A Spirited Cheesecake Inspired by the Mansion’s Most Famous Ghosts

This cheesecake pays tribute to the Hitchhiking Ghosts: Phineas, Ezra, and Gus, who have become icons of The Haunted Mansion. With a dark Oreo crust, swirls of eerie blue, and ghostly toppers, it looks like something straight out of the mansion itself.

Tips for Success

• Swirl gently: When adding the blue filling, don’t overmix—less swirl gives a bolder, ghostly effect.
• No cracks: Bake the cheesecake in a water bath or place a pan of hot water on the rack below for extra moisture.
• Easy release: Run a knife around the edge of the cheesecake after baking so it doesn’t stick to the pan as it cools.
• Decorating detail: The silver flakes give it a bit of sparkle, but you can also use edible glitter.
• Make ahead: Cheesecake sets best after chilling overnight—plan ahead for serving.

Fun Facts

• The Hitchhiking Ghosts—Phineas (the traveler), Ezra (the tall skeleton), and Gus (the prisoner with a ball and chain)—were designed by Imagineer Marc Davis and sculptor Blaine Gibson for the ride’s finale.
• They were originally added late in the ride’s design process and quickly became fan favorites, embodying the playful side of the haunted theme.
• In Disney’s Haunted Mansion (2003), the trio appeared briefly as spectral comic relief.
• In the 2023 Haunted Mansion film, they had a bigger spotlight with updated special effects, giving them more personality while still staying true to their classic look.
• Their hitchhiking gag in the ride was achieved using the “Pepper’s Ghost” illusion, which makes it look like they appear inside your Doom Buggy as you ride past.

Hitchhiking Ghosts Cheesecake

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• Author: Taryn Camp

Ingredients

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Crust:

• 24 Oreo cookies, finely crushed
• 5 Tbsp salted butter, melted

Cheesecake Filling:

• 3 (8 oz) packages cream cheese, softened
• 1 cup sugar
• 3 large eggs
• 1 cup sour cream
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 6 oz chopped Hershey’s Cookies n Creme  candy bars
• Blue gel food coloring, if desired

Topping:

• 1 cup whipped cream, tinted purple or blue
• Oreo crumbs
• Silver confetti flakes
• Chocolate ghosts– made from a ghost mold found at most craft stores.

Instructions

1. Mix the Oreo crumbs with the melted butter. Press into a greased 9-inch springform pan. Bake at 350°F for 10 minutes. Let cool.
2. Beat the cream cheese and sugar until smooth. Add the eggs one at a time. Mix in the sour cream and vanilla. Fold in chopped cookies & cream bars.
3. Remove 1 cup of filling, tint it with blue gel coloring, then swirl gently into batter. Pour over crust.
4. Bake at 325°F for 55–65 minutes, until the center is just set. Cool completely, then chill for 4 hours or overnight.
5. Spread the purple whipped cream on top. Sprinkle with Oreo crumbs and silver flakes and stagger the chocolate ghosts around the border.

FAQ

Can I use a different crust?
Absolutely. A chocolate graham cracker or even a cookie butter crust works well, but the Oreo base adds that deep “Haunted Mansion” darkness.

How do I know when the cheesecake is done baking?
It’s ready when the center jiggles slightly but the edges are set. The cheesecake will continue to firm up as it cools.

What’s the best way to get clean slices?
Use a warm knife, wiping it clean between each cut. For the neatest look, chill the cheesecake for at least 4 hours before slicing.

Can I use store-bought chocolate ghosts or decorations?
Yes, pre-made candy decorations work perfectly if you don’t have a mold. Just press them gently into the whipped cream before serving.

Can I freeze leftovers?
Definitely! Wrap individual slices tightly in plastic wrap and foil, then freeze for up to 1 month. Thaw overnight in the fridge before enjoying.

Sprinkle of Fun

Turn dessert into a ghostly game! As everyone enjoys their slice, take turns inventing backstories for the Hitchhiking Ghosts or dream up your own mischievous mansion spirit. Give your ghost a name, a favorite haunt, and a spooky signature move. It’s the perfect way to turn cheesecake into storytelling fun from beyond the grave.