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Spider Web Halloween Cake

This cake features a moist vanilla sponge layered with rich frosting, topped with a glossy chocolate web design that mimics a spider web pattern. The web is crafted from melted chocolate or icing, creating an intricate, decorative finish that transforms the cake into a spooky centerpiece. The final appearance is a smooth, frosted cake with a striking web pattern on top, combining elegance and creepiness.
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Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 35 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 5 minutes
Servings: 8
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Festive, Halloween
Calories: 430
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 2 cups all-purpose flour sifted
  • 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter softened
  • 1 cup milk room temperature
  • 3 large eggs
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • 1 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 1/2 cup hot water
  • 200 grams dark chocolate or black icing for web
  • 1 cup powdered sugar for web
  • 1/4 cup unsalted butter for icing
  • 2-3 tablespoons milk to adjust consistency for web icing

Equipment

  • Mixing bowls
  • Stand mixer or hand mixer
  • 8-inch round cake pans
  • Cooling rack
  • Spatula
  • Piping bag or plastic sandwich bag
  • Small saucepan
  • Baking sheet
  • Parchment paper

Method
 

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease two 8-inch cake pans and line the bottoms with parchment paper for easy removal.
  2. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the sifted flour, cocoa powder, and sugar until well combined.
  3. Add the softened butter, eggs, vanilla, and milk to the dry ingredients. Use a stand or hand mixer to beat the mixture on medium speed until smooth and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.
  4. In a small bowl, mix the hot water with the melted dark chocolate or prepared black icing until smooth. Slowly fold this mixture into the batter, ensuring it's fully incorporated.
  5. Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans. Smooth the tops with a spatula for even layers.
  6. Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack until completely cooled.
  7. While the cakes cool, prepare the web icing. In a small saucepan, melt the butter, powdered sugar, and a tablespoon of milk over low heat, stirring until smooth and glossy. Add more milk if needed to reach a piping consistency.
  8. Transfer the web icing to a piping bag or a small plastic sandwich bag with a tiny tip cut off. Draw concentric circles on a sheet of parchment paper, then use a toothpick or skewer to drag lines from the center outward to create a web pattern. Let the web fully set and harden, about 15-20 minutes.
  9. Melt the dark chocolate or prepare black icing again if hardened. Use a piping bag or plastic bag to pipe web strands directly onto the top of the chilled cake, creating an intricate web pattern. Carefully transfer the web from parchment paper onto the cake's surface.
  10. Finish by piping additional web details or accents as desired for extra spookiness. Chill the cake briefly to set the web design and frosting before serving.
  11. Slice and enjoy your hauntingly beautiful Spider Web Halloween Cake, perfect for showcasing at any spooky celebration!

Notes

For best web contrast, ensure the web icing is fully set before lightly placing it on the cake. You can also make the web more intricate by layering multiple web patterns. Keep the cake refrigerated if not serving immediately to maintain freshness.