Name: Halloween Spider Web Chocolate Trifle
Prep time: 28 min
Cook time: 22 min
Total time: 2 h 55 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 sponge cake (or 1 frozen loaf pound cake, 300 g), thawed; 1 envelope unflavoured gelatin (7 g); 2 tbsp cold water (30 mL); 1/4 cup boiling water (50 mL); 2/3 cup sugar (150 mL); 1/3 cup cocoa powder (75 mL); 1 1/2 tsp vanilla extract (7 mL); 1 1/2 cups cold whipping cream (375 mL); 1/4 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips (50 mL); 2 mini milk chocolate peanut butter cups; 2 cups sweetened whipped cream or whipped topping (500 mL); 1–2 tsp chocolate syrup (15–30 mL); Sponge Cake:; 2 eggs; 1/2 cup sugar (125 mL); 2/3 cup all-purpose flour (150 mL); 1/2 tsp baking powder (2 mL); 1/4 tsp salt (1 mL); 3 tbsp water (45 mL); 1 tsp vanilla extract (5 mL)

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A decadent and spooky dessert, the Halloween Spider Web Chocolate Trifle layers rich chocolate mousse, fluffy sponge cake, and creamy whipped topping into one unforgettable treat. Perfect for Halloween parties, it’s a show-stopper with its intricate spider web design and hidden “spider” details made with chocolate and peanut butter cups.

Halloween Spider Web Chocolate Trifle

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This trifle combines smooth chocolate mousse, light sponge cake, and a touch of playful creativity. It’s perfect for entertaining, visually stunning, and absolutely delicious. The hidden peanut butter cup “spiders” make it a fun surprise for guests.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• 1 sponge cake (or 1 frozen loaf pound cake, 300 g), thawed
• 1 envelope unflavoured gelatin (7 g)
• 2 tbsp cold water (30 mL)
• 1/4 cup boiling water (50 mL)
• 2/3 cup sugar (150 mL)
• 1/3 cup cocoa powder (75 mL)
• 1 1/2 tsp vanilla extract (7 mL)
• 1 1/2 cups cold whipping cream (375 mL)
• 1/4 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips (50 mL)
• 2 mini milk chocolate peanut butter cups
• 2 cups sweetened whipped cream or whipped topping (500 mL)
• 1–2 tsp chocolate syrup (15–30 mL)

Sponge Cake
• 2 eggs
• 1/2 cup sugar (125 mL)
• 2/3 cup all-purpose flour (150 mL)
• 1/2 tsp baking powder (2 mL)
• 1/4 tsp salt (1 mL)
• 3 tbsp water (45 mL)
• 1 tsp vanilla extract (5 mL)

Directions

Prepare Sponge Cake: Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C). Grease and flour an 8-inch (20 cm) round pan. Beat eggs until foamy; gradually add sugar until doubled in volume. Combine flour, baking powder, and salt; add alternately with water and vanilla. Pour into pan and bake 22–25 minutes. Cool completely.
Make Gelatin Mixture: Sprinkle gelatin over cold water and let stand 1 minute. Add boiling water and stir until dissolved.
Prepare Chocolate Mousse: In a large chilled bowl, mix sugar and cocoa. Add whipping cream and vanilla; beat until stiff peaks form. Blend in gelatin mixture.
Assemble Trifle: Cut cake into 1- to 1½-inch pieces. Layer half in a trifle bowl. Sprinkle with 2 tbsp chocolate chips. Spread 2 cups of mousse on top. Press two peanut butter cups against the glass to form spider “noses.” Add cake pieces to form eyes and chocolate chips for pupils. Fill with remaining mousse and cake layers. Refrigerate 2 hours.
Decorate: Spread whipped topping evenly on top. Drizzle syrup in a spiral and drag a toothpick from center to edge to create a web pattern. Keep chilled until serving.

Servings and timing

Makes 12 servings
Total time: 2 hours 55 minutes
Prep time: 28 minutes
Bake time: 22 minutes
Chill time: 2 hours

Variations

Replace sponge cake with ladyfingers for a lighter texture.
Add a layer of crushed cookies for crunch.
Use white chocolate mousse for a contrasting look.
Incorporate candy eyes or gummy spiders for extra Halloween fun.

Storage/Reheating

Refrigerate leftovers in a covered dish for up to 3 days. Do not freeze, as the whipped cream and mousse may lose their texture. Serve chilled straight from the fridge.

FAQs

What can I use instead of sponge cake?

You can substitute with ladyfingers or a store-bought pound cake.

Can I make this dessert ahead of time?

Yes, prepare it a day in advance and refrigerate until serving.

Do I need a trifle bowl?

A clear glass bowl or deep dish works perfectly to show off the layers.

Can I use instant pudding instead of mousse?

Yes, but the texture will be thicker and sweeter.

How do I create the spider web pattern?

Drizzle chocolate syrup in a spiral and drag a toothpick outward from the center.

Can I make this gluten-free?

Use gluten-free cake or cookies for the layers.

How long will it keep in the fridge?

Up to 3 days when covered tightly.

Can I skip the gelatin?

Yes, but the mousse may be less firm.

Can I use dark chocolate instead of semi-sweet?

Absolutely—dark chocolate adds a richer flavor.

Is this suitable for kids?

Yes, it’s a fun and kid-friendly dessert for Halloween.

Conclusion

The Halloween Spider Web Chocolate Trifle is a festive and indulgent dessert that’s as fun to make as it is to eat. With its rich chocolate layers, playful decorations, and dramatic presentation, it’s the perfect centerpiece for your Halloween celebration.