The Best Places To Travel For Fall Foliage And Cozy Getaways

WalletHub first compared the 50 states across 30 key indicators of happiness, with a date set that ranged from the depression rate and the share of adults feeling productive to income growth and the unemployment rate. Hawaii has the lowest share of adult depression, which is 2.3 times lower than in Tennessee, the state with the highest. New Jersey has the fewest suicides (per 100,000 residents), which is 3.7 times fewer than in Montana, the state with the most. Utah has the highest volunteer rate, which is 2.6 times higher than in Florida, the state where the rate is the lowest. Volunteerism is another way people find purpose and joy in life.

In order to determine the happiest cities in America, WalletHub compared 182 of the largest cities — including the 150 most populated U.S. cities — across three key areas:

• Emotional & Physical Well-Being
• Income & Employment
• Community & Environment

“When individuals have a high sense of community...well-being increases, and stress, anxiety, and depression decrease. Neighborhoods with high walkability scores that are also safe and near things like parks or trails help sustain our physical and mental health, which are key factors in determining happiness,” adds Dr. Longmire-Avital.

Here are the top 20 happiest U.S. cities, many of which score high on the nature and family-friendly aspect. Ready for a new start or planning local travel this season? Check them out!

Fremont, CA

According to the WalletHub report, Fremont, CA, located in the San Francisco Bay Area, is the happiest city in America, and one reason why is income: the city has the highest share of households with an income above $75,000, at nearly 80 percent. Studies have shown that increasing your income also increases your happiness up to $75,000 (but not beyond). With a rich history tied to the California Gold Rush, Fremont has evolved into a hub for the tech industry, including Tesla's Fremont Factory. The city offers excellent schools, a wide range of cultural experiences, and outdoor spaces like Mission Peak. People in Fremont also have a high rate of life satisfaction, a low depression rate, and a long lifespan on average. It also has the lowest share of adults who report having mentally unhealthy days, so people in the city seem to be doing the self care needed to keep themselves happy.

Overland Park, KS

Overland Park, KS, has earned its spot as the second-happiest city in the U.S., thanks to several key factors that contribute to its residents' well-being. With the lowest poverty rate in the nation at just 4.2 percent and an impressively low unemployment rate of 3 percent, it's clear that financial stability plays a huge role in their happiness. The city also boasts one of the lowest food insecurity rates, meaning more families have what they need to thrive. Residents of Overland Park also enjoy a lot of leisure time each week, which many spend participating in sports — one of the top ways to stay emotionally and physically healthy. Overland Park boasts a rich cultural scene, including the Overland Park Arboretum and Botanical Gardens, the Nerman Museum of Contemporary Art, and a variety of dining and shopping options. People in Overland Park tend to get more sleep than those in most other cities, a crucial factor for maintaining a positive mindset.

San Jose, CA

Not far from Fremont is the third-happiest city: San Jose, CA, in the heart of Silicon Valley and home to tech giants like Adobe and eBay. San Jose has a diverse food scene, art galleries, and beautiful outdoor spaces, including nearby hiking trails in the Santa Cruz Mountains, which you can enjoy year-round. The city has the longest average life expectancy in the country. It also has one of the lowest separation and divorce rates and scores the best on the health and wellness company Sharecare’s Community Well-Being Index, which measures how much residents like where they live, feel safe and have pride in their community. It also scores extremely well on Sharecare’s Life-Satisfaction Index, which measures people’s health risks based on various physical, financial and social factors.

Madison, WI

Nestled between lakes Mendota and Monona, Madison offers stunning waterfront views, beautiful parks, and a ton of Midwestern charm. The University of Wisconsin-Madison brings in some of its youthful energy while the city boasts a strong local food, music, and art scene. It's also a great place to live, work, and explore.

Irvine, CA

Irvine, California in sunny Orange County is known for its family-friendly vibe, excellent schools, and thriving economy. Home to the University of California, Irvine, the city offers a mix of culture and nature with great parks, bike paths, nearby beaches and the Irvine Spectrum Center, a popular shopping and entertainment destination.

