Prep & Preheat:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans (or line with parchment circles).

Mix the Dry Stuff:

1. In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, cocoa, baking powder, baking soda, and salt until well combined with no lumps.

Add the Wet Goodies:

1. Add eggs, milk, oil, and vanilla to the dry ingredients.
2. Whisk or beat on medium until the batter is smooth and glossy.

Boom—Boiling Water!:

1. Carefully stir in the boiling water. The batter will thin out—that’s exactly what creates a moist, tender crumb.

Bake Those Layers:

1. Divide batter evenly between your prepared pans.
2. Bake for 30–35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
3. Let the cakes rest in their pans for 10 minutes, then invert onto cooling racks.
4. Allow to cool completely before frosting.

Whip Up the Buttercream:

1. In your mixer bowl, beat softened butter on medium-high until light and creamy, about 2 minutes.
2. Gradually add powdered sugar and cocoa, alternating with heavy cream, beating on low until sugar is incorporated.
3. Add vanilla and a pinch of salt, then increase mixer to medium-high for about 1 minute until fluffy and spreadable.
4. Adjust consistency if needed: add more cream if too thick or more sugar if too thin.

Assemble the Spider Cake:

1. Place one cake layer on your serving plate or cake board.
2. Spread a generous layer of chocolate buttercream on top.
3. Gently set the second layer on top, then apply a thin “crumb coat” of buttercream all over the cake.
4. Chill for 15 minutes, then finish with a thick, even layer of buttercream, smoothing sides and top.

Create the Creepy-Crawly Web:

1. Starting at the center of the cake, pipe concentric circles of buttercream or use black decorating gel.
2. Use a toothpick to drag lines from the center outward to form the classic spider-web look.
3. Work quickly before the frosting sets.

Make Your Furry Eight-Legged Friends:

1. Cut licorice ropes into eight little legs per spider.
2. Stack 2–3 mini marshmallows for the body, then gently press licorice legs into each side.
3. Add edible eyes or use black gel to create eyes.

Finish & Serve:

1. Place spiders strategically on the web—some lurking at the edges, one bold in the center.
2. Scatter a few candy corn or spooky sprinkles if desired.
3. Slice and serve to delighted guests!