This unique and spooky Chocolate Oreo Spider Cake isn't just an eye-catching centerpiece for your Halloween party, but also an incredibly delicious dessert. Featuring rich chocolate cake sandwiched with a creamy cocoa frosting and coated with crushed Oreos, this cake is topped off with a pair of cinnamon candy eyes and card stock spider legs for an eerie touch. It's a fun and flavorful treat that's sure to delight both kids and adults alike.
The ingredients for this recipe are fairly common and should be easily found in your local supermarket. However, you might need to visit the baking aisle for the box of chocolate cake mix and baking cocoa. Also, you may need to seek out heavy whipping cream in the refrigerated section. The cinnamon candies used for the spider's eyes are typically found in the candy aisle. Lastly, the card stock for the spider legs can usually be found in the craft section.
Ingredients for Chocolate Oreo Spider Cake
Chocolate cake mix: This is the base of the cake, providing rich, chocolate flavor.
Butter: Gives the frosting a creamy texture and adds a rich, savory note to balance the sweetness.
Powdered sugar: Sweetens the frosting and provides a smooth texture.
Baking cocoa: Adds depth and intensity to the chocolate flavor in the frosting.
Heavy whipping cream: Used in the frosting to create a light, fluffy texture.
Vanilla: Enhances the other flavors in the cake and frosting.
Oreos: Crushed and used as the exterior of the cake, adding a delightful crunch and extra chocolatey flavor.
Cinnamon candies: Used as the spider's eyes, providing a pop of color and a spicy-sweet crunch.
One reader, Benji Ehlers says:
This chocolate Oreo spider cake recipe is a game-changer! The cake is moist and rich, and the Oreo topping adds a delightful crunch. The presentation is a showstopper, and the taste is even better. It's a hit at parties and a must-try for all chocolate lovers!
Techniques Required for Crafting a Spooky Spider Cake
How to make chocolate cake: The recipe calls for a chocolate cake mix, but you can also make the cake from scratch by combining flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, salt, eggs, milk, oil, and vanilla extract. Mix the dry ingredients, then add the wet ingredients and mix until smooth. Bake in the oven until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
How to make frosting: To make the frosting, combine softened butter, powdered sugar, cocoa powder, heavy whipping cream, and vanilla extract in a mixing bowl. Beat the ingredients together until smooth and creamy, adjusting the consistency with more powdered sugar for a thicker frosting or more whipping cream for a thinner consistency.
How to crush Oreos: Place the Oreos in a ziplock bag and crush them using a rolling pin or the bottom of a heavy glass until they reach the desired consistency for sprinkling over the cake.
How to assemble the cake: Once the cake layers have cooled, frost one layer with the chocolate frosting, then place the second layer on top. Frost the top and sides of the cake with the remaining frosting. Sprinkle the crushed Oreos over the frosted cake, and add chocolate jimmies for extra texture if desired.
How to decorate with cinnamon candies: Use cinnamon candies to create eyes for the spider on the front of the cake. Place them strategically to resemble the spider's eyes.
How to add card stock legs: Cut out spider leg shapes from black card stock and insert them into the cake just before serving to create a fun and spooky effect.
How To Make Chocolate Oreo Spider Cake
Add whimsy to your Halloween with this spider cake. Rich chocolate cake is topped with buttercream frosting and crushed Oreos, complete with eyes & legs.
Serves:
Ingredients
- 1boxchocolate cake mix,plus ingredients on box
- 6tbspbutter,softened
- 2⅔cupspowdered sugar
- ½cupbaking cocoa
- ½cupheavy whipping cream,plus extra if needed
- 2tspvanilla
- 2sleevesoreos
- 3cinnamon candies
Instructions
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Make cake as directed in box using two 8-inch or 9-inch circle pans. Let cool.
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Crush Oreos in a Ziploc bag and set aside.
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Make frosting by combining butter, powdered sugar, cocoa, whipping cream and vanilla. Beat until all combined, add more powdered sugar to make it thicker or more whipping cream to make it thinner.
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Frost cake and add crushed Oreos all over the cake (add chocolate jimmies for even more texture).
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Add cinnamon candies to the front for the eyes.
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Place card stock legs in the cake right before serving and enjoy!
