Spider Pie for Halloween Recipe

If you’re looking to wow your guests and add a touch of spooky fun to your Halloween spread, then you absolutely have to try this Spider Pie for Halloween Recipe. It’s not just creepy-cute to look at — it’s seriously delicious with layers of smooth cream cheese, pumpkin spice, and a fudgy chocolate spiderweb to top it all off. I promise, once you see how easy it is to assemble, you’ll be making it every year!

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Why This Recipe Works

  • Layered Flavors: The balance between creamy cheesecake, pumpkin spice, and chocolate gives a festive twist without being overpowering.
  • Simple but Stunning Decoration: Creating the spiderweb and chocolate spiders is easier than you think, adding fun without stress.
  • Make-Ahead Friendly: You can prep this pie in stages and freeze it, perfect for busy Halloween days.
  • Kid-Approved & Crowd-Pleaser: The playful spider design brings Halloween excitement to the table, making it a hit with kids and adults alike.

Ingredients & Why They Work

The magic of this Spider Pie for Halloween Recipe lies in the way each ingredient layers in delightful texture and flavor. From the crunchy graham cracker crust to the creamy pumpkin cheesecake filling, every component plays a role in delivering that perfect balance between rich and festive. When shopping, look for full-fat cream cheese and quality canned pumpkin for the best results.

  • Graham cracker crumbs: These create a crunchy, slightly sweet base that’s sturdier than a traditional pie crust.
  • Brown sugar: Adds a deep sweetness and slight molasses flavor complementing the pumpkin spice.
  • Unsalted butter: Melts into the crust to hold the crumbs together and keeps the filling luscious.
  • Cream cheese: Full-fat cream cheese is key for that creamy smooth texture without graininess.
  • Powdered sugar: Blends effortlessly into the filling, creating a silky sweetness.
  • Vanilla extract: Enhances all the flavors and adds warmth.
  • Salt & pumpkin pie spice: Perfectly balance sweetness with a festive spicy note.
  • Pumpkin puree: Adds natural color, moisture, and that unmistakable pumpkin flavor.
  • Semi-sweet chocolate & black cocoa powder: Form the rich, glossy spiderweb and legs for decoration.
  • Oreos & candy eyes: Bring the whimsical spider characters to life.
  • Mini pretzels: Great for spider legs with a salty crunch contrast.
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Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Tweak to Your Taste

One of the best things about this Spider Pie for Halloween Recipe is how adaptable it is. I’ve had fun putting my own twists on it — whether you want it spicier, dairy-free, or with a different crust base, there’s so much freedom to make it your own.

  • Variation: I’ve tried swapping the graham cracker crust for a chocolate cookie crust once — it added a rich depth that chocolate lovers will adore.
  • Seasonal twist: If you prefer autumn flavors over pumpkin, adding a swirl of apple butter into the filling pairs beautifully.
  • Dietary adjustment: For a gluten-free version, gluten-free graham crumbs and Oreos work perfectly without sacrificing texture or taste.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Spider Pie for Halloween Recipe

Step 1: Build a Strong Foundation with the Crust

Start by mixing graham cracker crumbs, brown sugar, and a pinch of salt in a bowl — this combo gives you a sweet but balanced base. Then, stir in melted butter until all crumbs are coated evenly. Press the mixture firmly into your pie pan, aiming to get it up the sides for a nice thick crust. Don’t skip freezing it for a bit here; it helps the crust set so your filling layers won’t mix or slide around later!

Step 2: Whip Up the Creamy Filling Layers

Using your electric mixer, beat together the cream cheese, butter, powdered sugar, vanilla, and salt until light and fluffy — it’s crucial to get this smooth for the best texture. Then, scoop out a portion and mix in the pumpkin and pie spice for that seasonal burst of flavor. The filling comes together in three layers: white cheesecake, pumpkin filling, and then white cheesecake again. Freeze between the layers for about 20-30 minutes each so you can spread them neatly without mixing colors.

Step 3: Craft the Creepy-Cute Spiderweb and Spiders

For the spiderweb, melt chocolate gently in short microwave bursts, then stir in black cocoa powder and coconut oil until glossy and pipeable. Pipe a plus sign, then an X, then connect the lines to form a delicate web. For spiders, split Oreos and carefully insert mini pretzel legs — a sharp paring knife is key here. Attach candy eyes with a dab of frosting to bring your creepy crawlies to life. Once assembled, place the mama spider in the center and baby spiders scattered around. Trust me, the look on your guests’ faces is priceless!

