Spiderweb Cake

If you’re looking for a show-stopping dessert that’ll wow your friends and family, then this Spiderweb Cake is just what you need! This rich chocolate delight combines velvety layers with smooth cream cheese frosting and an eerie web of vegan marshmallows on top. It’s perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a cozy family gathering or a spooky Halloween party. I can guarantee that once you serve this cake, it will become a beloved favorite in your home!

What I love most about this Spiderweb Cake is how simple it is to make. With a few easy steps, you can create something so delicious and visually stunning. Plus, it works wonderfully with all-purpose, whole wheat, or gluten-free flour. Let’s dive into why I know you’ll love this recipe!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Prepare: With simple steps and common ingredients, baking this cake is a breeze!
• Family-Friendly Fun: Kids will love helping out and decorating the spiderweb—making it a great kitchen activity.
• Make-Ahead Convenience: Bake the layers in advance and frost them later for stress-free entertaining.
• Deliciously Decadent: Rich chocolate flavor paired with creamy frosting makes every bite heavenly.
• Spooky Presentation: The adorable vegan marshmallow web adds a fun twist that’s perfect for Halloween festivities.

Ingredients You’ll Need

You won’t believe how easy it is to whip up this Spiderweb Cake with these simple and wholesome ingredients! Let’s take a look at what you’ll need:

For the Cake Layers

• 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 Cream Cheese 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

For the Decoration

• orange gel food coloring (see notes)
• 2 cups mini vegan marshmallows (see notes)
• plastic spiders

Variations

One of the best things about this Spiderweb Cake is its flexibility! You can easily tweak the recipe to suit your preferences or dietary needs. Here are some fun variations:

• Make it Gluten-Free: Substitute all-purpose flour with your favorite gluten-free blend for delicious results!
• Add Some Spice: Include a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg in the batter for extra warmth.
• Switch Up the Frosting: Use whipped coconut cream instead of cream cheese frosting for a lighter touch.
• Go Nutty: Add chopped nuts to the cake batter for added texture and flavor.

How to Make Spiderweb Cake

Step 1: Prepare Your Baking Pans

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two round cake pans to ensure your cakes come out beautifully without sticking. This step is super important; no one likes a broken cake!

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a large bowl, whisk together the granulated sugar, flour, cocoa powders, baking powder, baking soda, and salt until well combined. This mix creates that rich chocolate flavor everyone will love.

Step 3: Combine the Wet Ingredients

In another bowl, beat together the eggs (or chia eggs), milk, olive oil, and vanilla extract until smooth. Slowly add this mixture to your dry ingredients while stirring gently. This helps create a consistent batter without overmixing.

Step 4: Add Boiling Water

Carefully stir in the boiling water. It may seem unusual but trust me—this step keeps your cake moist and tender! The batter will be thin; don’t worry—it’s supposed to be!

Step 5: Bake the Cakes

Divide the batter evenly between your prepared pans and bake for about 24 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean from the center. Allow them to cool in pans for about 10 minutes before transferring them onto wire racks.

Step 6: Make the Frosting

While your cakes cool, beat together the room-temperature cream cheese and butter until creamy. Gradually add powdered sugar until fluffy. Finally, mix in vanilla extract and a pinch of salt.

Step 7: Assemble Your Cake

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

Step 8: Create Your Spiderweb Decoration

Using orange gel food coloring mixed with some frosting, pipe lines across the top of your cake in a web pattern. Then place mini vegan marshmallows around as “spider eggs” and finish with plastic spiders for that spooky touch!

And there you have it—a stunning Spiderweb Cake that’s not only delicious but also an absolute showstopper! Enjoy making this delightful dessert with loved ones; it’s sure to spark joy at any gathering!

Pro Tips for Making Spiderweb Cake

Making a Spiderweb Cake is a delightful adventure, and with these tips, you’ll be well on your way to impressing your friends and family!

• Use room temperature ingredients: Bringing eggs, cream cheese, and butter to room temperature ensures they incorporate smoothly into the batter, resulting in a lighter texture.

• Sift dry ingredients: Sifting flour and cocoa powder together helps eliminate lumps and ensures a uniform distribution of baking powder and baking soda for even rising.

• Don’t skip the boiling water: Adding boiling water to your batter aids in creating a moist cake. It activates the cocoa powders fully, enhancing the chocolate flavor.

• Chill your frosting: If your cream cheese frosting gets too soft while mixing, chilling it for about 15 minutes will help it firm up, making it easier to spread and pipe onto the cake layers.

• Be creative with marshmallows: If vegan marshmallows aren’t available, you can make a simple frosting that mimics the web effect by using extra powdered sugar mixed with water or plant-based milk until you achieve a thick consistency.

How to Serve Spiderweb Cake

Presenting your Spiderweb Cake can add an extra layer of fun to your Halloween festivities. Here are some ideas to create an enchanting dessert display!

Garnishes

• Edible glitter: A sprinkle of edible glitter can add sparkle and make your cake look more festive.

• Chocolate shavings: Grated dark chocolate adds an elegant touch and enhances the rich chocolate flavor of the cake.

Side Dishes

• Pumpkin spice cupcakes: These mini delights pair perfectly with the rich chocolate of the Spiderweb Cake. Their warm spices complement the flavors beautifully.

• Fresh fruit salad: A light fruit salad provides a refreshing contrast to the dense cake. Use seasonal fruits like apples, pears, or pomegranates for a colorful presentation.

• Vegan vanilla ice cream: A scoop of creamy vegan vanilla ice cream served alongside offers a delightful temperature contrast that enhances each bite of cake.

By following these serving suggestions and tips, your Spiderweb Cake will not only taste amazing but also look fabulous at any gathering! Enjoy baking!

Make Ahead and Storage

This Spiderweb Cake is a fantastic dessert for meal prep! You can make it ahead of time, making it perfect for parties or spooky celebrations. Here’s how to store it properly.

Storing Leftovers

• Keep leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
• For longer storage, refrigerate in an airtight container for up to a week.
• Ensure the frosting is well-covered to maintain its creamy texture.

Freezing

• To freeze, wrap slices tightly in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe bag.
• The cake can be frozen for up to 3 months; just be sure to label the bags with the date.
• When ready to eat, allow the cake to thaw overnight in the refrigerator.

Reheating

• If you prefer your cake warm, preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
• Place individual slices on a baking sheet and heat for about 10 minutes.
• Alternatively, microwave a slice for about 15-20 seconds until warmed through.

FAQs

Here are some common questions about making Spiderweb Cake!

Can I make Spiderweb Cake gluten-free?

Absolutely! Simply substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend that works cup-for-cup. The cake will still be deliciously rich!

How do I make the spiderweb effect on top of my Spiderweb Cake?

You can create the spiderweb using melted vegan marshmallows. Just melt them gently and swirl them on top before adding any plastic spiders!

What can I use instead of eggs in Spiderweb Cake?

Chia eggs work wonderfully as an egg substitute! Mix 1 tablespoon of chia seeds with 3 tablespoons of water per egg needed and let it sit until it forms a gel-like consistency.

How long will Spiderweb Cake stay fresh?

When stored properly, this cake will remain fresh for about a week in the fridge or up to three months when frozen.

Final Thoughts

I hope you’re as excited as I am about trying this delightful Spiderweb Cake! It’s not only fun and festive but also surprisingly simple to whip up. Perfect for gatherings or just a treat for yourself, this recipe brings joy and creativity into your kitchen. Enjoy every step of the baking process, and don’t forget to share your spooky creations! Happy baking!