, 2025
75 ...is actually quite a lot! This book has just about every ghoulish treat you could think of. There are so many of the included recipes that I want to try with my kiddos now. My favorite part of this book is that there are images of each tasty treat. I personally hate when cookbooks just list the ingredients and recipes with no pictures.... I can't be the only one who "eats with my eyes first"?!
I received a copy in exchange for my honest review.
I received a copy in exchange for my honest review.
October 2, 2025
My daughter picked this to read and decided she wanted to share it with me. There's some cool ideas that we both enjoyed and others we didn't. If you're looking for ideas for parties then this book will give you a few good ideas.
June 1, 2025
75 spooky treats! Ghost Food is the perfect cookbook for everything Fall/Halloween. Great for entertaining, but also if you just want festive snacks around the house during October (like me!) Each sweet treat features a beautiful color photograph followed by the recipe. I'll definitely be making these fun recipes year after year!
Thank you to NetGalley and Skyhorse Publishing for this ARC
Thank you to NetGalley and Skyhorse Publishing for this ARC
April 15, 2025
if you are like me and you like spooky themed things year round, then you'd understand why I picked this up in April. These are the types of recipes I make year round.
There were some positives and some negatives with this book. I was able to read it as an ARC, but if I were a consumer and I purchased this, I would definitely be disappointed with some areas. I will start with my constructive criticism: the biggest one being a lack of description for recipes. Most of the recipes included have zero description about the flavor profile or anything else a baker would include. For example in most recipe books it would start with the title of the dish, like mocha brownies, and then the description would be something like "these gooey, delicious brownies are always a crowd pleaser and the best part is they're very easy to make." Instead what you will find in this book is a vague title like Mummy Cake and then it goes straight into the recipe. Well, what flavor is the cake? Now I have to try and figure it out based on the ingredients, and that's a pain.
Also, this may be nitpicky, but the section titles sometimes made no sense and weren't relevant to the dishes. There's a section called Creepy Carnival and there's nothing about it that screamed carnival to me.
Positives: you will have a large plethora of Halloween themed recipes to try all in one book. If you're a Pinterest user like I am chances are you have a board already dedicated to sweets you want to make, but I like the convenience of having it all in one place here. Also, there's a conversion chart in the back, and the index is sometimes sorted by ingredient or dessert type which is useful.
Overall I sadly cannot say I recommend buying this book when I found it so frustrating that there was no flavor profile or description for most recipes. I do not want to have to sift through the ingredient list to know what kind of cake I'm making, and flavor is just as important as decor. But as a library book or something, it would definitely be helpful for recipe and decoration ideas.
Thank you so much to Netgalley for providing me with an ARC 👻
There were some positives and some negatives with this book. I was able to read it as an ARC, but if I were a consumer and I purchased this, I would definitely be disappointed with some areas. I will start with my constructive criticism: the biggest one being a lack of description for recipes. Most of the recipes included have zero description about the flavor profile or anything else a baker would include. For example in most recipe books it would start with the title of the dish, like mocha brownies, and then the description would be something like "these gooey, delicious brownies are always a crowd pleaser and the best part is they're very easy to make." Instead what you will find in this book is a vague title like Mummy Cake and then it goes straight into the recipe. Well, what flavor is the cake? Now I have to try and figure it out based on the ingredients, and that's a pain.
Also, this may be nitpicky, but the section titles sometimes made no sense and weren't relevant to the dishes. There's a section called Creepy Carnival and there's nothing about it that screamed carnival to me.
Positives: you will have a large plethora of Halloween themed recipes to try all in one book. If you're a Pinterest user like I am chances are you have a board already dedicated to sweets you want to make, but I like the convenience of having it all in one place here. Also, there's a conversion chart in the back, and the index is sometimes sorted by ingredient or dessert type which is useful.
Overall I sadly cannot say I recommend buying this book when I found it so frustrating that there was no flavor profile or description for most recipes. I do not want to have to sift through the ingredient list to know what kind of cake I'm making, and flavor is just as important as decor. But as a library book or something, it would definitely be helpful for recipe and decoration ideas.
Thank you so much to Netgalley for providing me with an ARC 👻
April 28, 2025
Originally posted on my blog Nonstop Reader.
Ghost Food is a cute Hallowe'en themed recipe collection with recipes developed and curated by Cayla Gallagher. Due out 5th Aug 2025 from Skyhorse Publishing, it's 200 pages and will be available in hardcover and ebook formats. It's worth noting that the ebook format has a handy interactive table of contents as well as interactive links and references throughout.
Exactly as advertised; Hallowe'en themed, heavy on cute, light on scary, and accessible for all-ages. Recipes are grouped "whimsically" into themed chapters: haunted mansion, pumpkin patch, creepy carnival, witch's coven, and vampire's lair.
