Why You’ll Love these Graveyard Shakes
When Halloween rolls around, there’s nothing quite like these Graveyard Shakes to satisfy both your sweet tooth and spooky spirit.
I’m obsessed with how they transform ordinary milkshakes into a cemetery scene that’s both delicious and Instagram-worthy.
What makes them irresistible? The contrast between creamy cookies and cream ice cream and the crunchy Oreo “dirt” creates the perfect texture balance.
They’re completely customizable—add more worms, less dirt, whatever suits your haunted fancy.
Best of all, they come together in minutes. No complicated techniques or special equipment needed.
Just blend, pour, decorate, and watch your guests’ faces light up at these perfectly macabre treats.
What Ingredients are in Graveyard Shakes?
Graveyard shakes combine creamy ice cream with spooky decorations to create the perfect Halloween treat. The base is a classic milkshake that gets transformed into a mini edible cemetery scene right in your glass.
I love how these ingredients work together to create something that’s both delicious and visually striking—the contrast between the smooth shake and the crunchy “dirt” topping is absolutely divine.
- 3 cups cookies & cream ice cream
- 1½ cups milk (whole milk for ultra-creamy, though any type works)
- 8–10 Oreos, crushed (for the “dirt” topping)
- Candy tombstones (or Milano cookies decorated with “RIP” in chocolate)
- Optional: whipped cream
- Optional: chocolate syrup
- Optional: candy bones or gummy worms
- Chilled glasses (freeze for 10 minutes before filling for extra-thick shakes)
The beauty of these graveyard shakes is their versatility. Don’t have cookies & cream ice cream? You can use vanilla and mix in crushed Oreos.
For those with dietary restrictions, the recipe works wonderfully with dairy-free alternatives like oat or almond milk paired with dairy-free ice cream.
And for grown-up Halloween parties, you might consider one of the adult variations by adding a splash of Irish cream or coffee liqueur.
The ingredients are simple, but the presentation is what makes these shakes truly spectacular.
How to Make these Graveyard Shakes
Making graveyard shakes couldn’t be simpler, which is why they’re perfect for Halloween parties when you’re already juggling costume adjustments and doorbell rings. Start by adding 3 cups of cookies & cream ice cream to your blender along with 1½ cups of milk. I recommend whole milk for that ultra-creamy texture, but honestly, whatever you have in the fridge works just fine.
Blend everything until you get a smooth, thick consistency. Need it thicker? Add less milk. Want it more sippable? A splash more milk will do the trick. We’re aiming for that perfect milkshake thickness that’s just barely manageable through a straw.
Once blended to perfection, pour your creamy concoction into 2 large glasses (or 3 smaller ones if you’re feeling generous). Now for the fun part—creating the “cemetery.” Take 8-10 crushed Oreos and spoon a generous layer on top of each shake to represent freshly dug dirt. Don’t be shy here; the contrast between the cookies and cream is what makes this visually striking.
Next, gently insert your candy tombstones or decorated Milano cookies into the “dirt” layer. They should stand upright, just like in a real graveyard, but slightly tilted for that authentic, spooky abandoned cemetery vibe. For extra visual impact, add optional whipped cream “fog,” drizzle chocolate syrup, or place a few gummy worms crawling out of the dirt.
No blender in your kitchen? No problem. You can still create these ghostly treats by letting the ice cream soften for 5-10 minutes at room temperature, then mashing it together with the milk using a sturdy whisk. It requires a bit more elbow grease, but the results are nearly identical.
Whatever method you choose, serve these shakes immediately while they’re still frosty. There’s something about the temperature contrast between the cold shake and room-temperature toppings that makes every spoonful a delightful experience.
And don’t forget to chill your glasses beforehand if you want extra-thick shakes—simply pop them in the freezer for about 10 minutes before filling.
Graveyard Shakes Substitutions and Variations
While these spooky shakes are delicious in their classic form, the beauty of this Halloween treat lies in how easily you can customize it to suit different tastes and dietary needs.
I’m a big fan of the Mint Cemetery version when I need something rejuvenating—just swap in mint-chip ice cream with a tiny drop of peppermint extract.
Got kids who love creepy crawlies? The Dirt & Worms variation is always a hit.
For fall flavor lovers, try my Pumpkin Patch twist with some pumpkin puree and spice.
And don’t worry—dairy-free friends can enjoy these too with plant-based alternatives.
Adults? A splash of Irish cream transforms these into grown-up treats.
What to Serve with Graveyard Shakes
These spine-tingling treats deserve equally haunting companions to create a complete Halloween spread.
I like pairing them with “mummy dogs” (puff pastry-wrapped hot dogs with olive eyes) or “monster finger” breadsticks dusted with parmesan and almond fingernails.
For lighter fare, try “eyeball” caprese skewers—mozzarella balls with olive pupils and red pepper veins.
Or go with pumpkin-shaped cheese balls rolled in crushed Doritos.
My personal favorite? Dark chocolate-dipped strawberries decorated as ghosts with white chocolate drizzle.
The fruity tartness balances the creamy shake perfectly.
Trust me, your guests will be simultaneously scared and satisfied.
Final Thoughts
Creativity sits at the heart of Halloween entertaining, and these Graveyard Shakes perfectly capture the spooky-yet-playful spirit of the season. I love how they transform a simple ice cream treat into a memorable centerpiece that delights both kids and adults.
What makes these shakes special is their adaptability. Can’t do dairy? No problem. Want an adult version? Add a splash of liqueur. The variations are endless, limited only by your imagination.
In my house, our annual Halloween party isn’t complete without these frosty graves. The best part? Watching everyone’s faces light up as they dig through the “dirt” to discover what treats lie beneath.
Graveyard Shakes
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Place glasses in the freezer for about 10 minutes before preparing the shakes for an extra-thick consistency.
- Add cookies & cream ice cream and milk to a blender.
- Blend until smooth and thick. Adjust milk quantity for desired thickness – less for thicker shakes, more for a more sippable consistency.
- Pour the milkshake mixture into 2 large glasses (or 3 smaller ones).
- Spoon a generous layer of crushed Oreos on top of each shake to create the “dirt” cemetery effect.
- Gently insert candy tombstones or decorated Milano cookies into the Oreo “dirt” layer, positioning them at slight angles for an authentic abandoned cemetery appearance.
- If desired, add optional toppings like whipped cream “fog”, chocolate syrup drizzle, or gummy worms crawling out of the dirt.
- Serve immediately while cold and enjoy your spooky creation!
