Description
The Spiderweb Cake is a decadent Halloween-themed dessert featuring a rich black cocoa chocolate cake paired with a vibrant orange-flavored buttercream frosting. This cake combines deep chocolate flavors with the subtle citrus note of orange extract in the frosting, making it a festive and visually stunning treat perfect for spooky celebrations or any chocolate lover’s gathering.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Cake:
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup black cocoa powder
- 1/4 cup Dutch-processed cocoa powder (sifted)
- 1 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/4 cup vegetable oil
- 3/4 cup buttermilk
- 3/4 cup strong brewed coffee (or water) (hot)
- 2 large eggs
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
For the Orange Buttercream Frosting:
- 1 cup unsalted butter (room temperature)
- 2 1/2 cups powdered sugar (adjust to taste)
- 1 Tbsp heavy whipping cream
- 1/4 tsp orange extract
- 1/2 tsp Electric Orange Americolor Gel Color (optional*)
For the Spiderweb Icing:
- 1/2 cup shortening
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 1 tsp clear vanilla extract (optional, do not use regular vanilla to avoid brown tint)
- 3 Tbsp milk (as needed to thin frosting)
Instructions
- Prepare the Cake Batter: In a large mixing bowl, sift together the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, black cocoa powder, sifted Dutch-processed cocoa powder, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. In a separate bowl, combine the vegetable oil, buttermilk, hot brewed coffee (or hot water), eggs, and vanilla extract. Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and mix until just combined, making sure not to overmix to maintain a tender crumb.
- Bake the Cake: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour your cake pans or line them with parchment paper. Divide the batter evenly among the pans and bake for approximately 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Once baked, remove from the oven and allow the cakes to cool completely on a wire rack before frosting.
- Make the Orange Buttercream Frosting: In a medium bowl, beat the room temperature unsalted butter until creamy and smooth. Gradually add the powdered sugar, beating continuously to avoid lumps. Add the heavy whipping cream, orange extract, and electric orange gel color (if using), and continue to beat until the frosting is light and fluffy. Adjust consistency with more powdered sugar or cream if necessary.
- Prepare the Spiderweb Icing: In a separate bowl, cream the shortening until smooth. Gradually add powdered sugar and beat until fully incorporated. Add the clear vanilla extract, then slowly add milk, one tablespoon at a time, until the consistency is smooth yet thick enough to pipe clearly for creating the spiderweb design.
- Assemble the Cake: Place one layer of the cooled cake on your serving plate. Spread a layer of orange buttercream frosting evenly over the top. Repeat layering with remaining cake layers and frosting, then finish by frosting the outside of the entire cake with the orange buttercream.
- Create the Spiderweb Design: Using the prepared spiderweb icing, pipe concentric circles starting from the center of the cake outward. Then, with a toothpick or skewer, drag lines from the center to the edges of the cake to create a spiderweb effect. Chill the cake briefly to set the design if desired before serving.
Notes
- This Spiderweb Cake is perfect for Halloween celebrations and makes for an impressive centerpiece dessert.
- The black cocoa powder gives the cake its rich, dark color and intense chocolate flavor—do not substitute with regular cocoa powder.
- The orange-flavored buttercream complements the deep chocolate taste with a refreshing citrus twist.
- Using clear vanilla extract in the spiderweb icing is important to maintain the bright white color of the design.
- The Electric Orange Americolor Gel Color is optional but adds vibrant, festive orange color to the frosting.
- Allow adequate cooling time for the cake before frosting to prevent melting and ensure a clean design.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (1/12 of cake)
- Calories: 620 kcal
- Sugar: 70 g
- Sodium: 384 mg
- Fat: 31 g
- Saturated Fat: 16 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 86 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 4 g
- Cholesterol: 75 mg