Recipes are written with a title, but no real substantive description, followed by a bullet list sidebar with ingredients. Ingredient measures are given in imperial (American) units, followed by step-by-step prep directions. The author/publisher have included a metric conversion chart in the back of the book.
Most of the necessary ingredients will be easily accessible at any well stocked grocery store in North America. Nutritional information is not included.
The photography throughout is clear, bright, and in color. It's a nice collection of fun recipes and would be helpful for seasonal parties, potlucks, or sleepovers. It's not -aimed- at younger readers/cooks, but there are lots of recipes in the collection which could be made by youngsters with some supervision.
Three and a half stars. The lack of recipe descriptions and flavors is odd, but there are many really -cute- things to cook and enjoy.
It would be a good choice for public, school, or home library acquisition.
Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes
Ghost Food is a cute Hallowe'en themed recipe collection with recipes developed and curated by Cayla Gallagher. Due out 5th Aug 2025 from Skyhorse Publishing, it's 200 pages and will be available in hardcover and ebook formats. It's worth noting that the ebook format has a handy interactive table of contents as well as interactive links and references throughout.
Exactly as advertised; Hallowe'en themed, heavy on cute, light on scary, and accessible for all-ages. Recipes are grouped "whimsically" into themed chapters: haunted mansion, pumpkin patch, creepy carnival, witch's coven, and vampire's lair.
Recipes are written with a title, but no real substantive description, followed by a bullet list sidebar with ingredients. Ingredient measures are given in imperial (American) units, followed by step-by-step prep directions. The author/publisher have included a metric conversion chart in the back of the book.
Most of the necessary ingredients will be easily accessible at any well stocked grocery store in North America. Nutritional information is not included.
The photography throughout is clear, bright, and in color. It's a nice collection of fun recipes and would be helpful for seasonal parties, potlucks, or sleepovers. It's not -aimed- at younger readers/cooks, but there are lots of recipes in the collection which could be made by youngsters with some supervision.
Three and a half stars. The lack of recipe descriptions and flavors is odd, but there are many really -cute- things to cook and enjoy.
It would be a good choice for public, school, or home library acquisition.
Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes
May 12, 2025
Book Review: Ghost Food: 75 Spooky, Fun, and Frightening Halloween-Inspired Sweet Treats by Cayla Gallagher
Rating: ★★★★☆ (4/5)
Review:
Cayla Gallagher’s Ghost Food: 75 Spooky, Fun, and Frightening Halloween-Inspired Sweet Treats is a whimsically crafted cookbook that blends culinary creativity with seasonal festivity. Designed for both novice and experienced bakers, the book excels in delivering visually striking recipes that capture the playful essence of Halloween. Gallagher’s expertise in confectionery artistry is evident, with clear instructions and vibrant photography guiding readers through ghoulishly delightful desserts.
Strengths:
Creative Recipes: The 75 recipes—from “Eyeball Cake Pops” to “Graveyard Brownies”—are inventive yet approachable, using everyday ingredients to achieve dramatic, spooky effects.
Visual Guidance: The book’s photography is a highlight, providing essential visual references for presentation, which is crucial for theme-based baking.
User-Friendly Structure: Recipes are well-organized with step-by-step directions, making intricate designs achievable for home bakers.
Areas for Improvement:
While the book thrives in creativity, some recipes could benefit from dietary alternatives (e.g., gluten-free or vegan variations) to accommodate a wider audience.
A brief note on the cultural significance of Halloween treats could add depth, though the focus remains firmly on technique and aesthetics.
Acknowledgments:
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing an advanced reader copy of this book. Special thanks to Cayla Gallagher for her imaginative and spirited contribution to seasonal baking. Ghost Food is a delightful resource for anyone looking to infuse their Halloween celebrations with eerie, delicious charm.
Recommended For: Home bakers, culinary enthusiasts, and Halloween lovers seeking fun, visually impressive treats. While highly engaging, broader dietary options would make it even more versatile.
Rating: ★★★★☆ (4/5)
Review:
Cayla Gallagher’s Ghost Food: 75 Spooky, Fun, and Frightening Halloween-Inspired Sweet Treats is a whimsically crafted cookbook that blends culinary creativity with seasonal festivity. Designed for both novice and experienced bakers, the book excels in delivering visually striking recipes that capture the playful essence of Halloween. Gallagher’s expertise in confectionery artistry is evident, with clear instructions and vibrant photography guiding readers through ghoulishly delightful desserts.
Strengths:
Creative Recipes: The 75 recipes—from “Eyeball Cake Pops” to “Graveyard Brownies”—are inventive yet approachable, using everyday ingredients to achieve dramatic, spooky effects.
Visual Guidance: The book’s photography is a highlight, providing essential visual references for presentation, which is crucial for theme-based baking.
