Looking to impress with a decadent dessert that has a touch of Halloween magic? This Double Chocolate Layer Cake with Marshmallow Spiderwebs is the perfect treat! Featuring rich, velvety chocolate layers and a gooey marshmallow “web” on top, this cake combines classic flavors with a spooky twist. It’s the ultimate showstopper for Halloween gatherings, but with its chocolatey goodness, it’s a dessert that’ll be loved year-round.
Follow along to create this hauntingly delicious cake that’s sure to wow your guests!
Ingredients
For the Chocolate Cake Layers
- 1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- ¾ cup cocoa powder
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1 ½ teaspoons baking soda
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup whole milk
- ½ cup vegetable oil
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 cup boiling water
For the Chocolate Frosting
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3 ½ cups powdered sugar
- ¾ cup cocoa powder
- ½ cup heavy cream
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- A pinch of salt
For the Marshmallow Spiderwebs
- 1 cup mini marshmallows
Directions
Step 1: Prepare the Cake Layers
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line two 9-inch round cake pans with parchment paper. In a large bowl, sift together the flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Add the eggs, milk, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract. Beat with an electric mixer on medium speed until smooth.
Carefully add the boiling water to the batter, mixing until smooth. (The batter will be thin, which is normal.) Divide the batter evenly between the prepared cake pans. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Step 2: Make the Chocolate Frosting
In a large bowl, beat the butter with an electric mixer until creamy. Gradually add the powdered sugar and cocoa powder, beating well after each addition. Add the heavy cream, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt. Beat on high speed until the frosting is fluffy and smooth.
Step 3: Assemble the Cake
Place one cake layer on a serving plate and spread a generous layer of frosting on top. Place the second cake layer on top and frost the top and sides of the entire cake, smoothing it out with a spatula.
Step 4: Create the Marshmallow Spiderwebs
In a microwave-safe bowl, melt the mini marshmallows in 10-second increments, stirring between each, until fully melted. Let the marshmallows cool slightly, then use your fingers to stretch and pull the marshmallow into thin strands. Drape the strands over the cake to create a spiderweb effect. Be creative and let the marshmallows hang over the edges for a creepy-crawly look!
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
Slice into this spooky delight and watch as your guests marvel at the rich, chocolatey goodness hidden beneath the marshmallow webs!