Chocolate Cake Recipe from Scratch Easy Halloween
This Chocolate Cake Recipe from Scratch Easy Halloween is perfect for spooky celebrations. With a moist, fudgy texture and rich chocolate flavor, it’s topped with a festive marshmallow cobweb design that will delight kids and adults alike.
Table of Contents
Chocolate Cake Recipe from Scratch Easy Halloween Servings
Serves 12 people.
Estimated Cost
Approximately $10-15 USD, depending on pantry staples available.
Prep Time
20 minutes.
Cook Time
30 minutes.
Course
Dessert (main dessert).
Cuisine
American-inspired Halloween treat.
Equipment
- Mixing bowls
- Whisk or hand mixer
- 9-inch round cake pans (2)
- Parchment paper
- Cooling racks
- Saucepan for ganache and marshmallow cobweb
Ingredients
Cake Layers
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 cups sugar
- ¾ cup cocoa powder (natural or Dutch-processed)
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 2 teaspoons baking soda
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup milk
- ½ cup vegetable oil
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup boiling water
Chocolate Ganache Frosting
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- ½ cup cocoa powder (unsweetened)
- 4 cups powdered sugar, sifted
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 6–8 tablespoons half-and-half or milk
Marshmallow Cobweb Decoration (optional)
- 1 cup marshmallows
Instructions
Cake Preparation:
- Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C). Grease and line two 9-inch round pans with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- Add milk, vegetable oil, eggs, and vanilla extract to the dry ingredients and whisk until smooth.
- Stir in boiling water until the batter is thin and smooth. Divide evenly between the prepared pans.
- Bake for 30–35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Cool for 10 minutes in the pans before transferring to cooling racks to cool completely.
Ganache Frosting:
- Beat butter, cocoa powder, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and salt in a medium bowl until smooth and creamy. Add half-and-half gradually until desired consistency is reached.
- Spread frosting over one cake layer, then place the second layer on top and frost the sides and top evenly.
Marshmallow Cobweb Decoration:
- Melt marshmallows in a lightly buttered saucepan over low heat or microwave in short bursts until gooey but not browned.
- Allow marshmallow mixture to cool slightly so it becomes stretchy but manageable. Using your fingers or a fork, stretch marshmallows into thin strands and drape them over the frosted cake to resemble cobwebs.
Calories per Serving
Approximately 450 kcal per slice.
Recipe Notes
- Customization: Add festive Halloween sprinkles or candy eyeballs for extra flair.
- Storage: Store covered at room temperature for up to two days or refrigerate for longer freshness.
- Pro Tip: For an even spookier effect, use black gel food coloring in the batter or frosting.
