Graveyard treat

Graveyard Treat Recipe - A Spooky Dessert from the USA

Region / culture: USA | Preparation time: 20 minutes | Cooking time: 3 hours | Servings: 12

Introduction

Graveyard treat is a fun and spooky dessert that is perfect for Halloween parties or themed gatherings. This delicious treat features layers of creamy cheesecake, fruity gelatin, and crunchy cookie crumbs, topped with adorable tombstone cookies and candy decorations.

History

The Graveyard treat recipe has been a popular Halloween dessert for many years, with its origins dating back to the early 20th century. It is a creative and playful way to celebrate the spooky holiday and is loved by both kids and adults alike.

Ingredients

2.25 cups chocolate wafer cookie crumbs, divided
0.5 cup sugar, divided
0.5 cup melted margarine or butter
8 oz (227 g) softened cream cheese, cubed
12 oz (340 g) thawed cool whip
2 cups boiling water
1 pack 8-serving size orange Jello gelatin
0.5 cup cold water
ice cubes
rectangular or oval shaped sandwich cookies
decorator icings
candy corn and pumpkins

How to prepare

1. In a 13x9" baking pan, mix 2 cups of cookie crumbs, 0.25 cup of sugar, and the melted margarine using a fork until the crumbs are well moistened.
2. Press the mixture firmly onto the bottom of the pan to form a crust.
3. Refrigerate the crust.
4. In a medium bowl, beat the cream cheese and the remaining 0.25 cup of sugar with a wire whisk until smooth.
5. Gently stir in 0.5 cup of whipped topping.
6. Spread the cream cheese mixture evenly over the crust.
7. In another medium bowl, stir boiling water into gelatin for 2 minutes or until completely dissolved.
8. Mix cold water and ice cubes to make 1.5 cups.
9. Add the cold water mixture to the gelatin and stir until slightly thickened.
10. Remove any remaining ice from the gelatin.
11. Spoon the gelatin over the cream cheese layer.
12. Refrigerate the dessert for 3 hours or until firm.
13. Just before serving, spread the remaining whipped topping over the gelatin and sprinkle with the remaining 0.25 cup of cookie crumbs.
14. Decorate sandwich cookies with icings to make "tombstones".
15. Stand the tombstones on top of the dessert and use candies to resemble a graveyard.
16. Cut the dessert into squares to serve.

Variations

Use different flavors of gelatin for a unique twist on the recipe.
Add crushed candy bars or chocolate chips to the cream cheese layer for added texture and flavor.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to press the cookie crumb crust firmly into the pan to ensure it holds together well.

- Be sure to refrigerate the dessert for at least 3 hours to allow the layers to set properly.

- Get creative with your tombstone decorations by using different colors of icing and candy shapes.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Graveyard treat as a spooky and fun dessert at Halloween parties or themed gatherings. Pair it with a glass of milk or a cup of hot cocoa for a delicious treat.

Cooking Techniques

Be sure to refrigerate the dessert for at least 3 hours to allow the layers to set properly.

- Use a wire whisk to beat the cream cheese and sugar together until smooth.

Ingredient Substitutions

You can use graham cracker crumbs or chocolate cookie crumbs in place of the cookie crumbs.

- You can use whipped cream in place of the cool whip.

Make Ahead Tips

Graveyard treat can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days before serving. Just be sure to add the tombstone cookies and candy decorations just before serving.

Presentation Ideas

Arrange the tombstone cookies in a creative and spooky pattern on top of the dessert. Use black and white icing to write funny or spooky messages on the tombstones.

Pairing Recommendations

Serve Graveyard treat with a cup of hot apple cider or pumpkin spice latte for a delicious and festive pairing.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftovers of Graveyard treat in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Do not freeze as the texture may become soggy.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Graveyard treat contains approximately 250 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Graveyard treat contains approximately 30 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of Graveyard treat contains approximately 15 grams of fats.

Proteins

Each serving of Graveyard treat contains approximately 4 grams of proteins.

Vitamins and minerals

Graveyard treat is not a significant source of vitamins and minerals.

Alergens

Graveyard treat contains dairy (cream cheese), gluten (cookie crumbs), and may contain nuts (depending on decorations).

Summary

Graveyard treat is a delicious dessert that is moderate in carbohydrates and fats, with a moderate calorie count per serving. It is important to be mindful of any potential allergens in the recipe.

Summary

Graveyard treat is a fun and delicious dessert that is perfect for Halloween parties or themed gatherings. With layers of creamy cheesecake, fruity gelatin, and crunchy cookie crumbs, topped with adorable tombstone cookies and candy decorations, this spooky treat is sure to be a hit with kids and adults alike. Enjoy!

How did I get this recipe?

I can still remember the exact moment I discovered this recipe for the graveyard treat. It was many years ago when I was just a young girl, visiting my aunt in her cozy little cottage in the countryside. My aunt was known for her delicious and unique recipes, and I always looked forward to our time together in the kitchen.

One crisp autumn afternoon, as the leaves were turning shades of red and gold, my aunt and I were busy preparing for a Halloween party she was hosting that evening. We had already made all the traditional treats like caramel apples and pumpkin pie, but my aunt had something special in mind for the grand finale - the graveyard treat.

As we gathered the ingredients and set to work on the recipe, my aunt began to tell me the story behind it. She explained that the graveyard treat was a family recipe that had been passed down for generations, originating from a distant relative who was a skilled baker and a bit of a trickster. Legend had it that he had created the recipe as a Halloween prank, using a combination of unexpected ingredients to create a spooky and delicious dessert that would surprise and delight his guests.

I listened intently as my aunt shared the secrets of the recipe with me, teaching me how to mix the flour, sugar, and butter to create the perfect base for the treat. She then showed me how to add in the unexpected ingredients - dark chocolate chips, dried cranberries, and a dash of cinnamon - to give the dessert its eerie and irresistible flavor.

As we worked together in the warm glow of the kitchen, I could feel the magic of the recipe coming to life. The scent of baking chocolate and cinnamon filled the air, and I knew that this graveyard treat would be a hit at the Halloween party.

When the dessert was finally ready, we carefully arranged it on a platter, decorating it with gummy worms, candy eyeballs, and crushed cookies to create the illusion of a spooky graveyard scene. My aunt and I stood back and admired our handiwork, feeling a sense of pride and excitement at the thought of sharing this delicious creation with our friends and family.

That evening, as the Halloween party got underway, the graveyard treat was a big hit. The guests oohed and aahed over the spooky presentation and marveled at the unexpected combination of flavors in the dessert. Everyone wanted to know the secret behind the recipe, and my aunt and I were happy to share the story of how we had discovered it together.

As the night wore on and the last of the treats were devoured, I realized that this recipe was more than just a delicious dessert - it was a special bond between me and my aunt, a connection to our family's past and a reminder of the joy we found in creating something magical together.

Years have passed since that memorable Halloween night, but the memory of the graveyard treat lives on in my heart. I have made the recipe many times since then, sharing it with friends and family who are always amazed by its hauntingly delicious taste.

As I sit here in my own cozy kitchen, surrounded by the familiar smells and sounds of baking, I can't help but feel grateful for the gift my aunt gave me that day - the gift of a cherished recipe and a cherished memory that will always bring a smile to my face. And as I take a bite of the graveyard treat, savoring the rich chocolate and tangy cranberries, I am reminded once again of the power of good food and good company to bring joy and magic into our lives.