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Spider Web Halloween Cake

This cake features a moist chocolate and vanilla layered base topped with a brittle sugar web design. The web is carefully piped over a dark icing backdrop, creating a striking spooky appearance with contrasting textures of crispy sugar and soft cake. The finished cake resembles a spider web, ideal for Halloween celebrations.
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Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 45 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 15 minutes
Servings: 8
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Halloween
Calories: 500
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 2 cups all-purpose flour for the cake layers
  • 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar for the cake layers
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter softened, for the cake batter
  • 3 large eggs for the cake batter
  • 1 cup whole milk for the cake batter
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract for cake flavor
  • 1/2 cup cocoa powder for chocolate flavor
  • 4 cups powdered sugar for the sugar web and icing
  • 1/2 cup light corn syrup to make sugar webs crisp
  • 1 tablespoon water
  • Black food coloring for black icing or gel dye, enough to darken the icing

Equipment

  • Mixing bowls
  • Cake pans
  • Cake turntable or Serving platter
  • Piping bags
  • Fine piping tips
  • Cooling racks
  • Saucepan
  • Baking sheet

Method
 

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease two cake pans and line them with parchment paper. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, and sugar until combined. In another bowl, beat the softened butter and eggs until light and fluffy. Add milk and vanilla extract, mixing well.
  2. Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, folding gently until the batter is smooth and homogeneous. Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans and smooth the tops. Bake for about 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
  3. Let the cakes cool in their pans for 10 minutes, then transfer them to wire racks to cool completely. Meanwhile, prepare the sugar web by combining powdered sugar, light corn syrup, water, and a few drops of black food coloring in a saucepan. Stir over low heat until the mixture is glossy and smooth.
  4. Pour the hot sugar mixture onto a parchment-lined baking sheet. Use a spatula or a silicone scraper to carefully spread it into a thin, even web shape. Allow it to cool until hardened and crisp, about 20-30 minutes.
  5. While the web cools, prepare the icing by mixing powdered sugar with a splash of water and a few drops of black food coloring until you reach a thick, piping consistency. Adjust with more water or powdered sugar as needed.
  6. Once the cakes are completely cooled, stack them with a layer of icing in between. Spread more black icing over the top and sides of the cake, smoothing it out for a sleek finish.
  7. Gently peel the hardened sugar web from the parchment and break it into long, thin strips. Carefully pipe the web onto the surface of the cake using the prepared black icing, creating a web pattern with delicate, intersecting lines.
  8. Use a hot spatula or toothpick to carefully adjust any broken web pieces and create spider-like corners. Let the web set for a few minutes until it feels firm.
  9. Decorate the cake with additional web details or spooky accents as desired. Serve the cake once the web is hardened and set to maintain its intricate design.

Notes

Work in a cool, dry environment to prevent sugar webs from becoming sticky. Handle the sugar web carefully, as it is fragile but adds a stunning visual effect.