User-Friendly Structure: Recipes are well-organized with step-by-step directions, making intricate designs achievable for home bakers.
Areas for Improvement:
While the book thrives in creativity, some recipes could benefit from dietary alternatives (e.g., gluten-free or vegan variations) to accommodate a wider audience.
A brief note on the cultural significance of Halloween treats could add depth, though the focus remains firmly on technique and aesthetics.
Acknowledgments:
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing an advanced reader copy of this book. Special thanks to Cayla Gallagher for her imaginative and spirited contribution to seasonal baking. Ghost Food is a delightful resource for anyone looking to infuse their Halloween celebrations with eerie, delicious charm.
Recommended For: Home bakers, culinary enthusiasts, and Halloween lovers seeking fun, visually impressive treats. While highly engaging, broader dietary options would make it even more versatile.
August 1, 2025
Book Review: Ghost Food: 75 Spooky, Fun, and Frightening Halloween-Inspired Sweet Treats by Cayla Gallagher
Rating: 4 Stars
If you love Halloween and have even a tiny bit of a sweet tooth, Ghost Food by Cayla Gallagher is definitely worth flipping through. This cookbook is packed with 75 creative recipes that bring the spooky spirit right into your kitchen. Whether you’re sneaking around a haunted mansion hunting for Marshmallow Ghosts, brewing up some Pumpkin Spice Hot Chocolate in the pumpkin patch, or trying your luck at the Creepy Carnival with Zombie Candy Apples and Monster Fudge, this book has something to make your Halloween celebrations extra fun and tasty.
The book is cleverly divided into themed sections like Haunted Mansion, Pumpkin Patch, Creepy Carnival, Witch’s Coven, and Vampire’s Lair, which adds a playful vibe to the whole experience. It’s great for Halloween parties, scary movie marathons, or just counting down the days until the spookiest holiday of the year.
One thing that really stood out to me was the cover—it’s absolutely charming and totally nails that creepy-cute Halloween aesthetic. Plus, the recipes are super approachable with clear, easy-to-follow steps and plenty of mouth-watering photos that make you want to get baking right away. I’m looking forward to trying out some of these treats as October rolls around.
All in all, Ghost Food is a fantastic addition for any foodie’s Halloween cookbook stash. It’s fun, festive, and has just the right amount of spooky flair to keep things interesting. It’s perfect for anyone ready to turn their kitchen into a Halloween haven!
⚠️This review was written based on personal opinions and experiences with the book. Individual preferences may vary⚠️
Rating: 4 Stars
If you love Halloween and have even a tiny bit of a sweet tooth, Ghost Food by Cayla Gallagher is definitely worth flipping through. This cookbook is packed with 75 creative recipes that bring the spooky spirit right into your kitchen. Whether you’re sneaking around a haunted mansion hunting for Marshmallow Ghosts, brewing up some Pumpkin Spice Hot Chocolate in the pumpkin patch, or trying your luck at the Creepy Carnival with Zombie Candy Apples and Monster Fudge, this book has something to make your Halloween celebrations extra fun and tasty.
The book is cleverly divided into themed sections like Haunted Mansion, Pumpkin Patch, Creepy Carnival, Witch’s Coven, and Vampire’s Lair, which adds a playful vibe to the whole experience. It’s great for Halloween parties, scary movie marathons, or just counting down the days until the spookiest holiday of the year.
One thing that really stood out to me was the cover—it’s absolutely charming and totally nails that creepy-cute Halloween aesthetic. Plus, the recipes are super approachable with clear, easy-to-follow steps and plenty of mouth-watering photos that make you want to get baking right away. I’m looking forward to trying out some of these treats as October rolls around.
All in all, Ghost Food is a fantastic addition for any foodie’s Halloween cookbook stash. It’s fun, festive, and has just the right amount of spooky flair to keep things interesting. It’s perfect for anyone ready to turn their kitchen into a Halloween haven!
⚠️This review was written based on personal opinions and experiences with the book. Individual preferences may vary⚠️
April 8, 2025
This is a delightful little cookbook jam packed with all things spooky, from ghosties to pumpkins, cakes and pies to sprinkles and seasonings, marshmallow skulls and zombie brains, cauldrons and charcuteries and cats (oh my!)
The recipes are easy to follow for an intermediate baker, and the book dives in to them all without any preamble. There's a clear photo accompanying each recipe you know what look you're aiming for at the end of it all. A couple of the recipes were truly gross looking (worms and eyeballs - you'll see when you get there), which 100% is the point! But the bats and cats and rats and everything that use the candy eyes are adorably goofy.
I did find some of the recipe order a little curious, referencing items that come several pages later, and it would have been nice to have had a list of necessary "extra" equipment at the start of the book, or at the start of each recipe, so you know what you need (and yes, I know we need to read the whole thing before we start! But a handy list of extras alongside the ingredients would be nice). As this is a US book, some of the ingredients are regional, and there is a conversion guide in the back for metric measurements.
