Matilda’s Chocolate Cake – A Rich, Fudgy Tribute to the Iconic Scene

This over-the-top, ultra-moist chocolate cake is a showstopping dessert worthy of Bruce Bogtrotter’s legendary moment. Fudgy, decadent, and dripping in chocolate ganache, it’s the cake of childhood dreams and grown-up cravings alike!

🎉 Introduction

If you’ve ever dreamed of diving headfirst into a chocolate cake like Bruce Bogtrotter in Matilda, this one’s for you. Inspired by the movie’s famous scene, Matilda’s Chocolate Cake is deeply fudgy, intensely chocolatey, and outrageously indulgent. 🍫👑

With two thick layers of moist chocolate cake and a blanket of velvety ganache, it’s a treat that’s impossible to resist. No frills, just pure chocolate pleasure.

🛒 Ingredients

(Makes one 9-inch double-layer cake)

🧁 For the Cake

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 cups granulated sugar
• ¾ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• 2 tsp baking powder
• 1½ tsp baking soda
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 cup buttermilk, room temperature
• ½ cup vegetable oil
• 2 large eggs
• 2 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 cup hot coffee or hot water

🍫 For the Chocolate Ganache

• 1½ cups heavy cream
• 12 oz semi-sweet chocolate chips or chopped chocolate
• 1 tbsp unsalted butter (optional, for shine)

👩‍🍳 Directions

Step 1: Make the Cake Batter

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line two 9-inch round pans.
2. In a large bowl, sift together flour, sugar, cocoa, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
3. Add buttermilk, oil, eggs, and vanilla. Beat until smooth.
4. Stir in hot coffee or water gradually—batter will be thin.
5. Divide between pans and smooth the tops.

Step 2: Bake

1. Bake for 30–35 minutes or until a toothpick comes out with moist crumbs.
2. Let cool in pans for 10 minutes, then remove to wire racks to cool completely.

Step 3: Make the Ganache

1. Heat cream in a saucepan until just simmering.
2. Pour over chocolate in a bowl and let sit for 2 minutes.
3. Stir until glossy and smooth. Add butter if desired.

Step 4: Assemble the Cake

1. Place one cake layer on a plate or stand.
2. Spread a generous layer of ganache.
3. Top with second cake layer and pour ganache over the top.
4. Let it drip down the sides for that iconic Matilda look.

🍽️ Servings & Timing

• Servings: 12
• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Bake Time: 35 minutes
• Cooling/Assembly: 1 hour
• Total Time: ~1 hour 55 minutes

🥄 Variations

• Mini Matilda Cakes: Use ramekins or make cupcakes for individual servings
• Filling Options: Add raspberry jam, chocolate mousse, or whipped cream between layers
• Frosting Alternative: Use chocolate buttercream if you prefer
• Dairy-Free: Swap buttermilk with plant-based milk + vinegar, and use dairy-free chocolate & cream

🧊 Storage & Make-Ahead

• Room Temp: Store covered for 1 day
• Fridge: Keeps well for up to 4 days—bring to room temp before serving
• Freezer: Freeze unfrosted layers for up to 2 months
• Make-Ahead Tip: Bake cakes a day before and ganache on serving day

❓ 10 FAQs

1. Can I make this without coffee?
   Yes—use hot water, but coffee enhances the chocolate flavor.
2. Does the ganache harden?
   It sets to a fudgy, silky consistency—not too firm.
3. Can I use boxed cake mix?
   You can—but the homemade version is worth it!
4. How do I get a glossy ganache?
   Use high-quality chocolate and a touch of butter for shine.
5. Can I frost a warm cake?
   No—wait until it cools completely.
6. What’s the best cocoa to use?
   Unsweetened natural or Dutch-process cocoa work great.
7. Is this cake very sweet?
   It’s well-balanced—rich, but not cloying.
8. Can I add chocolate chips inside?
   Absolutely! Fold in ½ cup for a surprise crunch.
9. Does it slice well?
   Yes—chill slightly for clean slices.
10. Is this kid-friendly?
    100%—especially for movie night or birthdays!

