Hidden Horror Black Widow Cake (Print View)
Dramatic dark chocolate cake with surprise cherry filling and sleek black ganache topping
# What You Need:
→ Chocolate Cake
01 - 2 cups all-purpose flour
02 - 3/4 cup black cocoa powder (or Dutch cocoa for regular dark color)
03 - 2 cups granulated sugar
04 - 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
05 - 1 teaspoon baking soda
06 - 1/2 teaspoon salt
07 - 3/4 cup vegetable oil
08 - 1 cup whole milk
09 - 2 large eggs
10 - 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
11 - 1 cup hot water
→ Hidden Bloody Cherry Compote
12 - 1 1/2 cups pitted cherries, fresh or frozen
13 - 1/2 cup granulated sugar
14 - 1 tablespoon lemon juice
15 - 1 tablespoon cornstarch
16 - 2 tablespoons water
→ Black Cocoa Ganache
17 - 1 1/2 cups dark chocolate, finely chopped
18 - 3/4 cup heavy cream
19 - 2 tablespoons black cocoa powder
→ Decoration
20 - Black food coloring gel
21 - Red food coloring gel
22 - Fondant or chocolate for spider shapes
23 - Edible glitter or sprinkles
# How to Make It:
01 - Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease and line two 8-inch cake pans with parchment paper.
02 - In a large bowl, whisk together flour, black cocoa powder, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt until well combined.
03 - Add vegetable oil, milk, eggs, and vanilla extract to the dry mixture. Mix until just combined, then stir in hot water until batter is smooth.
04 - Divide batter evenly between prepared pans. Bake for 35 to 40 minutes or until a wooden pick inserted in center comes out clean. Cool completely in pans before removing.
05 - Combine cherries, sugar, and lemon juice in a saucepan. Simmer over medium heat for 5 to 7 minutes. Whisk cornstarch with water, add to cherries, and cook until thickened. Cool completely.
06 - Heat heavy cream until just simmering. Pour over chopped dark chocolate and black cocoa powder. Let stand for 3 minutes, then whisk until smooth. Add black food coloring gel if deeper color desired.
07 - Place one cooled cake layer on serving plate. Carefully hollow out a shallow circle in center of cake, leaving border intact.
08 - Fill cavity with cooled cherry compote. Place second cake layer on top, pressing gently to seal.
09 - Spread black cocoa ganache evenly over top and sides of cake. Refrigerate until ganache is set, about 15 to 20 minutes.
10 - Pipe red food coloring gel in vein-like patterns on cake surface. Create edible spiders with fondant or melted chocolate. Add edible glitter for spooky effect.
# Expert Tips:
01 -
- The dramatic reveal never gets old, watching peoples faces shift from curiosity to delighted horror when they see whats hidden inside
- Black cocoa creates an incredibly dark, almost black cake that looks stunning against the bright cherry center
02 -
- The cakes must be completely cooled before you hollow out the cavity or the structure will collapse
- Black cocoa stains everything, so wear an apron and protect your counter tops when mixing the dry ingredients
03 -
- Add a splash of kirsch or dark rum to the cherry compote while it simmers for an adult twist that deepens the flavor
- If you cant find black cocoa, use regular Dutch-processed cocoa and add black food coloring gel to the batter