Honolulu, HI

This tropical paradise and state capital, located on the island of Oahu, is famous for its stunning beaches, including the iconic Waikiki Beach, and its rich cultural heritage. Honolulu offers world-class shopping, dining, and entertainment alongside scenic landscapes like Diamond Head and lush rainforests. Home to landmarks like Iolani Palace and the Pearl Harbor Memorial, Honolulu is known for its warm aloha spirit.

San Francisco, CA

Hop on a cable car ride in San Francisco, the #7 happiest city on the list. It's year-round mild climate and stunning hilltop views remind us just how stunning this city is. From the Golden Gate Bridge, Crissy Field, and Presidio Tunnel Tops to bustling Fillmore Street in Pacific Heights, Valencia Street in the Mission, and Hayes St. in Hayes Valley, there's tons to explore from a world-class food scene to indie shopping to museums and coastal views.

Pearl City, HI

Pearl City is a charming suburban community located on the island of Oahu, just west of Honolulu. The nearby Pearl Harbor National Memorial and surrounding waters with scenic views hold both historical significance and recreational activities like boating. The city itself has a peaceful close-knit community and is family-friendly with excellent schools, parks, and shopping centers.

Columbia, MD

Located between Baltimore and Washington, D.C., Columbia is known for its diverse neighborhoods, excellent schools, and many green spaces with parks, lakes, and over 90 miles of walking and biking trails. Columbia’s town center features shopping, dining, and entertainment options, including the Merriweather Post Pavilion, a renowned concert venue. With a strong sense of community, access to major cities, and a focus on sustainability, Columbia is not surprisingly in the top 10 happiest cities in the U.S.

Scottsdale, AZ

Stunning desert landscapes, including hiking trails at Camelback Mountain and McDowell Sonoran Preserve, make Scottsdale a destination for nature lovers. Rounding out the top 10 happiest cities, Scottsdale is famous for its wellness resorts, golf courses, and thriving arts scene, including galleries, museums, and events like the Scottsdale ArtWalk. With a growing economy, delicious dining options, and a warm, sunny climate, Scottsdale is a popular destination for tourists and locals looking for a southwestern lifestyle.

Here are the remaining top 20 happiest cities.

11. Sioux Falls, SD

12. Huntington Beach, CA

13. Minneapolis, MN

14. Garden Grove, CA

15. San Diego, CA

16. Fargo, ND

17. Portland, ME

18. Seattle, WA

19. Lincoln, NE

20. Bismark, ND

Did your city make the cut? Check out the full list of Happiest Cities in America in 2024 at WalletHub.

Orlando

When it comes to celebrating the holidays, Disney fans head to the most magical place on Earth: Orlando. Discover holiday trimmings, events, and magic along Main Street at the Walt Disney World and Epcot Theme Park. Beyond the theme park draw, book a manatee snorkel tour; spot wildlife like alligators, bobcats, and bears on a free drive through Lake Apopka; shop the charming cobblestone streets on Park Avenue; swim with dolphins at Discovery Cove (an all-inclusive resort), and visit Leu Gardens for a stroll through a tropical rainforest, a rose garden, and butterfly garden and more.

Cancun

White sand beaches, cultural landmarks like Chichén Itzá, and natural caverns to swim in make Cancun a holiday adventure for the books. Explore the underwater art museum near Isla Mujeres, Mayan ruins and an incredible art scene in Tulum, and Playa del Carmen for unforgettable nightlife.

New York City

New York City is the quintessential holiday destination for your favorite rom-coms *and* your 2024 holiday travel, kicking off with the iconic Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade, followed by the Rockefeller Center tree lighting, and wrapping up with the Times Square ball drop on NYE. Beyond the holiday traditions, the city offers an eclectic and amazing food scene, from one of the best hot chocolates at LYSÉE to some of the best Italian at Via Carota to classic French standby Balthazar, plus world-class museums and a nightlife suited for every kind of reveler. Warm up after a day spent wandering the scenic paths of Central Park to the historic charm of Battery Park with a boozy cocktail at Overstory, a retro-chic bar with panoramic views.

