Spider Web Cupcakes

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Chocolate cupcakes topped with vanilla frosting and piped chocolate spider webs

Spider Web Cupcakes

Chocolate cupcakes crowned with vanilla frosting and an easy piped chocolate web. Cute, creepy, and party-perfect.

← Halloween Recipes Home makes ~24 ~1 hr 10 min

Ingredients

  • 1 box chocolate cake mix + ingredients listed on the box (usually eggs, oil, water)
  • 1 tub vanilla frosting (or 3 cups homemade)
  • ¼ cup chocolate chips or melting wafers
  • ½ tsp neutral oil (thins chocolate for piping)
  • Optional spiders: mini chocolate candies or malted milk balls for bodies + melted chocolate for legs

Chill the frosted cupcakes 10 minutes before piping—cool frosting helps the web set neatly.

Directions

  1. Prep & line: Heat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line 2 standard muffin tins (24 wells) with paper liners.
  2. Mix cake: Prepare the cake mix according to package directions.
  3. Fill & bake: Divide batter among liners, filling each about 2/3 full. Bake 18–22 minutes, until the tops spring back and a toothpick comes out clean.
  4. Cool & frost: Let cupcakes cool in the pan 5 minutes; move to a rack to cool completely. Swirl on vanilla frosting (a round tip makes a smooth surface). Chill 10 minutes.
  5. Melt chocolate: In a small microwave-safe bowl, melt chocolate chips with oil in 15–20 second bursts, stirring until smooth. Transfer to a zip-top bag or piping bag; snip a tiny tip.
  6. Pipe the web: Pipe 3–4 concentric circles on each cupcake. Drag a toothpick from the center to the edge, wiping the tip between pulls, making 6–8 spokes to create a web.
  7. Optional spiders: Place a mini candy in the center for the body and pipe a small dot for the head; draw 8 short chocolate legs.
  8. Set & serve: Let chocolate firm 10–15 minutes. Store covered at cool room temp up to 2 days.

For ultra-smooth frosting, microwave the tub 5–8 seconds (just to loosen), then stir before piping.

Flavor Twists

  • Salted caramel: Add a drizzle under the frosting before piping the web.
  • Orange cream: Stir ½ tsp orange extract + zest into the frosting.
  • Black cocoa: Use a dark chocolate cake mix for extra spooky color.

Troubleshooting

  • Chocolate too thick? Stir in a few extra drops of oil.
  • Lines smear: Chill frosted cupcakes a bit longer before piping.

Serving Info

Yield~24 cupcakes
Bake Time18–22 minutes @ 350°F
Total Time~1 hr 10 min (incl. cooling)
CategoryDessert · Halloween
CuisineAmerican