Best Matilda’s Chocolate Cake – Rich, Fudgy Show‑Stopping

A thick, moist chocolate layer cake with silky fudge frosting, inspired by the iconic Bruce Bogtrotter moment from Matilda. Over-the-top? Maybe. Worth every bite? Absolutely.

🎉 Introduction

Everyone remembers the epic chocolate cake scene from Matilda. It wasn’t just dramatic—it was drool-worthy. This Matilda’s Chocolate Cake is a tribute to that moment: rich, ultra-fudgy, deeply chocolatey, and totally unforgettable.

Made with simple ingredients like cocoa powder, hot coffee, and buttermilk, this cake turns everyday baking into a decadent celebration. If you’re a chocolate lover, this is your dream cake. Moist, dense layers paired with a glossy chocolate frosting? Say no more. 🍫

🛒 Ingredients

🍰 For the Cake

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 cups granulated sugar
• ