Create a Spiderweb Cake for Halloween

Introduction to the Spiderweb Cake

The Spiderweb Cake is a fantastic dessert for Halloween, offering a great combination of spooky charm and delicious taste. This recipe features a one-layer chocolate cake covered with a rich frosting and decorated with marshmallow webs, making it a standout piece for any Halloween party.

Ingredients Needed

To make this Spiderweb Cake, you will need the following ingredients:

# For the Cake
–

Baking spray with flour

for the pan
–

1 1/4 cups packed light brown sugar

–

1 cup brewed coffee

–

1/2 cup (3 oz.) semisweet chocolate chips

–

1/3 cup vegetable oil

–

1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour

–

1/4 cup dark unsweetened cocoa powder

–

1 teaspoon baking soda

–

1/4 teaspoon kosher salt

–

2 large eggs

, at room temperature
–

3/4 cup sour cream

, at room temperature
–

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

# For the Frosting
–

1/2 cup (1 stick) salted butter

–

1 cup dark unsweetened cocoa powder

–

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

–

3 1/2 cups powdered sugar

–

6 tablespoons very hot water

# For the Marshmallow Webs
–

5 large marshmallows

Instructions for Making the Spiderweb Cake

Step 1: Prepare the Cake
1.

Preheat the Oven

: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2.

Prepare the Cake Pan

: Spray a 9-inch round cake pan with baking spray and line the bottom with parchment paper. Spray again with baking spray.
3.

Mix the Wet Ingredients

: In a medium saucepan, combine the brown sugar, coffee, chocolate chips, and oil. Heat over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the sugar dissolves and the chocolate melts. Remove from heat and let cool for 10 minutes.
4.

Mix the Dry Ingredients

: In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt.
5.

Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the brown sugar mixture, whisking until combined. Beat in the eggs one at a time, followed by the sour cream and vanilla.
6.

Bake the Cake

: Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan and bake for 35 to 40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with a few moist crumbs. Let cool for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

Step 2: Make the Frosting
1.

Melt the Butter

: Microwave the butter in a heatproof bowl until melted, about 30 seconds.
2.

Whisk in Cocoa Powder and Vanilla

: Whisk the melted butter with cocoa powder and vanilla extract.
3.

Beat in Powdered Sugar and Water

: Using an electric mixer on low speed, gradually add the powdered sugar and hot water, beating until smooth and spreadable.

Step 3: Assemble the Cake
– Place the cooled cake on a serving plate.
– Spread the frosting evenly over the cake.
– Chill the cake in the refrigerator for 30 minutes or the freezer for 15 minutes until the frosting is set.

Step 4: Create the Marshmallow Webs
1.

Heat the Marshmallows

: Microwave the marshmallows for about 15 seconds until they are puffed and slightly melted in the center.
2.

Stretch the Marshmallows

: Dip two forks or your fingers (wearing food-safe gloves) into the melted marshmallows and stretch them until thin and web-like.
3.

Decorate the Cake

: Wrap the marshmallow webs around the cake, repeating the process until the cake is covered with webs. Let the marshmallows set for at least 10 minutes before serving.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: What makes this cake suitable for Halloween?

A: The Spiderweb Cake is perfect for Halloween due to its spooky marshmallow web decorations and dark chocolate frosting, giving it an eerie yet appealing appearance.

Q: How long does it take to make the cake?

A: The entire process, from preparing the cake to decorating it with marshmallow webs, takes about an hour and a half to two hours, depending on your pace.

Q: Can I customize this cake with other decorations?

A: Yes, you can further customize the cake by adding candy insects or other Halloween-themed decorations to enhance the spooky effect.

Tips and Variations

For a more dramatic effect, consider using edible spiders or other spooky-themed candies to decorate your cake. You can also experiment with different types of chocolate or add a few drops of peppermint extract to the frosting for a fresh twist.

Conclusion

The Spiderweb Cake is a delightful and spooky treat that will impress your guests at any Halloween gathering. With its rich chocolate base and eerie marshmallow webs, it’s an ideal dessert for those looking to create a memorable centerpiece for their Halloween celebrations.