Nutrition
- Calories: 610.82kcal
- Fat: 26.80g
- Saturated Fat: 12.30g
- Trans Fat: 0.35g
- Monounsaturated Fat: 8.86g
- Polyunsaturated Fat: 4.00g
- Carbohydrates: 95.92g
- Fiber: 3.87g
- Sugar: 68.12g
- Protein: 5.63g
- Cholesterol: 43.28mg
- Sodium: 561.27mg
- Calcium: 119.70mg
- Potassium: 334.84mg
- Iron: 4.21mg
- Vitamin A: 134.67µg
- Vitamin C: 0.09mg
Helpful Technique for Creating the Perfect Spider Cake
When crushing the oreos, it's best to leave some larger chunks. This will add a nice texture and crunch to the cake, enhancing the overall eating experience. Additionally, when making the frosting, ensure the butter is at room temperature. This will make it easier to blend with the other ingredients, resulting in a smoother and creamier frosting.
Time-Saving Tips for Making Chocolate Oreo Spider Cake Recipe
Prep ahead: Prepare the cake layers and frosting a day in advance to save time on the day of assembly.
Organize ingredients: Gather all the necessary ingredients and equipment before starting the recipe to streamline the process.
Use store-bought: Consider using store-bought cake mix and pre-made frosting to cut down on preparation time.
Enlist help: Invite friends or family members to assist with the decorating process for a fun and efficient experience.
Clean as you go: Wash and put away utensils and bowls while the cake is baking to minimize post-cooking cleanup.
Substitute Ingredients For Chocolate Oreo Spider Cake Recipe
chocolate cake mix - Substitute with gluten-free chocolate cake mix: This substitute can be used for those who are sensitive to gluten or have celiac disease.
butter - Substitute with margarine: Margarine can be used as a substitute for butter for those who are looking for a dairy-free option.
powdered sugar - Substitute with granulated sugar: If powdered sugar is not available, granulated sugar can be used, but it may affect the texture of the frosting.
baking cocoa - Substitute with melted chocolate: Melted chocolate can be used as a substitute for baking cocoa to add a rich, chocolatey flavor to the recipe.
heavy whipping cream - Substitute with coconut cream: Coconut cream can be used as a dairy-free alternative to heavy whipping cream.
oreos - Substitute with chocolate sandwich cookies: If Oreos are not available, chocolate sandwich cookies can be used as a substitute for the cake decoration.
cinnamon candies - Substitute with chocolate chips: Chocolate chips can be used as a substitute for cinnamon candies to add a chocolatey element to the cake decoration.
Creative Ways to Present Your Oreo Spider Cake
Elevate the cake: Place the chocolate Oreo spider cake on a sleek, white porcelain plate to create a stunning contrast that highlights the dark, rich colors of the cake.
Garnish with elegance: Sprinkle a dusting of powdered sugar around the base of the cake to add a touch of sophistication and create a visually appealing presentation.
Incorporate artistic plating: Use a piping bag to create delicate swirls of the chocolate frosting on the plate, adding an artistic flair to the presentation.
Add a touch of whimsy: Place a small, edible chocolate spider on top of the cake to surprise and delight the diners, adding a playful element to the presentation.
Create a balanced composition: Arrange a few fresh mint leaves strategically around the cake to add a pop of color and bring a refreshing element to the overall presentation.
Essential Tools for Making a Delightful Spider Cake
Food processor: A food processor is a versatile kitchen appliance that can be used for various tasks such as chopping, slicing, shredding, and pureeing ingredients. It's great for making pie crusts, doughs, and even grinding nuts or seeds.
Mixing bowl: A mixing bowl is an essential kitchen tool used for combining ingredients, whisking, or stirring. It comes in various sizes and materials, such as stainless steel, glass, or ceramic, and is perfect for preparing cake batters, salad dressings, and marinades.
Cake pans: Cake pans are used to bake cakes and come in different shapes and sizes. They are typically made of metal or silicone and are essential for creating the base of the cake.
Ziploc bag: A Ziploc bag is a resealable plastic bag that is commonly used for crushing or storing ingredients. It's a convenient tool for tasks like crushing cookies or nuts for recipes.
Electric mixer: An electric mixer is a kitchen appliance used for mixing, beating, and whipping ingredients. It can be a hand-held mixer or a stand mixer, and it's perfect for making frosting, whipped cream, or cake batter.