🏁 Conclusion

This Matilda Chocolate Cake is more than a dessert—it’s an experience. Fudgy, over-the-top, and unapologetically indulgent, it’s perfect for birthdays, chocolate lovers, or anyone who ever dreamed of having Bruce Bogtrotter’s bravery (and appetite). 🍫🎬

Grab a fork, go all in—and enjoy your slice of chocolate heaven.

Adam

Matilda’s Chocolate Cake – A Rich, Fudgy Tribute to the Iconic Scene

If you’ve ever dreamed of diving headfirst into a chocolate cake like Bruce Bogtrotter in Matilda, this one’s for you. Inspired by the movie’s famous scene, Matilda’s Chocolate Cake is deeply fudgy, intensely chocolatey, and outrageously indulgent. 🍫👑 With two thick layers of moist chocolate cake and a blanket of velvety ganache, it’s a treat that’s impossible to resist. No frills, just pure chocolate pleasure.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 20 minutes mins

bake time 35 minutes mins

Total Time 55 minutes mins

Servings: 12 servings

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• Makes one 9-inch double-layer cake

🧁 For the Cake

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 cups granulated sugar
• ¾ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• 2 tsp baking powder
• 1½ tsp baking soda
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 cup buttermilk room temperature
• ½ cup vegetable oil
• 2 large eggs
• 2 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 cup hot coffee or hot water

🍫 For the Chocolate Ganache

• 1½ cups heavy cream
• 12 oz semi-sweet chocolate chips or chopped chocolate
• 1 tbsp unsalted butter optional, for shine

Method

 

Step 1: Make the Cake Batter

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line two 9-inch round pans.
2. In a large bowl, sift together flour, sugar, cocoa, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
3. Add buttermilk, oil, eggs, and vanilla. Beat until smooth.
4. Stir in hot coffee or water gradually—batter will be thin.
5. Divide between pans and smooth the tops.

Step 2: Bake

1. Bake for 30–35 minutes or until a toothpick comes out with moist crumbs.
2. Let cool in pans for 10 minutes, then remove to wire racks to cool completely.

Step 3: Make the Ganache

1. Heat cream in a saucepan until just simmering.
2. Pour over chocolate in a bowl and let sit for 2 minutes.
3. Stir until glossy and smooth. Add butter if desired.

Step 4: Assemble the Cake

1. Place one cake layer on a plate or stand.
2. Spread a generous layer of ganache.
3. Top with second cake layer and pour ganache over the top.
4. Let it drip down the sides for that iconic Matilda look.

Notes

🥄 Variations
Mini Matilda Cakes: Use ramekins or make cupcakes for individual servings

Filling Options: Add raspberry jam, chocolate mousse, or whipped cream between layers

Frosting Alternative: Use chocolate buttercream if you prefer

Dairy-Free: Swap buttermilk with plant-based milk + vinegar, and use dairy-free chocolate & cream

🧊 Storage & Make-Ahead
Room Temp: Store covered for 1 day

Fridge: Keeps well for up to 4 days—bring to room temp before serving

Freezer: Freeze unfrosted layers for up to 2 months

Make-Ahead Tip: Bake cakes a day before and ganache on serving day

❓ 10 FAQs
Can I make this without coffee?
Yes—use hot water, but coffee enhances the chocolate flavor.

Does the ganache harden?
It sets to a fudgy, silky consistency—not too firm.

Can I use boxed cake mix?
You can—but the homemade version is worth it!

How do I get a glossy ganache?
Use high-quality chocolate and a touch of butter for shine.

Can I frost a warm cake?
No—wait until it cools completely.

What’s the best cocoa to use?
Unsweetened natural or Dutch-process cocoa work great.

Is this cake very sweet?
It’s well-balanced—rich, but not cloying.

Can I add chocolate chips inside?
Absolutely! Fold in ½ cup for a surprise crunch.

Does it slice well?
Yes—chill slightly for clean slices.

Is this kid-friendly?
100%—especially for movie night or birthdays!

🏁 Conclusion
This Matilda Chocolate Cake is more than a dessert—it’s an experience. Fudgy, over-the-top, and unapologetically indulgent, it’s perfect for birthdays, chocolate lovers, or anyone who ever dreamed of having Bruce Bogtrotter’s bravery (and appetite). 🍫🎬

Grab a fork, go all in—and enjoy your slice of chocolate heaven.