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Pro Tips for Making Spider Pie for Halloween Recipe

  • Freeze Between Filling Layers: This makes spreading each layer neat and prevents colors from blending together.
  • Use a Sharp Knife for Pretzel Legs: It makes cutting precise legs so your spiders look realistic.
  • Don’t Refrigerate Candy Eyes: I learned that putting candy eyes in the fridge makes the black pupils bleed—room temperature works best.
  • Secure Spider Legs with Chocolate: If you want sturdier legs, a little dab of hardened chocolate glue keeps everything in place perfectly.

How to Serve Spider Pie for Halloween Recipe

A slice of pie with three visible layers sits on a white plate: a bottom light brown crumbly crust, a middle bright orange creamy layer, and a thick top layer of white cream. The top surface is decorated with black icing lines forming a spider web pattern, and a small cookie with white and black eyes placed in the center to look like a spider. The pie slice is surrounded by small black plastic spiders on a white marbled surface. In the background, more pie slices on a white plate and some dark round objects can be seen faintly. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

I love topping my Spider Pie with extra cocoa powder dusted around the edges or a few extra mini Oreos for texture. You can also sprinkle a little finely chopped pretzel bits to echo those crunchy spider legs—the contrast adds so much to each bite!

Side Dishes

To balance the sweetness of the pie, I usually pair it with a tangy apple cider or a hot spiced chai latte—it’s like autumn in a cup that nicely complements the pumpkin spices. For savory, a simple pumpkin or butternut squash soup starter also creates a festive meal without too much fuss.

Creative Ways to Present

Once, for a Halloween party, I placed the pie on a bed of dry ice for that spooky fog effect—so fun and dramatic! You could also serve slices on plates rimmed with crushed chocolate cookie crumbs to mimic “dirt” and scatter edible candy spiders or mini pumpkins around for a festive vibe.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I usually keep leftover pie covered with plastic wrap in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just remember to take the spiders off if you added them before storing, as they can get soggy or lose shape. The filling holds up really well and tastes even better after a night of resting.

Freezing

This spider pie freezes wonderfully if you want to prepare ahead. Freeze the pie undecorated for up to 3 months, then thaw it in the fridge for a few hours before decorating — this preserves that fresh creamy texture!

Reheating

Since it’s a no-bake cheesecake, reheating isn’t necessary. Just let slices come to room temperature for about 20 minutes before serving if you prefer it less chilled.

FAQs

  1. Can I make the Spider Pie for Halloween Recipe dairy-free?

    Absolutely! Swap the cream cheese and butter for their dairy-free alternatives like vegan cream cheese and plant-based butter. The texture might be slightly different but still delicious and festive.

  2. What if I don’t have pumpkin pie spice?

    You can easily make your own blend using cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, and a pinch of cloves or allspice—just mix ½ teaspoon cinnamon, ¼ teaspoon ginger, ⅛ teaspoon nutmeg, and ⅛ teaspoon cloves for a perfect substitute.

  3. How do I prevent the candy eyes from bleeding?

    Keep candy eyes at room temperature and avoid refrigerating them, as moisture from the fridge causes the black pupils to bleed and smudge. Store your spider decorations in a cool, dry place until serving.

  4. Can I prepare the spider decorations ahead of time?

    Yes! You can assemble the mama and baby spiders a day ahead, just keep candy eyes and finished spiders at room temperature to avoid moisture issues. It makes the day of your party super smooth!

Final Thoughts

Honestly, this Spider Pie for Halloween Recipe is one of my absolute favorites to bring out every October. It’s the perfect mix of fun, flavor, and festive flair that never fails to impress, whether you have kids eager to gobble it up or adults admiring your creativity. I can’t wait for you to make it and watch your guests’ faces light up when they see and taste this spooky treat. Trust me, once you try it, Halloween will never be the same!

Print
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Spider Pie for Halloween Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 4.5 from 21 reviews
  • Author: Julia
  • Prep Time: 30 minutes
  • Cook Time: 0 minutes
  • Total Time: 2 hours
  • Yield: 12 slices
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: No-Cook
  • Cuisine: American

Description

Celebrate Halloween with a festive Spider Pie featuring a creamy pumpkin cheesecake filling layered over a graham cracker crust and decorated with adorable Oreo spiders and a chocolate spiderweb. This fun and spooky no-bake pie is perfect for holiday parties and dessert tables.


