Spiderweb Cake

If you’re looking for a show-stopping dessert that’s both spooky and delicious, you’ve come to the right place! This Spiderweb Cake is a family favorite of mine, and I can’t wait to share it with you. With rich chocolate layers and a delightful cream cheese frosting, it’s perfect for Halloween parties or simply to brighten up a busy weeknight. The best part? It’s surprisingly simple to make, so even novice bakers can whip it up with ease!

What makes this cake truly special is the eerie vegan marshmallow web on top, which adds just the right touch of fright without compromising on taste. Trust me when I say that everyone will be asking for seconds!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Make: With straightforward steps, this cake comes together quickly, making it ideal for busy days.
• Family-Friendly Appeal: Kids and adults alike will adore the rich flavors and fun presentation of this Spiderweb Cake.
• Versatile Ingredients: Whether you have all-purpose flour, whole wheat, or gluten-free flour on hand, this recipe works perfectly!
• Make-Ahead Convenience: Bake the layers in advance and assemble them later for stress-free entertaining.
• Impressive Presentation: The spiderweb design is sure to impress your guests and create a memorable dessert experience.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s gather some simple, wholesome ingredients that come together beautifully in this cake. You might already have many of these items in your pantry, making it easy to dive right into baking!

For the Cake

• 3 cups granulated sugar
• 2 1/2 cups + 2 tablespoons flour (see notes)
• 3/4 cup + 2 tbsp Dutch-process cocoa powder
• 1/4 cup black cocoa powder (or more Dutch-process cocoa)
• 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda
• 1 1/2 teaspoons salt
• 3 large eggs (each 50 grams out of shell, room temp, or use chia eggs – see notes)
• 1 1/2 cups milk (see notes)
• 3/4 cup olive oil (or canola/vegetable oil)
• 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
• 1 cup + 2 tablespoons boiling water

For the Frosting

• 24 ounces full-fat cream cheese (room temperature, see notes)
• 1 cup + 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 3 3/4 cups powdered sugar (or more if you like)
• 1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• pinch of salt
• orange gel food coloring (see notes)
• 2 cups mini vegan marshmallows (see notes)

For Decoration

• Plastic spiders

Variations

This Spiderweb Cake recipe is wonderfully flexible! Here are some fun variations you can try:

• Swap the Flour: If you’re looking for a gluten-free option, simply substitute with your favorite gluten-free flour blend!
• Add Flavor Extracts: Consider adding almond or orange extract to your frosting for an extra flavor boost.
• Change Up the Color: Use different gel food colors to create unique designs on your spiderweb—how about green or purple for an even spookier look?
• Mix in Some Spice: Add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the batter for a warm spice note that complements the chocolate beautifully.

How to Make Spiderweb Cake

Step 1: Preheat Your Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This step is essential because starting with a hot oven ensures your cake bakes evenly and rises beautifully.

Step 2: Prepare Your Cake Pans

Grease and flour two round cake pans. This will help prevent sticking and make it easy for you to remove the cakes once they’re baked.

Step 3: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a large bowl, combine the granulated sugar, flour, cocoa powders, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Whisk them together well; this helps ensure an even distribution of leavening agents throughout your cake.

Step 4: Combine Wet Ingredients

In another bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, oil, and vanilla extract until well combined. Adding these wet ingredients separately helps keep everything smooth when mixed into dry ingredients.

Step 5: Mix Batter

Pour the wet ingredients into the dry mixture. Stir gently until combined. Then carefully add in the boiling water—this step creates a rich batter that results in moist cake layers.

Step 6: Bake

Divide the batter evenly between your prepared pans. Bake in your preheated oven for about 24 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let them cool completely before frosting!

Step 7: Prepare Frosting

While your cakes are cooling, beat together cream cheese and butter until smooth. Gradually add powdered sugar while mixing. Don’t forget to add salt and vanilla extract!

Step 8: Frost Your Cake

Once cooled, place one layer on a serving plate and generously spread frosting on top. Place the second layer on top and frost around the sides too.

Step 9: Create Your Spiderweb

To create that spooky spiderweb effect on top of your cake, use orange gel food coloring mixed with some frosting. Pipe out your design using a piping bag or simply drizzle it over with a spoon.

