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Halloween Spider Web Cake

This cake features a layered sponge base topped with frosting, decorated with a delicate caramel sugar web resembling a spider web design. The web is made from melted sugar that hardens into a crunchy, glossy surface, creating a spooky yet edible decoration with an intriguing web-like appearance. The final cake combines soft texture from the cake and frosting with the crisp sugar web for a striking presentation.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 55 minutes
Servings: 8
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Holiday
Calories: 480
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 2 cups all-purpose flour for the cake
  • 1.5 cups granulated sugar for the cake and caramel
  • 0.75 cups unsalted butter for the cake
  • 3 large eggs for the cake
  • 1 cup milk for the cake
  • 2 cups powdered sugar for frosting
  • 0.5 cups unsalted butter for frosting
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract for frosting
  • 1 cup granulated sugar for sugar web
  • 0.5 cups water for caramel
  • 0.25 tepoons cream of tartar helps prevent crystallization

Equipment

  • Cake pans
  • Parchment paper
  • Saucepan
  • Silicone spatula
  • Baking sheet
  • Wire rack

Method
 

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease two cake pans and line the bottoms with parchment paper. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour and half of the sugar. Melt the butter and let it cool slightly before adding to the dry ingredients. Beat in the eggs one at a time, then pour in the milk and mix until smooth. Divide the batter evenly between the pans and bake for about 25 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Allow the cakes to cool completely on a wire rack.
  2. Meanwhile, prepare the frosting by beating the softened butter and powdered sugar together until creamy and fluffy. Add vanilla extract and continue mixing until well incorporated. Spread the frosting evenly over the cooled cakes, stacking one on top of the other to build your layered cake.
  3. To make the caramel sugar web, combine water, granulated sugar, and cream of tartar in a saucepan over medium heat. Stir gently until the sugar dissolves, then stop stirring and let the mixture simmer without stirring until it turns a rich amber color, about 8-10 minutes. Carefully remove from heat and, using a silicone spatula, pour the hot caramel onto a parchment-lined baking sheet. Use a spoon or piping bag to create a web pattern on the surface while the caramel is still fluid. Allow to cool and harden completely—this will take about 15-20 minutes.
  4. Once hardened, gently lift the caramel web from the parchment and place it on top of the frosted cake. For added stability, you can attach parts of the web with a thin drizzle of liquid caramel or edible glue, if needed. Adjust the web to radiate out from the center, creating a spooky spider web effect. Optionally, sprinkle with edible glitter or powdered sugar for extra visual impact.
  5. Slice and serve your Halloween Spider Web Cake, marveling at its eerie web design and crunchy sugar texture. Enjoy the mix of soft cake, smooth frosting, and crisp caramel web—perfect for spooky celebrations or festive gatherings!

Notes

Ensure caramel reaches the proper color to avoid bitterness. Use a non-stick surface for easy removal of the web. Be cautious when working with hot sugar to prevent burns.