Chocolate & Peanut Spider Sponges
Make these spooky chocolate and peanut spider sponges for a fun treat this Halloween. Fluffy chocolate sponge laced with crunchy peanut butter and topped with a chocolate, peanut treat and crunchy pretzel legs. Great for a kids party!
Ingredients
- 120g unsalted butter, plus extra for greasing
- 120g golden caster sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 100g self raising flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 50g cocoa powder
- 2 eggs
- 60g crunchy peanut butter
- 1 tablespoon milk
For The Spiders
- 300g chocolate spread
- 5 Reese’s cups
- 10 edible eyes
- 20 pretzels
Method
- In a bowl, cream together the butter, sugar and vanilla extract. In a separate bowl sieve together the flour, baking powder and cocoa powder.
- When the butter and sugar mixture is light and fluffy, crack in one of the eggs and add a tablespoon of the flour mixture. Whisk until the egg is well incorporated. Repeat again with the second egg.
- Once both eggs are added, pour in the remaining flour along with the peanut butter and milk. Whisk until a smooth, thick batter forms.
- Take 5 petite casseroles and grease with a little butter. Divide the cake batter between the casseroles, place on a baking tray and bake in the oven for 20-25 minutes until cooked through. Remove from the oven and allow to fully cool.
- To decorate, divide the chocolate spread between the cakes and smooth over the top of each using a palette knife. Stick one Reese’s cup in the middle of each iced cake and stick on two edible eyes using a little chocolate spread.
- Using pieces of pretzel, add 8 legs (4 either side) to the spider body and serve.
Cook's notes
- The sponges will release effortlessly from the petite casseroles; if you are making a larger batch of spider sponges but don’t have the number of petite casseroles, simply bake, turn out when cool to touch, wash and re-grease the petite casseroles.
- You can then bake the remaining batter.
- Ensure you use plain or salted pretzels for these sweet treats.
Can I make these spider sponges in advance?
Yes! You can bake the sponges ahead of time and store them in an airtight container for up to 2 days. Decorate them just before serving to keep the pretzels crunchy and chocolate fresh.
Can I make these nut-free?
Absolutely! Replace the crunchy peanut butter with a seed butter such as sunflower seed butter and ensure the chocolate spread you use is nut-free. The sponges will still be deliciously moist and fun for kids.
Can I use a different chocolate for decoration?
Yes. You can use milk chocolate, dark chocolate, or even a chocolate-hazelnut spread. Adjust the sweetness to your preference, and remember to stick the eyes and legs with a little chocolate to keep them secure.
Can I make larger batches without petite casseroles?
Yes! Bake the first batch in the petite casseroles, then wash, re-grease and bake the remaining batter. The sponges release easily and maintain their shape, so it’s simple to make more for a party.
Can I substitute the pretzels for another type of “legs”?
Yes. You can use biscuit sticks, chocolate fingers, or even thin breadsticks. Choose something that will hold up well and stay crunchy for the spidery effect.
Can these sponges be made vegan?
Yes, with a few substitutions. Use a plant-based butter, replace eggs with flax or chia egg alternatives, and use a vegan chocolate spread and vegan chocolate decorations. The sponges will still be fluffy and fun for Halloween.
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