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Halloween Spider Web Cake

This cake features a moist vanilla and chocolate layered sponge topped with a glossy black web made from melted chocolate or candy melts. The web is delicately piped on top, creating a striking visual contrast with the light-colored cake layers, offering a spooky yet elegant presentation suitable for Halloween celebrations.
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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: 480
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 2 cups all-purpose flour for the cake layers
  • 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar for sweetness
  • 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder for the chocolate flavor
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 3/4 cup buttermilk for moistness and tenderness
  • 1/2 cup vegetable oil for moisture
  • 2 large eggs for structure
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract for flavor
  • 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour for the vanilla cake layer
  • 1 cup granulated sugar for sweetness
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter softened
  • 2 large eggs eggs
  • 1/2 cup milk whole or 2%
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract for flavor
  • 200g dark chocolate or candy melts black chocolate or candy melts for web piping
  • 1 teaspoon honey to adjust glossiness if needed

Equipment

  • 8-inch round cake pans
  • Mixing bowls
  • Heat-safe microwave-safe bowl
  • Piping bags
  • Fine piping tips
  • Offset spatula
  • Cooling rack

Method
 

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 8-inch round cake pans.
  2. Mix the dry ingredients for the chocolate cake—flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt—in a large bowl until well combined.
  3. In another bowl, whisk together buttermilk, vegetable oil, eggs, and vanilla extract until smooth and slightly frothy.
  4. Gradually pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients, mixing gently but thoroughly until the batter is smooth and free of lumps.
  5. Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans and smooth the tops with an offset spatula.
  6. Bake 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 a wire rack to cool completely.
  7. Meanwhile, prepare the vanilla cake layer by beating softened butter and sugar until fluffy, then adding eggs one at a time, followed by vanilla. Mix until well combined.
  8. Alternate adding flour and milk to the butter mixture, starting and ending with flour, mixing gently after each addition until smooth.
  9. Pour the vanilla batter into a prepared pan and bake at 350°F for about 25-30 minutes, until a skewer inserted in the center comes out clean. Cool completely on a wire rack.
  10. Once all cakes are cooled, assemble the black web cake by stacking the chocolate layers with a layer of vanilla in between if desired. Frost and smooth the sides.
  11. Break or chop the black chocolate or candy melts into small pieces and melt in a microwave-safe bowl in 20-second intervals, stirring until smooth and glossy. Add a teaspoon of honey if the melted chocolate isn't shiny enough.
  12. Fill a piping bag fitted with a fine tip with the melted chocolate, then pipe concentric circles on the top of the cake. Use a toothpick or skewer to drag from the center outward, creating a web pattern.
  13. Let the web set at room temperature until firm, then decorate as desired for a spooky, glossy finish. Slice and serve to reveal the striking web design.

Notes

Feel free to add edible glitter or shimmer spray to enhance the web's spooky effect. Ensure the chocolate web is fully set before handling to prevent cracking.