Tokyo

Make a bucket-list trip to Tokyo this holiday season. Experience a traditional Japanese tea ceremony, explore the beautiful historic temples and shrines, such as Sensō-ji, the city's oldest and most iconic Buddhist temple; and walk the neighborhoods: through Shibuya Crossing for shops, cafés, and a lively nightlife; Harajuku for eclectic fashion and colorful street art, and the trendy Takeshita Street. Indulge in Tokyo’s unique food scene, from flavorful ramen at popular spots like Ichiran or Afuri, to savoring the best street food at the Tsukiji Outer Market. Don’t forget to experience a traditional izakaya, where you can sample Japanese pub fare like yakitori and sashimi at the end of your sightseeing day.

London

Soak in the holidays, British style. Explore a winter wonderland in Hyde Park, where you can find ice skating, Christmas markets, carnival rides, and more; stroll along Oxford Street for Christmas lights and visit Covent Garden's giant Christmas tree, mistletoe chandeliers, and twinkling lights (perfect for holiday photos!). Skate in the historic moat with views of the Tower of London and visit London’s holiday markets like the Southbank Centre Winter Market along the Thames for unique gifts. Catch a show on London’s West End theatre district and enjoy afternoon tea at London hotels like Claridge’s and The Ritz. Staying for Christmas? Attend a service at one of London's historic churches, such as St. Paul's or Westminster Abbey.

Miami/Fort Launderdale

Soak in the holiday sun in Miami. Brunch poolside at Strawberry Moon near South Beach or the Michelin-recommended La Mar by Gastón Acurio for the best views of Brickell and Biscayne Bay. Lounge on the beach and take a dip, before strolling the pedestrians-only, European-style Española Way. Pop into Tropezón for Spanish tapas and creative gin cocktails in an Andalusian-inspired space. Later, get in the holiday spirit with tickets to A Drag Queen Christmas or A Christmas Wonderland for a whole North Pole village and a half-mile of holiday displays, light shows, and immersive experiences. If you want to experience Miami nightlife, grab your Santa hat and continue the night at M2 or LIV for megaclub vibes (don’t be surprised if you bump into celebrities at the latter).

Paris

Here's a holiday getaway, Emily in Paris style. Holiday shop along the Champs-Élysées, where trees are lit up in spectacular red LED lights. While there, grab lunch and a macaron at Ladurée. The cooler temps and smaller crowds make it an ideal time to visit famous landmarks like the Eiffel Tower (catch a great view of it in the Christmas village at Trocadéro), the Louvre, and Notre-Dame Cathedral, where you'll find a Christmas market for the season (also check out the one at the Tuileries Gardens). Parisian cafés and bistros are enticing with warm and comforting dishes like onion soup, coq au vin, and decadent pastries. Sip a café au lait at Café Charlot in Le Marais or dig into the stunning bûche de Noël at the Butterfly Pâtisserie in the Hôtel de Crillon.

Los Angeles

You may not get snow, but you’ll get plenty of lights in the City of Angels, from the one-mile interactive light show at the Descanso Gardens to the Venice Canals, where homes and bridges are brightly decorated with holiday lights. Skate outdoors in the heart of Downtown LA with skyscrapers surrounding you at the Pershing Square Ice Rink or by the beach near the iconic Santa Monica pier. Experience Universal Studios’ Grinchmas and Harry Potter Christmas, a Menorah Lighting in Beverly Hills, and a candlelight procession at Disneyland. Of course, there are plenty of amazing museums, dining, and shopping too. Check out our local’s guide to LA!

Las Vegas

The glitz in Las Vegas gets glitzier come holiday time when hotels and casinos are just a little more extra. The Bellagio transforms its gardens into a winter wonderland while The Venetian’s Winter in Venice goes all out with holiday decor, canal-side ice skating, and festive events. The rooftop pool deck at The Cosmopolitan turns into an outdoor ice rink with real ice, holiday music, fire pits, and even occasional "snowfall." Sip hot chocolate or cocktails while skating with views of The Strip. Catch The Nutcracker by the Nevada Ballet Theatre at The Smith Center. Visit the Ethel M Chocolate Factory in Henderson to see the famous Holiday Cactus Garden illuminated with over a million lights, and escape the city for a scenic holiday hike in Red Rock Canyon, just a short drive from the city. Want to see snow? Head up to Mount Charleston for snow activities like skiing, snowboarding, and snowshoeing.