I'll definitely be making some of these recipes. As it's autumn where I am right now, I can't wait to make the hot choc bombs over the school holidays for a spiced, spooky treat!
~This is a NetGalley book. All opinions are my own~
The recipes are easy to follow for an intermediate baker, and the book dives in to them all without any preamble. There's a clear photo accompanying each recipe you know what look you're aiming for at the end of it all. A couple of the recipes were truly gross looking (worms and eyeballs - you'll see when you get there), which 100% is the point! But the bats and cats and rats and everything that use the candy eyes are adorably goofy.
I did find some of the recipe order a little curious, referencing items that come several pages later, and it would have been nice to have had a list of necessary "extra" equipment at the start of the book, or at the start of each recipe, so you know what you need (and yes, I know we need to read the whole thing before we start! But a handy list of extras alongside the ingredients would be nice). As this is a US book, some of the ingredients are regional, and there is a conversion guide in the back for metric measurements.
I'll definitely be making some of these recipes. As it's autumn where I am right now, I can't wait to make the hot choc bombs over the school holidays for a spiced, spooky treat!
~This is a NetGalley book. All opinions are my own~
April 23, 2025
As a self-proclaimed Halloween foodie, I was thrilled to see a cookbook devoted entirely to this theme! I really appreciated the organization of the recipes by theme—it’s such a practical touch, especially for someone like me who has planned many a themed Halloween dinner.
While I would have liked to see nutritional information included with each recipe, I understand that it’s not necessarily a priority for most people indulging in festive treats. This isn’t a health book, after all.
Some recipes were expected (meringue bones, anyone?), but the majority were impressively creative. There were several unique ideas I hadn’t encountered before—Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls, Sugar Skulls, and 3D Marshmallows?! Yes, please! I also appreciated the alternative suggestions for less-common kitchen tools, like edible ink pens, which make the recipes more accessible.
That said, I would have loved to see more savory options. The book leans heavily toward sweets, which doesn’t quite make a complete Halloween dinner. To be fair, the cover does specifically highlight sweet treats—so I can’t say I wasn’t warned!
All in all, this is a delightful little book that I can see myself returning to every Halloween season. I just wish it had a few more savory recipes to round out the meal.
Thank you to NetGalley and Skyhouse Publishing for the privilege of receiving this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
While I would have liked to see nutritional information included with each recipe, I understand that it’s not necessarily a priority for most people indulging in festive treats. This isn’t a health book, after all.
Some recipes were expected (meringue bones, anyone?), but the majority were impressively creative. There were several unique ideas I hadn’t encountered before—Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls, Sugar Skulls, and 3D Marshmallows?! Yes, please! I also appreciated the alternative suggestions for less-common kitchen tools, like edible ink pens, which make the recipes more accessible.
That said, I would have loved to see more savory options. The book leans heavily toward sweets, which doesn’t quite make a complete Halloween dinner. To be fair, the cover does specifically highlight sweet treats—so I can’t say I wasn’t warned!
All in all, this is a delightful little book that I can see myself returning to every Halloween season. I just wish it had a few more savory recipes to round out the meal.
Thank you to NetGalley and Skyhouse Publishing for the privilege of receiving this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
June 23, 2025
thanks to NetGalley and Skyhorse Publishing for the advanced digital copy.
this book is out August 5th, 2025.
--
this little cookbook is an irresistibly cute collection of halloween-themed treats that's perfect for kids and honestly, anyone who loves spooky season. the recipes are simple, easy to follow, and accompanied by fun photos that make everything look extra festive. this definitely isn't a cookbook for elevated, adult dinner party fare - it's more about leaning into the joy of bats made of brownies, ghost-shaped marshmallows, and bright orange everything.
the tone is playful, and the recipes are often more about assembly and vibes than complex baking. there's not a ton of narrative or detailed description—most of the instructions are pretty bare bones (fittingly). but for what it is, it totally works. think of it as a comprehensive visual guide to cutesy halloween food, perfect for themed parties, school events, or cozy october nights with a movie and candy corn.
it's ideal for anyone who wants halloween fun without too much fuss, and the visual inspiration alone makes it worth flipping through. if you're the kind of person who googles "halloween snack ideas" every october, this book will give you everything in one place and it's a lot more fun than scrolling pinterest.
this book is out August 5th, 2025.
