Six Must-Try Desserts at Halloween Horror Nights 2024

Being a 20+ year veteran of Halloween Horror Nights (HHN) certainly comes with its perks. Recognition from dozens of fans, pizza fry dates with The Usher… the list goes on. This year, I achieved what might be my greatest HHN milestone yet… getting to taste-test all the event’s desserts and write a blog post about it!

Recently, I had a chance to sit down with Chef Chris Colón, executive sous chef of research and development, to talk about the process of creating these terrifying treats. Each dessert takes months of planning, crafting, and perfecting to make “bloody violence taste great” (his words, not mine)! So, let’s dive into some of the desserts that will have you screaming with excitement at Universal Studios Florida during this year’s event.

Mini Stay-Puft S’more

“I have a favorite for sure,” says Chef Chris when asked about this year’s dessert line-up. And it’s no surprise that it’s the Mini-Stay Puft S’more! Inspired by the Mini-Pufts from “Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire,” this treat should be recognizable by longtime fans and newcomers alike. Which is why Chef Chris believes that the Mini Stay-Puft S’more might be the dessert that steals the show! These little marshmallow-y men are always up to no good, but trust me — they’re sweet enough to forgive.

Now, what’s better than a freshly toasted marshmallow atop a chocolate bar and graham cracker? Nothing! Each bite contains a combination of gooey, smooth, and crisp that will play with your taste buds. If I may be so bold, it’s best to order two so the Mini Stay-Pufts aren’t lonely as they face their impending doom. R.I.P. you delicious little mischievous monsters.

Chocolate Tres Leches

Ghostly treats are par for the course at HHN! Inspired by the Latin American legend of La Llorona, the weeping woman featured in past haunted houses, this is a delicious chocolate tres leches dessert. It features a milk-soaked chocolate cake with piping on top to represent teardrops, and a pool of liquid at the bottom to represent the amount I drooled over this version of the classic Mexican dessert.

Brimming with an irresistible blend of cocoa depth and dairy richness, each bite is fresh and satisfying. The texture is somehow decadent, yet light, which provides a refreshing contrast to its indulgent nature. It’s a treat that feels so irresistible, there’s a good chance it may just bring a tear to your eye.

“Last Key” Pop

According to Chef Chris, “HHN is the most exciting event to cook for because we get to be way out of the box with what we’re thinking” while paying a tribute to a fan-favorite franchises. This red velvet treat inspired by the “Insidious” movies certainly fits that bill! Biting through the smooth, crimson exterior of this red velvet cake pop (topped with a chocolate key), you’ll discover a delicious cake that seems like it’s a little too sinister to enjoy.

Conveniently, the shape of this dessert is perfect for walking (or running) through Scare Zones. While the subtle cocoa notes will drive you deep into The Further with a harmonious balance of flavors. You’ll want to finish it before you even reach the queue for this haunted house. Trust me. This house is so scary you’ll lose your appetite.

Slasher Siblings Sweet Sampler

Keeping in mind that all the best things come in threes, you’re going to love the Slasher Siblings Sweet Sampler! These birthday goodies may look cute, but if you’ve walked through the Triplets of Terror haunted house, then you’ll know the Barmy triplets’ birthday celebration is quite sinister. Fear not — the Slasher Siblings Sweet Sampler consists of a bubblegum mousse balloon, Funfetti cupcake and a chocolate cheesecake cone.

Birthday party treats from my youth have nothing on the flavor of the bubblegum mousse balloon that I tasted! The Funfetti cupcake, topped with vanilla frosting, bursts with violent — I mean vibrant! — rainbow sprinkles. And the souls of the siblings match the midnight-black dipped cone, which houses a silky richness from the chocolate cheesecake. Unfortunately, everyone is invited to this birthday party, so we might as well enjoy the desserts!

“The Nail” Éclair

I’d say he nailed it when Chef Chris describes this next dessert as “disgustingly delicious!” If you’ve seen “A Quiet Place,” then this is one of those treats that may leave you speechless (which — as you know — is probably a good thing.

Let’s just say this dessert won’t leave you board! A chocolate ganache plank tops this classic French pastry, and a convincing “rusty nail” serves up a perfect blend of chocolate and raspberry flavor with a hint of spice. Might want to watch your step and take your time with this one, though. It could be your last.

The Bride’s Cake

Listen, even if you forgot to respond to the save-the-date, the Bride of Frankenstein was gracious enough to save you some of her wedding cake. This rendition of a tiered wedding cake comes with a black outer layer of chocolate and white whipped cream piping, reminiscent of the Bride’s iconic hairdo.

And likely paying homage to the monster himself is a moist, tender green sponge inside while a raspberry jam oozes out as you cut through it. A playful nod to her enemies*, and a dessert delicious enough to start a fight. A dessert that’s both gorgeous and gory—just like the Bride herself. *Dracula’s Daughter could not be reached at this time.

These desserts can be found throughout the park, so be sure to download the official Universal Orlando Resort App to see haunted house wait times, Scare Zone info, and most importantly, food menus!

Every year brings new flavors, twists, and haunted themes to HHN’s culinary scene, and this year is no exception. Thank you again to Chef Chris and team for their hard work bringing these incredible treats to life for this seasonal event and throughout the year at Universal.

Did you try a dessert that deserves a mention? Let me know in the comments below, or tell me about it at Finnegan’s Bar & Grill. As always, I’ll see you in the fog —or maybe the reunion tour? Until then, be excellent to each other… and party on, dudes!