Now, if you're not an expert baker (which...or witch...I am not) you can still pull off the same effect of this 3 layer cake by getting it pre-made from your local bakery (with the orange and black icing already on it) and adding some decorative touches and gingerbread. Now don't panic, it's really pretty simple.
Once you get the cake home, use some pre-made gel or icing to add decorations (you might want to pratice by making a few doodles on some paper before you try it with the icing) like swirls, bats, blood splatter or cobwebs (and don't worry, they don't have to be perfect) on the bottom layer.
Then using back icing or gel, make a "fence" on the second layer the whole way around the cake. (just use the picture as a reference) Ok, now that most of the cake is done, you can work on the haunted house.
Get a package of pre-made gingerbread dough, lay it out flat, and using a template (there are so many you can find on the internet.... print it out, then trace it on cardboard and cut it out. simple) that you've made from cardboard, cut around the edges from the outline of the house in the dough. Also be sure to cut out a few windows and any other elements you like for your house. Bake according to package instructions.
Once it's cooled, decorate by spreading black icing over the entire house. Use a tube of pre-made white icing to outline around the door or windows, if you like. (you don't have to, it's just an idea)
To make the house stand up on the top of the cake: attach 2 wood dowels with icing onto the back of the cookie, using more icing on the bottom of the dowels push gently into the top layer of the cake, until it stands sturdy.
And if you're really ambitious, make and decorate a bunch of tiny tombstone-cookies to line around the bottom layer of the cake, (stick on with a glob or icing on the back of the tombstone-cookie) or use the cupcake idea.
I know, it sounds like a lot of work, but if you take a few shortcuts (like buying the cake and pre-made gingerbread dough) you'll be amazed at how talented you really are.
And the best part....your guests will think not only are you an amazing party hostess... but a top-notch baker to boo-t!