--
this little cookbook is an irresistibly cute collection of halloween-themed treats that's perfect for kids and honestly, anyone who loves spooky season. the recipes are simple, easy to follow, and accompanied by fun photos that make everything look extra festive. this definitely isn't a cookbook for elevated, adult dinner party fare - it's more about leaning into the joy of bats made of brownies, ghost-shaped marshmallows, and bright orange everything.
the tone is playful, and the recipes are often more about assembly and vibes than complex baking. there's not a ton of narrative or detailed description—most of the instructions are pretty bare bones (fittingly). but for what it is, it totally works. think of it as a comprehensive visual guide to cutesy halloween food, perfect for themed parties, school events, or cozy october nights with a movie and candy corn.
it's ideal for anyone who wants halloween fun without too much fuss, and the visual inspiration alone makes it worth flipping through. if you're the kind of person who googles "halloween snack ideas" every october, this book will give you everything in one place and it's a lot more fun than scrolling pinterest.
September 12, 2025
Big, big thank you to Cayla Gallagher, Skyhorse Publishing, and N*tGall*y for the privilege of being able to read and check out Ghost Food, a cookbook full of spooky Halloween recipes for parties, entertaining, and more.
The cover is super cute, with a ghost treat pictured on the front, with the recipe and directions for making it inside. The recipes are divided into sections, with different Halloween themes: Haunted Mansion, Pumpkin, Witch's Coven, etc. I liked the structure which was clear and easy to read, with a picture of each item and then the ingredients needed listed, then the directions for the recipe. The pictures are adorable and provide a great reference picture for your treat making. There's a wide variety of recipes that can be made by different skill levels, and I think anyone hosting a Halloween party or entertaining for the holiday will find plenty of cute options inside to make for a spookily-themed refreshment table. I would definitely recommend this book to any fan of Halloween, entertaining, cookbooks, cute treats, etc. A lot of the recipes can be altered or added onto if you want to add different flavors or colors, even though the flavors and colors picked by Cayla Gallagher are definitely delicious and eye-catching. The little Pumpkin Pie Chocolate melts were so so adorable, along with many other treats inside!
The cover is super cute, with a ghost treat pictured on the front, with the recipe and directions for making it inside. The recipes are divided into sections, with different Halloween themes: Haunted Mansion, Pumpkin, Witch's Coven, etc. I liked the structure which was clear and easy to read, with a picture of each item and then the ingredients needed listed, then the directions for the recipe. The pictures are adorable and provide a great reference picture for your treat making. There's a wide variety of recipes that can be made by different skill levels, and I think anyone hosting a Halloween party or entertaining for the holiday will find plenty of cute options inside to make for a spookily-themed refreshment table. I would definitely recommend this book to any fan of Halloween, entertaining, cookbooks, cute treats, etc. A lot of the recipes can be altered or added onto if you want to add different flavors or colors, even though the flavors and colors picked by Cayla Gallagher are definitely delicious and eye-catching. The little Pumpkin Pie Chocolate melts were so so adorable, along with many other treats inside!
April 12, 2025
Ghost Food features a collection of 75 different Halloween-themed recipes. They all fall into the sweet treat category. In this book you'll find classics like the Graveyard Pudding, and original recipes like the gothic Haunted House cake.
This cookbook contains straightforward recipes without fluff divided into five different parts. The pictures look absolutely gorgeous, Pinterest worthy. I used to spend hours searching for recipes just like these on social media, and I would have loved to have a book like this. Everything in one place. There is a cohesive colour theme all throughout and the candy eyes are another way the recipes all tie together. Bonus points for including a recipe to make these eyes yourself.
Ghost Food is perfect for you if you enjoy making your own Halloween-themed sweet treats. This book features recipes suited to serve at a Halloween or birthday party, or general horror themed event. They're also perfect if you just want to make yourself a fun treat or if you want to challenge yourself to make something beautiful and spooky.
Thank you Cayla Gallagher and Skyhorse Publishing for providing this book for review consideration via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.
This cookbook contains straightforward recipes without fluff divided into five different parts. The pictures look absolutely gorgeous, Pinterest worthy. I used to spend hours searching for recipes just like these on social media, and I would have loved to have a book like this. Everything in one place. There is a cohesive colour theme all throughout and the candy eyes are another way the recipes all tie together. Bonus points for including a recipe to make these eyes yourself.
Ghost Food is perfect for you if you enjoy making your own Halloween-themed sweet treats. This book features recipes suited to serve at a Halloween or birthday party, or general horror themed event. They're also perfect if you just want to make yourself a fun treat or if you want to challenge yourself to make something beautiful and spooky.
Thank you Cayla Gallagher and Skyhorse Publishing for providing this book for review consideration via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.
