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Halloween Spider Web Cake

This cake features a layered sponge base topped with smooth frosting and decorated with a striking spider web design made from icing. The final presentation is a visually impressive dessert with a soft, moist crumb and a glossy, intricate web pattern on top.
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Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 55 minutes
Servings: 8
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Halloween
Calories: 350
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
  • 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 3/4 cup vegetable oil
  • 1 cup buttermilk
  • 2 large eggs
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • 2 cups confectioners' sugar for icing and web decoration
  • 2 tablespoons milk adjust for consistency
  • 1 ounce black food coloring or black gel icing for web pattern
  • 4 pieces candy or chocolate spiders for decoration

Equipment

  • Mixing bowls
  • Electric mixer or whisk

Method
 

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease two 8-inch round cake pans and line the bottoms with parchment paper for easy removal.
  2. In a large mixing bowl, sift together the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt. This ensures every ingredient is evenly distributed and the batter will be smooth.
  3. In another bowl, whisk together the sugar, eggs, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract until the mixture is light and slightly fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.
  4. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, alternating with the buttermilk, starting and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined and smooth.
  5. Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans and smooth the tops with a spatula. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
  6. Remove the cakes from the oven and let them cool in the pans for 10 minutes. Then, transfer to wire racks and cool completely before frosting.
  7. While the cakes cool, prepare the icing by gradually mixing confectioners' sugar with milk until the frosting reaches a smooth, spreadable consistency. Add a few drops of black food coloring if you want a darker web effect.
  8. Spread a generous layer of frosting on one cake layer, then top with the second layer. Frost the entire cake smoothly with the remaining icing.
  9. Fill a piping bag fitted with a small round tip with a portion of black icing. Starting from the center, pipe concentric circles across the top of the cake, creating a web pattern.
  10. Use a toothpick or a skewer to drag from the center outward through the concentric circles, creating the web effect. Repeat until the web looks intricate and even.
  11. Place the candy or chocolate spiders on the web for a creepy finishing touch. Arrange them around the web to add visual interest and spooky flair.
  12. Your Halloween Spider Web Cake is now ready to serve. Slice through the web to reveal moist layers and enjoy the striking, spooky presentation!

Notes

Use food-safe black gel icing for cleaner web lines. Make sure the cakes are completely cooled before frosting to prevent melting. For more intricate webs, practice piping on parchment paper first.