Cake:

• 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1 tablespoon black cocoa powder (or use additional unsweetened cocoa if unavailable)
• 1 cup buttermilk (room temperature)
• 1/2 cup vegetable oil
• 2 large eggs (room temperature)
• 1 tablespoon white vinegar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 cup hot water
• black gel food coloring (as needed)

Cream Cheese Frosting:

• 8 oz cream cheese (softened)
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter (softened)
• 3 cups powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• pinch of salt
• black gel food coloring (optional)

Decoration:

• Halloween sprinkles
• candy eyes
• black sanding sugar
• or plastic spiders (optional)