Ingredients

For the crust:

  • 1 1/2 cups (180 grams) graham cracker crumbs
  • 1/4 cup (50 grams) brown sugar
  • 1/8 teaspoon salt
  • 6 tablespoons (84 grams) unsalted butter, melted

For the filling:

  • 16 ounces (454 grams) full-fat cream cheese, room temperature
  • 1/2 cup (113 grams) unsalted butter, room temperature
  • 2 cups (240 grams) powdered sugar
  • 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
  • pinch salt
  • 1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
  • 7.5 ounces (212 grams) canned pumpkin puree (half of a 15-ounce can)

For spiderweb and baby spider leg frosting:

  • 1/3 cup (56 grams) semi-sweet chocolate, chopped or chocolate chips
  • 1 tablespoon black cocoa powder
  • 3/4 teaspoon refined coconut oil or unsalted butter

For mama spider:

  • 1 normal-sized Oreo
  • 2 normal-sized candy eyes
  • mini pretzels for legs

For baby spiders:

  • 8 mini Oreos
  • 16 mini candy eyes (1/4″ or 6mm in diameter)
  • leftover black frosting from the spiderweb


Instructions

  1. Prepare the crust: In a medium mixing bowl, stir together graham cracker crumbs, brown sugar, and salt until well combined. Stir in the melted butter until mixture is uniform. Press the crust firmly onto the bottom and up the sides of an ungreased 9-inch pie pan to form an even, thick crust. Freeze the crust while preparing the filling.
  2. Prepare the filling: In a large mixing bowl, use an electric hand mixer to beat the cream cheese, butter, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt until light and fluffy. Remove one quarter (approximately 197 grams) of this white cheesecake filling into another bowl and beat in the pumpkin puree and pumpkin pie spice on low speed until combined. Set the pumpkin filling aside.
  3. Layer the pie: Spread half of the remaining white cheesecake filling (about 294 grams) evenly over the frozen crust. Freeze for 30 minutes or until firm enough to spread the pumpkin layer. Next, spread all the pumpkin filling over the white layer. Freeze again for 40 minutes or until firm enough to spread the final white cheesecake layer. Spread the second half of the white filling evenly over the pumpkin layer.
  4. Make the spiderweb frosting: Melt the semi-sweet chocolate in a microwave-safe bowl at half power in 30-second increments, stirring after each until smooth. Stir in the black cocoa powder and coconut oil or butter to create a glossy, fudge-like frosting. If the frosting is too runny to pipe, let it cool at room temperature or refrigerate briefly until thickened but still pipeable.
  5. Pipe the spiderweb: Fit a piping bag with a Wilton #5 tip and fill it with the black chocolate frosting. Create the spiderweb by piping a plus sign over the pie, then an X over it, and finally connect the lines by piping arcs between them to form the web pattern.
  6. Assemble the mama spider: Carefully cut off the legs from mini pretzels using a sharp paring knife. Split the normal-sized Oreo in half. Place the pretzel legs between the two Oreo wafers, positioning the legs to point downward like spider legs. Optionally, pipe a small amount of leftover black frosting as glue to secure the legs after scraping off the Oreo cream. Attach two normal-sized candy eyes to the top Oreo wafer using a little frosting for adhesion. Sandwich the two Oreo halves back together with legs in between. Place the mama spider in the middle of the pie.
  7. Assemble the baby spiders: Attach pairs of mini candy eyes to each of the 8 mini Oreos using frosting. Place the baby spiders around the mama spider on the pie. Use leftover black frosting and a smaller tip like Wilton #2 to pipe four small straight legs on each side of the baby spiders.
  8. Storage and serving: The undecorated pie can be frozen for up to 3 months and thawed in the refrigerator for 1 to 2 hours or at room temperature for 20 to 30 minutes. Candy eyes should not be refrigerated because moisture may cause color bleeding. The pie with spiderweb decoration can be refrigerated up to 3 days, but add the spiders just before serving for best appearance.

Notes

  • For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free graham cracker crumbs, Oreo alternatives, and gluten-free pretzels.
  • If you don’t have pumpkin pie spice, substitute with 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon, 1/4 teaspoon ginger, and 1/8 teaspoon each of nutmeg and cloves or allspice.
  • Approximate conversion: 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs equals about 12 full graham cracker sheets.
  • If using cream cheese intended for spreading (sold in tubs outside North America), drain liquid by placing in cheesecloth and squeezing until you have 450 grams.
  • Use about 10 mini pretzels to have enough legs; some may break when cutting.
  • This recipe yields 8 to 12 pie slices.
  • Nutrition information is estimated for 12 slices and excludes the candy eyes.
  • For the best visual effect, avoid refrigerating candy eyes before assembly to prevent bleeding of the pupils.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 slice
  • Calories: 350 kcal
  • Sugar: 28 g
  • Sodium: 180 mg
  • Fat: 25 g
  • Saturated Fat: 14 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 27 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 4 g
  • Cholesterol: 70 mg

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