Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two round cake pans to ensure the cakes release easily after baking.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the sifted flour and sugar. Add the softened butter and beat with an electric mixer on medium speed until the mixture is light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes. This creates the base for your cake batter.
One at a time, add the eggs to the mixture, beating well after each addition. This helps incorporate air for a tender crumb.
Mix in the vanilla extract. Then, alternately add the buttermilk and dry ingredients, starting and ending with the dry. Mix just until combined after each addition to keep the batter smooth.
Divide the batter evenly between the prepared cake pans and smooth the tops with an offset spatula. Bake for about 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let the cakes cool in their pans for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
While the cakes cool, prepare the black icing. In a mixing bowl, beat the powdered sugar with heavy cream until smooth and spreadable. Mix in the black food coloring gradually until you achieve a deep black shade suitable for piping.
Once the cakes are fully cooled, place one layer on your serving plate. Spread a generous layer of icing over the top with an offset spatula, then add the second cake layer on top and frost the entire cake evenly.
Fill a piping bag fitted with a fine tip with the black icing. Start piping a web pattern from the center of the cake outward in concentric circles. Then, draw straight lines from the center to the edges, creating a spider web effect.
Refine your web design by touching up any uneven lines or gaps with additional icing. Take your time to make the web as intricate and symmetrical as possible for a spooky, haunted look.
Once the web pattern is complete, chill the cake for 15-20 minutes in the refrigerator to set the icing. This makes the web stand out and prevents smudging during serving.
Slice the cake carefully to reveal the moist layers and striking web decoration. Serve slices to enjoy the rich flavor and spooky presentation.
