Pin
This showstopping spiderweb cake is just the ticket for any Halloween celebration or chocolate lover’s dream. Layers of moist chocolate cake get sandwiched with a fluffy marshmallow frosting and draped in glossy ganache. A simple spiral and a toothpick bring the web to life—no fancy decorating skills required.
I whipped this up for a neighborhood Halloween party and the kids thought it was straight out of a bakery. Everyone kept sneaking slices even before the party started.
Ingredients
- Chocolate cake mix: Using a high quality boxed mix guarantees tender results and lowers stress
- Unsalted butter: Adds a creamy richness to the marshmallow frosting Make sure it is softened for easy mixing
- Confectioners’ sugar: Provides that fluffy, sweet structure in the frosting Sift before using if clumpy
- Marshmallow crème: The secret weapon for a webby cloudlike filling Choose a fresh jar for best texture
- Vanilla extract: Rounds out the sweetness and flavor Seek out real extract for best taste
- Kosher salt: A pinch helps balance the marshmallow’s sweetness Look for evenly sized crystals
- Heavy cream: Makes the ganache lush and pourable Use full-fat cream for best shine
- Semisweet chocolate chips: Form the ganache’s chocolatey backbone Good quality chips will melt smoothly
- Store-bought vanilla icing: Lets you master the web spiral quickly Squeeze tube icing works perfectly for piping
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prepare the Cake Pans:
- Butter and flour two 9 inch round cake pans making sure to coat every edge Fully preparing your pans prevents sticking and gives you easy cakes to work with later
- Mix and Bake Cake Layers:
- Follow the package instructions exactly for mixing and baking Resist the urge to overmix for a light crumb Bake until a toothpick in the center comes out clean
- Cool and Layer the Cakes:
- Let cakes cool completely on a rack before handling This step is vital so your layers do not slide or melt your frosting
- Make the Marshmallow Frosting:
- Combine softened butter confectioners’ sugar marshmallow creme vanilla and salt in a large bowl Use a hand mixer and beat until fluffy and perfectly smooth This unique frosting brings both structure and sticky sweetness
- Assemble the Cake:
- Place the first cake layer on your serving platter Spread a generous layer of marshmallow frosting over the surface Make sure to get the edges then carefully top with the second cake layer
- Make Chocolate Ganache:
- Heat heavy cream in a small saucepan just to scalding not boiling Pour over chocolate chips in a heatproof bowl Let it sit then whisk slowly until fully melted and glossy This ganache will set up beautifully but still slice cleanly
- Decorate with the Spiderweb:
- Pour ganache evenly over the cake letting it drip over the sides Pipe a spiral of vanilla icing on top then gently drag a toothpick outward from the center to the edges to create that iconic web effect Work quickly while ganache is still soft for the smoothest lines
Pin
I always look forward to using marshmallow crème for that ethereal fluffy filling. The way it swirls and stretches makes this cake extra fun to build and kids love helping stretch the sticky ropes across the layers. My family now expects this cake every spooky season and we laugh about the first year when our spiral turned into more of a spider tornado.
Storage Tips
Leftovers keep best well covered at cool room temperature for up to two days or in the fridge for up to four days Let the cake come to room temperature before serving for the best texture The ganache protects the cuts from drying out
Ingredient Substitutions
Swap in dark or milk chocolate chips depending on your preference Feel free to use homemade cake or icing if you have a favorite recipe Vegan margarine and coconut cream can easily replace the butter and heavy cream if needed
Serving Suggestions
Serve as a holiday centerpiece alongside a mug of coffee or hot chocolate For a party slice thin wedges so everyone gets a bit of that glossy web Add extra plastic spiders for a playful touch or pair with Halloween-themed candies on the platter
Cultural and Historical Context
Spiderweb cakes are a classic Halloween treat in the United States always popping up at school bakes and October parties. The web design itself has roots in Victorian and Edwardian cake decorating as piping spirals and feathered lines created lacy effects on cakes well before modern frosting tubes existed. Now the spiderweb is the perfect motif for a bit of spooky fun.
Pin
Frequently Asked Questions About the Recipe
- → What ingredients give the frosting its fluffy texture?
The frosting’s fluffiness comes from creamed unsalted butter, confectioners’ sugar, and marshmallow crème whipped together with vanilla and a pinch of salt.
- → How is the spiderweb pattern created on the cake?
The spiderweb effect is made by piping a spiral of vanilla icing over the ganache, then dragging a toothpick from the center outward to create web-like lines.
- → What type of chocolate works best for the ganache?
Semisweet chocolate chips combined with heated heavy cream produce a smooth, glossy ganache perfect for pouring over the cake.
- → Can the cake layers be baked ahead of time?
Yes, baking the layers ahead and allowing them to cool completely helps streamline assembly and ensures a cleaner frosting application.
- → How should the cake be stored after decorating?
Store the cake covered in the refrigerator to keep the frosting and ganache fresh, bringing it to room temperature before serving for optimal taste and texture.