Honolulu

Trade your snow boots for sandals and head to Honolulu this holiday. Relax on Waikiki Beach or Lanikai Beach for white sand and turquoise waters, perfect for snorkeling, kayaking, or simply lounging. Hike the iconic Diamond Head Crater for breathtaking panoramic views of Waikiki and the Pacific Ocean or Manoa Falls Trail, a scenic, easy hike through a lush rainforest. Visit Pearl Harbor, explore Hanauma Bay Nature Preserve, and discover Iolani Palace, the only royal palace in the U.S. that once served as the residence of Hawaiian royalty. At night, attend a holiday-inspired luau and catch a free fireworks show at the Hilton Hawaiian Village.

Mumbai

The best time to visit Mumbai is between October and February for milder temps, and before/after monsoon season. Explore the Gateway of India, one of Mumbai’s most iconic landmarks, located by the waterfront. Take a ferry ride from here to Elephanta Island, a UNESCO World Heritage Site where you can explore ancient cave temples dating back to the 6th century. Stroll along Marine Drive, also known as the "Queen's Necklace," due to its curved shape and sparkling lights at night. Walk through the Hanging Gardens, take a Bollywood Tour, and enjoy high tea at the Taj Mahal Palace Mumbai. Enjoy the cool November/December breeze while watching the sunset or sit by the promenade and take in the views of the Arabian Sea.

Phoenix

Phoenix is perfect for a wellness escape during the holidays. Hike Camelback Mountain, one of Phoenix’s most popular hiking spots, for stunning panoramic views of the city and the surrounding desert landscape. Just outside Phoenix, Old Town Scottsdale blends Wild West charm with modern art galleries, boutiques, and restaurants. Stroll through the streets to find unique art, local crafts, and enjoy the lively nightlife or weekend markets. The Desert Botanical Garden is home to thousands of species of cacti, succulents, and desert plants. The garden offers scenic walking trails, art installations, and seasonal events like the Las Noches de las Luminarias, which lights up the garden with thousands of glowing luminaries during the holidays. For wellness, travel 2 hours to Sedona’s breathtaking Boynton Canyon, where the iconic spa Mii amo offers casitas with private balconies or patios, in-room kiva fireplaces and soaking tubs, as well as wellness experiences like chakra balancing and intuitive massage.

San Juan

Beyond your winter escape to beautiful beaches like Condado Beach or Isla Verde, Old San Juan is absolutely worth a visit. Explore the colorful colonial architecture lit up with Christmas lights. Walk through the cobblestone streets, visit the San Juan Bautista Cathedral, and explore the historic fort Castillo San Felipe del Morro (shown above). Enjoy a traditional Puerto Rican feast with foods like roast pork (lechón asado), arroz con gandules (rice with pigeon peas), pasteles (similar to tamales), and tembleque (coconut dessert) at one of the many restaurants in San Juan, like like Deaverdura or Cocina al Fondo. Stay for NYE and visit one of the World's Best Bars La Factoría and/or Pio Pio Champagne Bar, and pop by the waterfront for the Old San Juan Fireworks.

Chicago

Celebrate the holidays in one of the most festive U.S. cities, Chicago. Skate across the McCormick Tribune Ice Rink under the backdrop of Chicago’s iconic skyline. Visit the city’s official Christmas tree in Millennium Park and catch a performance of The Nutcracker at the Joffrey Ballet or A Christmas Carol at the Goodman Theatre. Enjoy a festive afternoon tea at one of Chicago’s historic hotels, such as The Drake or The Peninsula. Shop the Magnificent Mile, which is beautifully lit up during the holiday season. Art lovers will fawn over The Art Institute of Chicago, and Second City comedy shows make for a fun night out. Try Beatrix for brunch and don’t miss the deep dish Chicago pizza at Lou Malnati's Pizzeria and inventive cocktails at The Aviary. If you're brave, join the annual Polar Bear Plunge, where you can dive into the icy waters of Lake Michigan to kick off the New Year!

Delhi

Delhi comes alive in the first of November during Diwali with beautifully lit homes, fireworks, and cultural events. Visit A UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of Delhi’s most beautiful Mughal monuments, Humayun’s Tomb (shown above). Attend a Dastangoi performance, a traditional Urdu storytelling art form, at the India International Centre. Take a yoga sesh at the Lodhi Gardens, a great spot for photography. Just a few hours away is the Taj Mahal and Agra Fort. Explore the Pink City of Jaipur with its palaces, forts, and vibrant culture on a weekend trip from Delhi too.