June 2, 2025
Cayla Gallagher is a Canadian YouTuber and creator of the the cooking show Pankobunny. I am not a baker myself. My daughter loves to bake and decorate cakes and cookies and I also buy books for the library where I work. My daughter looked through this book with me and her insight informs my review. I will admit that I am always amazed at a good Halloween baking or cookbook. So much creativity goes into the treats of the season. Not to mention there are so many yummy flavors associated with autumn. I think the average home baker would have the skills to bake and decorate the creations in this book. The cakes, cookies and other treats are cute and fun. They are not grotesque. Most do not require special equipment, supplies or the patience of a saint to complete, The collection is divided into sections by themes such as Haunted Mansion, Pumpkin Patch and Witches Coven. You'll find plenty of favorite Halloween characters here - pumpkins, jack o'lanterns, ghosts, mummies, spiders, bats, cats and more. Ghost Food is an extensive collection of popular treats that should give good results for the average competent baker. Some of the recipes would be simple enough for kids to help adults in the creating.
August 5, 2025
Ghost Food, 75 Spooky, Fun, and Frightening Halloween-Inspired Sweet Treats by Cayla Gallagher is a book for people who love Halloween and love to cook. As my children and I “Ooh-ed and Ahh-ed” over this book, we found many treats that we wanted to try. Almost all of the recipes are from scratch so we may change it up and use a bought cake mix or so along the way. There are many recipes to be used for a party or start early and try these all month of October. One of the reasons we loved this book so much is that every recipe had a photograph of the finished product. So there is no guess work on how it should look when you finish baking. The pumpkin recipes were our favorites, which could be foxed in September through winter. Some of the scarier looking foods were not so much a favorite but would be suitable for teenagers and older or people who love the zombie theme.
Recipes are clear and set up so that it is easy to be sure that you have supplies on hand. I also liked the index at the end. My granddaughter and I loved this book giving 5 stars. My grandson wanted to take a star off because he thought there are a lot of sugary treats in the book when more healthy choices should be given too. Overall we rated it 5 Stars. I would suggest a hardcover copy.
Recipes are clear and set up so that it is easy to be sure that you have supplies on hand. I also liked the index at the end. My granddaughter and I loved this book giving 5 stars. My grandson wanted to take a star off because he thought there are a lot of sugary treats in the book when more healthy choices should be given too. Overall we rated it 5 Stars. I would suggest a hardcover copy.
April 13, 2025
I rate this book a 4.5.
What a fun book this is! If you didn’t guess from the cover and title, with chapter titles like Haunted Mansion, Pumpkin Patch, Creepy Carnival, Witches Coven, and Vampire’s Lair, this is a book full of Halloween treats.
Many of the recipes are good for people who are beginning cooks and bakers and some are for people who are quite accomplished in the kitchen. The book is full of fun ideas and recipes. There are even cookies that are out of the ordinary, and great for the season, but no harder to make than any other cookies. The book also has a recipe for the beloved pumpkin spice, and autumn sprinkles. And you know those creepy eyes that you can buy at craft stores? You can make them yourself!
All kinds of treats that are reincarnated to be special for Halloween, like Halloween Rice Krispy Treats, Halloween Popcorn Balls, Monster Fudge, Rainbow Caramel Apples, Zombie Candy Apples. But what about Worm-Filled Birthday Cake? Hmm. Not for me.
This book is great for people who want some out-of-the ordinary Halloween treats for their friends and family.
What a fun book this is! If you didn’t guess from the cover and title, with chapter titles like Haunted Mansion, Pumpkin Patch, Creepy Carnival, Witches Coven, and Vampire’s Lair, this is a book full of Halloween treats.
Many of the recipes are good for people who are beginning cooks and bakers and some are for people who are quite accomplished in the kitchen. The book is full of fun ideas and recipes. There are even cookies that are out of the ordinary, and great for the season, but no harder to make than any other cookies. The book also has a recipe for the beloved pumpkin spice, and autumn sprinkles. And you know those creepy eyes that you can buy at craft stores? You can make them yourself!
All kinds of treats that are reincarnated to be special for Halloween, like Halloween Rice Krispy Treats, Halloween Popcorn Balls, Monster Fudge, Rainbow Caramel Apples, Zombie Candy Apples. But what about Worm-Filled Birthday Cake? Hmm. Not for me.
This book is great for people who want some out-of-the ordinary Halloween treats for their friends and family.
April 11, 2025
"Sneak into a haunted house to hunt for Marshmallow Ghosts and cast some spells to turn them into a Ghostly S’mores Tart. Stop by the Pumpkin Patch for some Pumpkin Spice Hot Chocolate while on the way to the Creepy Carnival to win a Red Balloon Cake Pop and Homemade Candy Corn."
This is an adorable but really well written Hallowe'en cookbook that doesn't fall into the usual "non-Christmas holiday cookbook" traps of simple, sloppy recipes churned out to sell as cheaply as possible. You can tell real effort was put into creating both the recipes and the photographs of the finished products. There are recipes for every skill level, from fairly simple cakes (which you can decorate and ice to whatever skill level you're on) and cookies to more complicated techniques like making your own marshmallows, ice creams, and even sprinkles.