Step 10: Decorate with Marshmallows & Spiders

Finish off by placing mini vegan marshmallows around as part of your web design and add plastic spiders for that extra Halloween flair!

Enjoy every bite of this delightful Spiderweb Cake—it’s sure to become a beloved tradition at any gathering!

Pro Tips for Making Spiderweb Cake

Baking can be a delightful adventure, and with these handy tips, your Spiderweb Cake will turn out spooktacularly every time!

• Measure ingredients accurately: Precise measurements are key to achieving the perfect texture in your cake. Using a kitchen scale can help ensure consistency, especially with flour and sugar.

• Use room temperature ingredients: Bringing your eggs and cream cheese to room temperature allows for better incorporation and smoother frosting. This results in a lighter cake and creamier frosting.

• Don’t overmix the batter: Mixing too much can lead to a dense cake. Stir just until the dry ingredients are incorporated to keep your layers light and fluffy.

• Cool cakes completely before frosting: Ensure that your chocolate layers are completely cool before applying the cream cheese frosting. This prevents melting and helps create a clean, beautiful finish.

• Play with colors: Add different shades of orange or green gel food coloring to your frosting or marshmallows to create a more vibrant Halloween look. It makes your cake even more festive!

How to Serve Spiderweb Cake

Presenting your Spiderweb Cake can be as fun as baking it! Here are some creative ideas to make it shine at any gathering.

Garnishes

• Fresh mint leaves: A pop of green from fresh mint adds a refreshing contrast against the rich chocolate and creamy frosting.
• Chocolate shavings: Sprinkle some chocolate shavings on top for an extra touch of elegance that complements the flavors beautifully.
• Candy corn: Scatter candy corn around the base of the cake or on individual slices for a playful, festive flair that kids will adore.

Side Dishes

• Pumpkin soup: A warm bowl of pumpkin soup is perfect for fall gatherings, providing a creamy, savory contrast to the sweet Spiderweb Cake.
• Apple cider salad: Mixed greens topped with sliced apples, walnuts, and a light vinaigrette create a refreshing side that balances the richness of the cake.
• Roasted vegetable platter: Seasonal roasted vegetables bring color and nutrition to your dessert table, making it feel complete without overshadowing the main event.
• Spiced chai tea: Serve this aromatic tea alongside your cake for a cozy touch that celebrates fall flavors while pairing well with the sweet chocolate layers.

With these serving suggestions and tips in hand, you’re all set to impress friends and family with your deliciously spooky Spiderweb Cake! Enjoy the process and happy baking!

Make Ahead and Storage

This Spiderweb Cake is not only a showstopper for Halloween but also perfect for meal prep! You can easily make it ahead of time, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully while saving you time on the big day.

Storing Leftovers

• Store any leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
• For longer storage, refrigerate the cake, which will keep it fresh for about a week.
• If you’ve added vegan marshmallows on top, consider removing them before storing to maintain their texture.

Freezing

• To freeze, wrap individual slices tightly in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe bag.
• The cake can be frozen for up to 2 months. Just be sure to label the bag with the date!
• Thaw the cake overnight in the refrigerator before enjoying.

Reheating

• If you prefer your cake warm, you can microwave individual slices for about 10-15 seconds.
• Alternatively, reheat in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-10 minutes.
• For best results, enjoy it at room temperature after reheating.

FAQs

Here are some common questions about making this delightful Spiderweb Cake:

Can I make Spiderweb Cake gluten-free?

Yes! You can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Just ensure it’s a blend that measures cup-for-cup with standard flour for best results.

How do I create the spiderweb design on my Spiderweb Cake?

To achieve the spooky spiderweb effect, use melted vegan marshmallows or piping gel colored with orange gel food coloring. Pipe it onto the top of your frosted cake in concentric circles and then drag a toothpick through the circles to create web-like lines.

What kind of milk can I use for Spiderweb Cake?

You can use any plant-based milk like almond, soy, or oat milk as an alternative to dairy milk. Just ensure it’s unsweetened to keep the flavor balanced.

Final Thoughts

I hope you find joy in making this exquisite Spiderweb Cake! It’s not just another dessert; it’s a wonderful way to celebrate Halloween with friends and family. Each slice is rich with chocolatey goodness and topped with an adorable spooky design that’s sure to impress. Enjoy every moment of baking and sharing this delightful treat!