Punta Cana

Get some serious holiday escape R&R at this postcard-beautiful island for the ultimate romantic getaway. Lounge by the pool with a piña colada at one of many all-inclusive resorts, like Excellence Punta Cana, an adults-only resort and spa. When you’re ready to explore the island, take a dip in the cenotes, or underground caves, at Scape Park in Capa Cana or the freshwater lagoons at Indigenous Eyes Ecological Park. Dine downtown at the Noah restaurant, which is the top restaurant in town, according to TripAdvisor, and watch an amazing performance at the Coco Bongo Punta Cana nightclub.

Barcelona

Barcelona is quieter during the holiday season than it is in the summer with perfect sightseeing weather (average around 65 degrees). Explore Antoni Gaudí’s architectural masterpieces, like the Sagrada Família, which holds a special Christmas mass; Park Güell (shown above), a whimsical mosaic-filled park with fantastic views of the city; Casa Batlló, one of Gaudí’s most impressive residential buildings with organic, sea-inspired design (you can take a guided tour), and Casa Milà (La Pedrera) with its wave-like stone façade and quirky rooftop chimneys. Stroll through the Gothic Quarter (the El Born area is great for shopping), take a tapas food tour, and ring in the New Year, if you wish, following the Spanish tradition of eating 12 green grapes at midnight to bring good luck in the year ahead.

Bangkok

Visit everything from bustling markets and glittering temples to rooftop bars and street food vendors in Bangkok. The Grand Palace is one of Bangkok’s most iconic landmarks. Inside, find Wat Phra Kaew, home to the Emerald Buddha, a highly revered statue. Damnoen Saduak Floating Market is the most famous floating market near Bangkok, where you can shop for traditional snacks and holiday gifts from boats. Take a boat ride on the Chao Phraya River; ride a tuk-tuk ride along the Khao San Road; and relax in Lumpini Park for a peaceful escape from the hustle and bustle of Bangkok (you can rent a paddleboat, enjoy a picnic, or simply take a stroll while watching locals practice tai chi). Keep an eye out for the giant monitor lizards that roam freely in the park! Visit iconic rooftop bars, like Sky Bar at Lebua State Tower, famous for being featured in the movie The Hangover 2, and Vertigo and Moon Bar, located at the Banyan Tree Hotel with stunning 360-degree views of the city.

Dallas/Fort Worth

Trade your snow boots for cowgirl boots, and check out our stay at Dallas’s boutique hotel and speakeasy, Hôtel Swexan, a worthy visit for food, drink or stay, if you’re in town. The Dallas Holiday Parade on December 7 features festive floats, marching bands, and an appearance by Santa Claus. Get your nature fix at The Dallas Arboretum, which puts on a spectacular holiday display, featuring life-sized gazebos representing each of the "12 Days of Christmas." Visit after-dark to see the illuminated gardens. Head to the Fort Worth Stockyards for a unique, cowboy-themed holiday celebration with parades, caroling, cowboy Santa meet-and-greets, and Western-themed Christmas lights and decorations. Just outside Dallas, Grapevine transforms into the "Christmas Capital of Texas," with a host of holiday activities. The North Pole Express, a festive train ride with Santa Claus, storytelling, and hot chocolate, is one of the highlights.

Rome

Beat the summer crowds and enjoy a festive Rome during the holiday season. Visit Vatican City (shown) for Christmas celebrations, including St. Peter’s Basilica decorated with Christmas trees, lights, and a large nativity scene in St. Peter’s Square. On Christmas Day, the actual Pope gives the "Urbi et Orbi" blessing from the basilica’s balcony. Walk the 135 Spanish Steps with a gelato a la Audrey Hepburn in Roman Holiday, stand in awe of the Colosseum and Roman Forum, and toss a coin in the most famous fountains in the world, the Trevi Fountain, a masterpiece of Baroque art. (Tossing a coin, legend has it, means you’ll return to Rome again one day – molto bene!).