Definitely worth looking at if you're a party host or just want to make stuffed marshmallow skulls for funsies!
I received a free ebook copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for a fair review.
This is an adorable but really well written Hallowe'en cookbook that doesn't fall into the usual "non-Christmas holiday cookbook" traps of simple, sloppy recipes churned out to sell as cheaply as possible. You can tell real effort was put into creating both the recipes and the photographs of the finished products. There are recipes for every skill level, from fairly simple cakes (which you can decorate and ice to whatever skill level you're on) and cookies to more complicated techniques like making your own marshmallows, ice creams, and even sprinkles.
Definitely worth looking at if you're a party host or just want to make stuffed marshmallow skulls for funsies!
I received a free ebook copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for a fair review.
July 17, 2025
Great cookbook for the upcoming spooky season, but also beyond. These are great dessert recipes that can be used in every day living without the accoutrements that bring them to life during the Halloween season. There is everything from Pumpkin Pie Spice, for when you run out, to a variety of different types of Hot Chocolate Bombs. Chocolate Rats to Worm Filled Birthday Cake. Skill set for decorating goes from easy enough for a child, to advanced (must have patience). Each recipe and assembly is easy to follow, with step by step instructions. The cookbook is also broken down into categories such as ghosts, graveyards, vampires, etc.
I read a lot of cookbooks and this one is by far one of the most approachable cookbooks I’ve read in a long time. So whether you are going to be hosting an All Hallowed Eve party and are dying to serve a witches nose or want to take bat cookies to your child Halloween party, this cookbook is for you.
I received an eARC of #ComfortFood by Cayla Gallagher from #NetGalley in lieu of my honest review.
I read a lot of cookbooks and this one is by far one of the most approachable cookbooks I’ve read in a long time. So whether you are going to be hosting an All Hallowed Eve party and are dying to serve a witches nose or want to take bat cookies to your child Halloween party, this cookbook is for you.
I received an eARC of #ComfortFood by Cayla Gallagher from #NetGalley in lieu of my honest review.
April 4, 2025
I love baking and making all kinds of treats, so I'm always on the lookout for interesting recipes to delight my family.
At first, the cute cover caught my attention, but inside, there are plenty of beautiful photos that give you a clear idea of the final result.
The book features 75 recipes of varying difficulty and for every taste—cakes—including no-bake options—cookies, drinks, and other sweet treats. There’s also a metric conversions table at the end, which is super convenient.
I’ve already picked a few recipes I plan to make for Halloween, though I’m not sure we’ll wait until fall—my daughter is already asking me to bake them sooner!
I’m sure you’ll find delicious recipes that will impress your family and guests.
𝘛𝘩𝘢𝘯𝘬 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘵𝘰 𝘕𝘦𝘵𝘎𝘢𝘭𝘭𝘦𝘺 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘚𝘬𝘺𝘩𝘰𝘳𝘴𝘦 𝘗𝘶𝘣𝘭𝘪𝘴𝘩𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘈𝘙𝘊 𝘪𝘯 𝘦𝘹𝘤𝘩𝘢𝘯𝘨𝘦 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘮𝘺 𝘩𝘰𝘯𝘦𝘴𝘵 𝘳𝘦𝘷𝘪𝘦𝘸. 𝘈𝘭𝘭 𝘰𝘱𝘪𝘯𝘪𝘰𝘯𝘴 𝘢𝘳𝘦 𝘮𝘺 𝘰𝘸𝘯.
At first, the cute cover caught my attention, but inside, there are plenty of beautiful photos that give you a clear idea of the final result.
The book features 75 recipes of varying difficulty and for every taste—cakes—including no-bake options—cookies, drinks, and other sweet treats. There’s also a metric conversions table at the end, which is super convenient.
I’ve already picked a few recipes I plan to make for Halloween, though I’m not sure we’ll wait until fall—my daughter is already asking me to bake them sooner!
I’m sure you’ll find delicious recipes that will impress your family and guests.
𝘛𝘩𝘢𝘯𝘬 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘵𝘰 𝘕𝘦𝘵𝘎𝘢𝘭𝘭𝘦𝘺 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘚𝘬𝘺𝘩𝘰𝘳𝘴𝘦 𝘗𝘶𝘣𝘭𝘪𝘴𝘩𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘈𝘙𝘊 𝘪𝘯 𝘦𝘹𝘤𝘩𝘢𝘯𝘨𝘦 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘮𝘺 𝘩𝘰𝘯𝘦𝘴𝘵 𝘳𝘦𝘷𝘪𝘦𝘸. 𝘈𝘭𝘭 𝘰𝘱𝘪𝘯𝘪𝘰𝘯𝘴 𝘢𝘳𝘦 𝘮𝘺 𝘰𝘸𝘯.
