Save These spider web cupcakes deliver a moist chocolatey base topped with fluffy chocolate frosting and a gooey homemade marshmallow web that looks eerily real. They are a showstopper at Halloween gatherings and always draw requests for the recipe from adults and kids alike.
I first tried these cupcakes with my daughter for her classroom Halloween party and found the marshmallow web technique as fun as it is delicious. Kids love stretching the marshmallow and swirling it into haunted spider webs.
Ingredients
- All-purpose flour: gives structure to the cupcakes so they rise perfectly choose a fresh bag with no odd smell
- Unsweetened cocoa powder: provides that deep chocolate flavor opt for a quality cocoa for the richest taste
- Granulated sugar: brings sweetness and helps the texture taste pure and not clumpy
- Unsalted butter: softens easily and creates a tender crumb buy in blocks for easy measuring
- Large eggs: add richness and bind everything together check they are fresh by submerging in water to see if they sink
- Whole milk: adds moisture and flavor go for full fat for best results
- Pure vanilla extract: enhances the chocolate flavor real vanilla gives a stronger aroma than imitation
- Baking powder: helps the cupcakes rise make sure it bubbles in water and is not expired
- Salt: balances sweetness and intensifies chocolate flavor use fine salt for even distribution
- Powdered sugar: makes the frosting smooth remember to sift for the fluffiest results
- Mini marshmallows: stretch into webs so easily buy a fresh soft bag for best stretch
Instructions
- Prepare the Pan and Preheat Oven:
- Line a 12-cup muffin pan with cupcake liners and preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit or 175 Celsius so your cupcakes bake evenly from the start
- Mix Dry Ingredients:
- In a large bowl whisk together flour cocoa powder baking powder and salt making sure there are no pockets or lumps for a uniform texture
- Cream Butter and Sugar:
- In a separate bowl use an electric mixer to beat the butter and sugar until very light and fluffy at least three to five minutes as this builds a tender cupcake
- Add Eggs and Vanilla:
- Break eggs into the creamed butter mix one at a time beating thoroughly after each then blend in vanilla extract until completely smooth
- Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients Alternately with Milk:
- Add half the dry mix to the wet ingredients then add half the milk mix gently then repeat finishing with the rest of the dry mix this gentle process keeps the crumb tender
- Fill Liners and Bake:
- Spoon or scoop batter evenly into the prepared liners filling each about two-thirds full for even domed tops and bake for sixteen to eighteen minutes until a toothpick comes out clean let cool on wire rack
- Make the Frosting:
- Beat softened butter for at least one minute then gradually sift in powdered sugar and cocoa powder mixing on low to prevent clouds then add milk vanilla and salt beat until fluffy and spreadable
- Frost Cupcakes:
- Once cupcakes are completely cool spread or pipe frosting generously on the tops making swirls or peaks as you prefer
- Make the Marshmallow Web:
- Place the mini marshmallows in a microwave safe bowl and heat for fifteen to twenty seconds until melted and gooey then stir well
- Stretch and Drape the Web:
- Cool the melted marshmallow very briefly until it is tacky but not hot then pinch off a small amount stretch it between your fingers and drape back and forth over each cupcake in a web pattern repeat until every cupcake is covered to your liking
- Decorate:
- Add candy spiders edible glitter or other decorations to enhance the spooky web effect and personalize your cupcakes
Save Mini marshmallows are my absolute favorite here their stretchy texture is magical for crafting edible webs The first Halloween I made these cupcakes my youngest got sticky marshmallow everywhere and declared them the best dessert ever
Storage Tips
Keep leftover cupcakes in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days If you want to make them ahead bake the cupcakes and freeze unfrosted Marshmallow webs are easiest when assembled shortly before serving to keep them looking fresh The frosting holds up well in the fridge but let cupcakes return to room temperature before enjoying
Ingredient Substitutions
If you need these gluten free use a cup for cup gluten free flour blend instead of all purpose For a dairy free version replace butter and milk with plant based alternatives like coconut oil and almond milk Note that marshmallows often contain gelatin so check for a plant based brand if needed To deepen the chocolate flavor toss dark chocolate chips into the batter
Serving Suggestions
Serve these cupcakes on a black cake stand with candy spiders and gummy worms for Halloween Add a drizzle of raspberry sauce for a pop of color If making for other occasions switch the web color by swirling in colored melted marshmallow The recipe also works as mini cupcakes just bake a few minutes less
Cultural Fun
Spider webs usually symbolize mystery and autumn scares so these cupcakes fit right in at Halloween In America themed treats amp up the holiday fun for all ages I love how these are simple enough for kids to help and creative enough to impress adults This recipe grew popular at our community bake sale and now neighbors ask for them every October
Seasonal Adaptations
Switch marshmallow color for different holidays like pastel webs for spring or red for Valentine’s Top with peppermint pieces for a winter holiday version Use orange icing details for extra autumn flair
Success Stories
Friends have told me these cupcakes turned their Halloween tables into instant party hits Even first time bakers found the marshmallow webs easier than expected and loved the playful results My neighbor’s children even requested them for birthday parties not just Halloween
Freezer Meal Conversion
Bake and cool cupcakes then freeze in a single layer before moving to a sealed bag or container Defrost at room temperature then frost and add the marshmallow webs on the day of serving to keep the texture perfect
Save Drape generous swirls of chocolate frosting then add the spiderweb effect for a memorable treat. Let everyone admiring your cupcakes know just how simple this showstopper is to make.