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If you're not of trick-or-treating age anymore, and also don't have little ones of your own yet to rack up a pumpkin full of candy for the whole family, you might be wondering how to get your sweet tooth fix this holiday season. We've curated some truly next-level Halloween cake recipes you can create to get your spooky season off to a chilling start.

The best part about the Halloween cakes ahead? They are the *perfect* conversation starter for any parties you might attend, plus you can also leverage these ideas for October birthdays or for your friends who embody spooky vibes all year long.

Keep scrolling for all of the iconic Halloween themes in edible form, from Jack-o'-lanterns and graveyard dirt cakes, to desserts with spiderwebs, bats, creepy eyeballs, blood, gore, and more! And don't worry – we have some picture-perfect holiday cake recipes in the mix as well for the scaredy cats out there. Bon appetit!

Moist Black Velvet Cake

Red velvet cake is a staple during birthdays and holidays, but have you ever tried its darker sister? She still has the same moist feel and taste you love, but the black cocoa, buttercream, and white food coloring add to her appearance. Top it off with flying bats and your guests will love staring at it at your party.

Bloody Broken Glass Cupcakes

Someone wasn't careful while baking and ended up cutting their fingers on the broken glass sticking out of these cupcakes. The horror!

All jokes aside, this dessert is perfectly spooky and edible because it features ganache, sugar glass, and 'blood' you can feast on. It'll be a good idea to dress up as a sexy vampire who has fangs to really spook your guests!

Effortless No-Bake Mummy Sponge Cake

Sponge cakes aren't usually this spooky, but there's no reason they can't be! Between us, mummies aren't always talked about during Halloween so this dessert gives you a reason to celebrate them.

You'll need ingredients like powdered sugar, baking powder, vanilla extract, salted butter, and flour to create the cake. Next, you'll combine white vanilla frosting and large candy eyeballs for the mummy design. Put it all together and you have the spongiest Halloween cake ever!

Meringue Bone Palace Halloween Cake

Not to be attempted by the faint of heart (meringue is known to be one of the trickiest substances to work with), this creative cake is completely inspired by skeleton bones. Oh, and by the way, underneath all those bones, you'll find a decadent (and equally visually stunning) bright red velvet cake.

Neon Confetti Cake

Light up any darkened room with a *shockingly* bright Halloween dessert. Treat guests to this neon cake, and throw in some other glow-in-the-dark decorations to really make it shine.

Spooky Cake Balls

Here's an easy cake recipe to whip up in a hot minute when you don't feel like making an entire cake. Your guests won't be able to resist the spooky eyeballs and mini mummies.

Oreo Brownie Trifle

Turn this simple trifle into something spooky: layer brownies, chocolate pudding, whipped topping, and crushed Oreo cookies in a cake pan. Top the stack with *extra* crushed Oreos and write on the Milano cookie “tombstones” with homemade icing. Add some gummy worms to amp up the creep factor!

Forbidden Forest Chocolate Butterbeer Cake

Pretend it's the Halloween feast at Hogwarts and serve up a cake that's inspired by the intriguing and terrifying Forbidden Forest. After an adventure in there, you definitely deserve chocolate.

Black Cocoa Halloween Layer Cake

Wow your guests with this black cocoa Halloween cake that's covered in black cocoa buttercream, marshmallow spiderwebs, and ghost meringues! It's delicious *and* spectacular looking.

Stenciled Halloween Sprinkle Cake

What better way to incorporate a fun gradient into your Halloween cake than with this absolutely stunning dessert? It features ombre-toned buttercream frosting and a delicious vanilla yellow cake. You can *also* easily repurpose this recipe throughout the year by switching out the stencil design color theme.

Monochrome Cake

Channel your inner Beetlejuice when you decorate this monochrome black-and-white cake – just don't look too long at those spirals, or you might find yourself hypnotized! This elegant Halloween cake uses melted dark chocolate and vanilla for contrasting colors, plus an extra black gel food coloring to provide the rich dark shade.

Pink and Gold Pumpkin Cakes

If you've got a bright, pastel aesthetic to uphold, these pumpkin spice cakes draped with pastel-colored fondant and edible gold offer a fancy fall treat.