April 15, 2025
- I received this book from NetGalley -
Ghost Food - 75 Spooky, Fun, and Frightening Halloween-Inspired Sweet Treats is a cook book I will be grabbing come the holiday season.
I have always wanted to make my own marshmallows and the fact that this book has "Marshmallow Ghosts" and it broken down into 7 ingredients with 10 steps it makes me confident in trying!!
The "Haunted Cake" is adorable and definitely my jam, where Halloween can be fun and cute and doesn't always need to be spooky. As well as the "Halloween Cookie Cake" which I think would be a hit at any party!
My 5 year old daughter wants to make the "Hugging Ghost Cookies" as she says they are super cute! And my 8 year old son wants to make the "Strawberry Ghosts" probably because he adores strawberries.
An all around perfect cook book for the Halloween season!
Ghost Food - 75 Spooky, Fun, and Frightening Halloween-Inspired Sweet Treats is a cook book I will be grabbing come the holiday season.
I have always wanted to make my own marshmallows and the fact that this book has "Marshmallow Ghosts" and it broken down into 7 ingredients with 10 steps it makes me confident in trying!!
The "Haunted Cake" is adorable and definitely my jam, where Halloween can be fun and cute and doesn't always need to be spooky. As well as the "Halloween Cookie Cake" which I think would be a hit at any party!
My 5 year old daughter wants to make the "Hugging Ghost Cookies" as she says they are super cute! And my 8 year old son wants to make the "Strawberry Ghosts" probably because he adores strawberries.
An all around perfect cook book for the Halloween season!
May 9, 2025
Thank you Netgalley, Skyhorse Publishing, and Cayla Gallagher for sending me this advanced review copy for free. I am leaving this review voluntarily.
This is a very cute little Halloween themed cookbook. The photos were clear, and showed the food for each recipe beautifully.
The ingredients were easy to find, but some recipes did need specialty molds, or a stand mixer. The instructions were fairly detailed and easy to follow. I do think to use this cookbook, you would need to have some basic baking and cooking knowledge. It would be great for an advanced beginner wanting to branch out into making new things like marshmallows. macarons, and other slightly more complicated desserts.
I think that all of these recipes could easily be adapted for other holidays as well by changing the shaped and colors.
This is a very cute little Halloween themed cookbook. The photos were clear, and showed the food for each recipe beautifully.
The ingredients were easy to find, but some recipes did need specialty molds, or a stand mixer. The instructions were fairly detailed and easy to follow. I do think to use this cookbook, you would need to have some basic baking and cooking knowledge. It would be great for an advanced beginner wanting to branch out into making new things like marshmallows. macarons, and other slightly more complicated desserts.
I think that all of these recipes could easily be adapted for other holidays as well by changing the shaped and colors.
May 22, 2025
*I received a free ARC from the publisher through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review*
I LOVED this book! When I finished looking through it there was not a question of was there anything I liked, but of how will I find the time to try all of these! There are so many different kinds of ideas here and different levels of difficulty so there really is something for just about anyone. And for the recipes/ideas that might be above my current skill level I see those as a way to challenge myself. I especially liked the different types of hot chocolate bombs and the haunted house cake. Having pictures for everything is great - I always find I need a visual reference when trying new recipes and baking projects. I received this as an e-book but will definitely be purchasing a physical copy when it is released!
I LOVED this book! When I finished looking through it there was not a question of was there anything I liked, but of how will I find the time to try all of these! There are so many different kinds of ideas here and different levels of difficulty so there really is something for just about anyone. And for the recipes/ideas that might be above my current skill level I see those as a way to challenge myself. I especially liked the different types of hot chocolate bombs and the haunted house cake. Having pictures for everything is great - I always find I need a visual reference when trying new recipes and baking projects. I received this as an e-book but will definitely be purchasing a physical copy when it is released!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 27, 2025
Having themed recipes for different occasions helps get me into the spirit of the holiday & excited to make a mess in the kitchen. With Ghost Food the table of contents breaks recipes down by themes: Haunted Mansion, Pumpkin Patch, Creepy Carnival, Witch’s Coven & Vampire’s Lair. I’m sure it makes sense to the author but to me I wish they had savory, sweets, apps and mains. Within witch’s coven there is hummus and cupcakes. I do love
I really appreciated that each recipe had a full color picture so I could see the finished project. I can see everyone being able to apply these recipes to either a themed dinner or some for regular use. I will be using some of them for our family’s Halloween party for sure!
Thank you Skyhorse Publishing for my gifted copy.
I really appreciated that each recipe had a full color picture so I could see the finished project. I can see everyone being able to apply these recipes to either a themed dinner or some for regular use. I will be using some of them for our family’s Halloween party for sure!
Thank you Skyhorse Publishing for my gifted copy.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 58 reviews