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Spider Web Cake

This Spider Web Cake features multiple layers of rich chocolate sponge decorated with intricate edible web patterns made from frosting and dark chocolate. The cake has a moist, tender interior with a glossy finish and detailed web design on top that resembles a spider’s web, creating a spooky and stunning centerpiece for Halloween celebrations.
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Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 40 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 10 minutes
Servings: 12
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Halloween
Calories: 580
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 ¾ cups granulated sugar
  • ¾ cup cocoa powder
  • 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
  • 1 ½ teaspoons baking soda
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 cup buttermilk
  • ½ cup vegetable oil
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • 1 cup hot water
  • 3 cups powdered sugar
  • ½ cup unsalted butter softened
  • ¼ cup cocoa powder
  • for web decoration or use black chocolate for web lines

Equipment

  • Mixing bowls
  • Electric mixer
  • Two 9-inch round cake pans
  • Cooling racks
  • Piping bags
  • Round piping tips
  • Offset spatula
  • Black food gel or edible black marker

Method
 

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans, then set aside.
  2. In a large mixing bowl, combine flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Whisk until evenly mixed.
  3. Add eggs, buttermilk, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract to the dry mixture. Mix with an electric mixer on medium speed until smooth and well combined.
  4. Slowly pour in hot water while continuing to mix. The batter will be thin but smooth—this helps make the cake moist and tender.
  5. Divide the batter evenly between the two prepared pans. Tap the pans lightly on the counter to remove air bubbles.
  6. Bake in the preheated oven for about 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes before transferring to wire racks to cool completely.
  7. In a separate bowl, beat softened butter until creamy, then gradually add powdered sugar and cocoa powder, mixing well. Continue to beat until fluffy and smooth to create the frosting.
  8. Once the cakes are completely cooled, spread a layer of frosting on top of one layer. Place the second cake on top and frost the entire cake evenly with the remaining frosting, smoothing the sides and top.
  9. Fill a piping bag fitted with a round tip with black frosting or melted dark chocolate. Pipe concentric circles or radial lines on the top surface of the cake to form a web pattern.
  10. Use black food gel or edible marker to draw fine web lines connecting the circles, creating an intricate spider web design. Alternatively, you can use black chocolate for more textured web lines.
  11. Finish by adding extra web details or embellishments as desired. Chill the cake briefly to set the decorations before serving.
  12. Slice the cake to reveal the tender, moist layers with a striking web design on top, perfect for Halloween festivities. Serve and enjoy this spooky, chocolatey treat!

Notes

Ensure the cake is completely cooled before applying the frosting to prevent melting. Use edible black gel for precise web lines, or melt dark chocolate and pipe for a textured effect. Chilling the decorated cake helps set the web design for clean presentation.