Halloween Cookies and Cream Cake

Oreo-filled vanilla cake, cookies and cream frosting, dark chocolate ganache, and a heap of seasonal candies make this one decadent dessert you simply can't pass on making. To decorate the layers, you'll make a chocolate ganache with heavy cream, chocolate chips, and corn syrup. Then, add some Oreo pieces, sprinkles, candy corn, Peeps, and the whole she-bang.

No-Bake Pumpkin Spice Cheesecake

Pumpkin-flavored cheesecakes are one of the main dessert staples of the fall season. The best part about this recipe? It's no-bake! Plus, with a prep time and cook time of 10 minutes each, you can have a delicious treat ready to set in the fridge in 20 minutes. This pumpkin spice cheesecake features all the classic fall flavors like cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, allspice, and ground cloves.

Salted Caramel Apple Snickers Cake

This is one of our favorite Halloween cakes to bake and serve with a side of apple-bobbing games and spiked apple cider. It's perfected with applesauce to make it *sort of* healthy... but you'll still you dump some ooey-gooey salted caramel sauce all over the cake and apples.

Nightmare Before Christmas Cake

If you're a Tim Burton fan, you *have* to try this. What better way to celebrate one of the coolest movies ever than by showcasing your fandom with this artsy and spooky Halloween cake idea? And best of all, it'll only take you 45 minutes to tackle this spook-tacular sweet.

Unicorn Halloween Jack-o'-Lantern Cake

If you have younger kids, rockin' with traditional Halloween cake themes can be pretty scary. Shake things up by offering this sweet unicorn instead of the usual creepy fare. Bonus points if you match your Halloween unicorn costume to this treat!

Candy Corn Tuxedo Cake

The creepy exterior of this cake cuts away to a whimsically colorful surprise on the inside. Inspired by s'mores-flavored candy corn, this Halloween cake is one no one can turn down. The harvest colors definitely bring an autumn feel to the recipe that you can break out long past Halloween, and this one reads more cute-spooky instead of scary-spooky, if that's your preferred vibe.

Pumpkin Spice Latte Cake

Halloween doesn't have to just be about darkness and ghouls. It's also perfectly fine to celebrate with a bright autumnal vibe, as with this beautiful pumpkin spice cake!

Slime Cake

This dark chocolate cake has a shocking contrast in color, thanks to its lime green buttercream frosting. Here's the secret to the dramatic combo: the chocolate is made extra-dark with black food coloring. On the inside, there's layered neon green pudding to provide an ooey-gooey texture that makes perfect sense for the slime factor.

Skeleton Piñata Cake

Fill your Halloween cake with almond bark-based bones for a scary (and delicious) surprise. Start with a succulent red velvet cake base for the inside, then use ready-made fondant for the skeleton design on top.

Orange Cream Cake with Chocolate Ganache

Layer cakes always feel special, especially when they're made with bright orange and dark black cake and frosting for Halloween! Cutting that first slice is bound to make you smile.

Melted Witch Cake

Uh-oh — it looks like Dorothy came to visit this melting witch! The secret to the dripping look is whipping up some dark chocolate ganache. (via The First Year)

Halloween Candy Mug Cake

Once your kids go to bed, sneak some of their Halloween candy for yourself. You'll be on your way to whipping up a fast and tasty mug cake for one!

Boo Surprise Inside Cake

Surprise your guests with a secret message inside their dessert. It sounds complicated, but this one is actually quite easy to make when you follow the notes.

Black Velvet Cake

This ghoulish Halloween cake gets topped with little white chocolate ghosties that can be equally creepy or cute, depending how you make them at home.

Pumpkin Patch Dirt Cake

How adorable is this? Create your very own pumpkin patch with instant pudding, Oreo crumbs, and mini pumpkin candies.

Salted Caramel Upside Down Cake

Caramel apples may no longer be acceptable as a trick-or-treating sweet, but you can enjoy the flavors of this classic autumnal treat in cake form instead.

Halloween Witch Hat Cupcakes

Though these individual treats don't make a full cake, they are perfect for serving a crowd at your Halloween get-togethers.

Spiderweb S'mores Cheesecake Brownies

Repeat after us: there is no such thing as too much of a good thing. Smash together all of your favorite desserts and you get an elaborate concoction that is alone worth celebrating during Halloween.

Vegan Zombie Cupcakes

These freaky bites will turn out so impressive, you won't want to sink your teeth into them.