8 to 10 servings
2⁄3 cup vegetable oil, plus more for greasing the baking pans
1 cup Dutch-process cocoa powder (or any cocoa powder if on hand)
1 cup boiling water
2 cups granulated sugar
1 3⁄4 cups all-purpose flour (see cook’s note)
2 teaspoons baking powder
1 teaspoon fine salt
1 cup whole milk
2 large eggs
1 tablespoon pure vanilla extract Decoration: 2 cups mini marshmallows (about 4 ounces) Cooking spray
1 or more candy spiders or two candy eyes for decorating
Filling & Frosting: 1 1⁄2 cups heavy cream
3⁄4 cup Dutch-process cocoa powder, sifted
8 ounces semisweet chocolate, chopped
1 teaspoon espresso powder
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract Pinch fine salt
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
1⁄3 cup confectioners’ sugar, sifted