Card stock: Card stock is a heavy-duty paper that is often used for crafting or creating decorative elements. In this recipe, it can be used to make the spider's legs for the cake decoration.
Spatula: A spatula is a kitchen tool with a broad, flat, flexible blade used for lifting, spreading, or turning food. It's essential for frosting the cake and spreading the batter evenly in the cake pans.
Measuring cups and spoons: Measuring cups and spoons are used to accurately measure ingredients for recipes. They come in various sizes and are essential for achieving precise measurements in baking and cooking.
Storing and Freezing Your Chocolate Oreo Spider Cake
Let the chocolate cake layers cool completely before frosting and assembling the cake. This will prevent the frosting from melting and sliding off the cake.
Once the cake is assembled and decorated, store it in an airtight container or cover it with plastic wrap to prevent it from drying out. The cake can be stored at room temperature for up to 3 days.
If you want to keep the cake fresh for longer, you can store it in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Just make sure to bring it back to room temperature before serving for the best texture and flavor.
To freeze the cake, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil. Label the cake with the date and store it in the freezer for up to 2 months. When you're ready to serve, let the cake thaw in the refrigerator overnight and then bring it to room temperature before unwrapping and serving.
If you have leftover frosting, you can store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks. Let it come to room temperature and give it a good stir before using it again.
To keep the Oreo crumbs crispy, store them separately in an airtight container at room temperature and sprinkle them on the cake just before serving.
If you're making the cake ahead of time, wait to add the cardstock legs until just before serving to prevent them from getting soggy.
Interesting Trivia About Chocolate Oreo Spider Cake
Oreo cookies were first introduced in 1912, and they were originally called Oreo Biscuits. They are now one of the best-selling cookies in the world.
Is Making This Spider Cake at Home Cost-Effective?
The cost-effectiveness of this chocolate oreo spider cake recipe is quite high. The ingredients are commonly found in most households, making it a budget-friendly option. The use of basic pantry staples and minimal additional purchases contribute to its affordability. The approximate cost for a household of 4 people is around $10-$15, making it an economical choice for a delightful dessert. The overall verdict for this recipe is a solid 9, considering its affordability and the delightful taste it offers.
Is This Spooky Treat Healthy or Unhealthy?
This chocolate Oreo spider cake recipe is undoubtedly delicious, but it's far from being a healthy treat. The main ingredients, such as chocolate cake mix, butter, powdered sugar, baking cocoa, heavy whipping cream, and Oreos, are all high in sugar, fat, and calories. While it's okay to indulge in such desserts occasionally, consuming them regularly can lead to various health issues, including obesity, diabetes, and heart disease.
To make this recipe healthier, consider the following suggestions:
- Replace the chocolate cake mix with a homemade version using whole wheat flour, natural cocoa powder, and a reduced amount of sugar
- Swap the butter with healthier alternatives like Greek yogurt or mashed avocado
- Use a sugar substitute like stevia or erythritol instead of powdered sugar
- Replace the heavy whipping cream with low-fat milk or a plant-based alternative like almond milk
- Reduce the number of Oreos used or opt for a healthier cookie alternative, such as homemade oat-based cookies
- Add some fresh fruit to the cake, such as strawberries or raspberries, to increase the nutritional value and provide a natural sweetness
Editor's Opinion on This Spooktacular Dessert
The chocolate Oreo spider cake recipe is a delightful and playful treat. The combination of rich chocolate cake, creamy frosting, and crunchy Oreo crumbs creates a satisfying texture and flavor profile. The addition of cinnamon candies for the eyes adds a whimsical touch. This recipe is perfect for Halloween or any fun celebration. The presentation is sure to impress, making it a great choice for parties or gatherings. Overall, it's a creative and enjoyable dessert that will bring smiles to everyone who tries it.
Why trust this Chocolate Oreo Spider Cake Recipe:
This recipe is a delightful treat for any occasion. The decadent chocolate cake mix is complemented by a rich and creamy buttercream frosting, creating a luscious texture that will satisfy any sweet tooth. The addition of Oreo cookies adds a delightful crunch, while the playful cinnamon candies bring a touch of whimsy to the cake. With its simple yet creative presentation, this spider cake is sure to impress both kids and adults alike. Trust in the combination of classic flavors and fun design to make your next celebration a memorable one.
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