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Halloween Spider Web Cake

This cake features a chocolate sponge base layered with rich frosting, decorated with a spooky spider web design made from icing or ganache. The web pattern and dark hues give it an eerie, striking appearance, perfect for Halloween festivities. The final cake has a moist texture with a glossy decorative web on top.
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Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 35 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 5 minutes
Servings: 8
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Halloween
Calories: 520
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 2 cups all-purpose flour sifted
  • 2 cups granulated sugar
  • 3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder preferably Dutch-processed
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 2 eggs large eggs
  • 1 cup buttermilk or milk with a splash of vinegar
  • 1/2 cup vegetable oil
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • 1 cup hot water
  • 3 cups powdered sugar for frosting
  • 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder for frosting
  • 1/4 cup butter softened
  • 2-3 tablespoons milk to adjust frosting consistency

Equipment

  • Mixing bowls
  • Electric mixer
  • Round cake pans
  • Cooling rack
  • Piping bag with small round tip
  • Spatula

Method
 

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease two 8-inch round cake pans and lightly dust with cocoa powder or flour to prevent sticking.
  2. In a large bowl, sift together the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Whisk to combine evenly.
  3. Add the sugar and mix until the dry ingredients are evenly coated. In a separate bowl, beat the eggs, buttermilk, oil, and vanilla until smooth and combined.
  4. Gradually add the wet mixture to the dry ingredients, mixing on low speed. Once combined, carefully pour in the hot water, mixing slowly to incorporate. The batter will be thin but smooth.
  5. Divide the batter evenly between the prepared cake pans. Bake for about 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
  6. Let the cakes cool in pans for 10 minutes, then turn out onto a wire rack to cool completely. This helps the layers set and makes them easier to handle.
  7. In a bowl, beat the softened butter until creamy. Gradually add the powdered sugar and cocoa powder, mixing well. Mix in the milk a tablespoon at a time until the frosting reaches a spreadable consistency.
  8. Spread a layer of frosting on top of one cooled cake layer. Place the second layer on top and apply a thin crumb coat all over the cake. Chill for 15 minutes.
  9. Once chilled, apply a final layer of frosting smoothly around the cake. Use a spatula to create an even surface.
  10. Fill a piping bag fitted with a small round tip with the remaining frosting. Pipe concentric circles on the top of the cake, starting from the center outward to create a web pattern.
  11. Use a small toothpick or skewer to draw lines from the center to the edges, connecting the circles and forming a spider web design. Carefully clean the piping tip and enjoy your spooky Halloween Spider Web Cake!

Notes

For extra effect, add plastic spiders or other Halloween themed decorations before serving.