This 5-ingredient oven baked Halloween dessert is the kind of playful shortcut recipe that makes a busy weeknight feel a little more festive. Using dry uncooked penne pasta as the base creates a sweet baked treat with a fun, unexpected texture, and it’s especially handy when you want something inexpensive, easy to assemble, and kid-friendly for a fall party, movie night, or spooky family dessert.
Serve this warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, a dollop of whipped topping, or a drizzle of chocolate syrup for an extra dessert-style finish. For a Halloween spread, pair it with caramel apples, hot cocoa, or a simple platter of orange and black cookies so the table feels festive without adding much more work.
5-Ingredient Oven Baked Halloween Dessert Pasta Bake
Servings: 6
Ingredients
2 cups dry uncooked penne pasta
2 cups milk
1 cup canned pumpkin puree
1/2 cup brown sugar
1 cup mini marshmallows
Directions
1. Preheat the oven to 375°F and lightly grease an oven-safe ceramic casserole dish.
2. Add the dry uncooked penne pasta to the casserole dish, then pour in the milk, pumpkin puree, and brown sugar. Stir well so the pasta is evenly coated and the sugar is dissolved as much as possible.
3. Cover the dish tightly with foil and bake for 35 to 40 minutes, stirring once halfway through, until the pasta is tender and most of the liquid has been absorbed.
4. Remove the foil, sprinkle the mini marshmallows evenly over the top, and return the dish to the oven for 5 to 8 minutes, until the marshmallows are soft and lightly golden.
5. Let the dessert rest for 10 minutes before serving so the sauce can thicken slightly. Spoon into bowls and serve warm.
Variations & Tips
Chocolate drizzle: For a richer dessert feel, drizzle warm chocolate syrup over each serving just before bringing it to the table. The chocolate pairs nicely with the pumpkin and marshmallow topping.
Extra Halloween color: Add a handful of orange, black, and white candy-coated chocolates or Halloween sprinkles after baking for a more festive look. Wait until just before serving so the colors stay bright.
Make-ahead tip: If you’re juggling work and party prep, measure the ingredients earlier in the day so assembly takes only a few minutes at night. This recipe is best served fresh and warm, but the prepped ingredients save time.
Texture tip: If the pasta still feels a little too firm after the initial bake, add a splash more milk, cover again, and bake for another 5 to 10 minutes. Oven-safe dishes can vary, so checking for tenderness is the best way to know it’s ready.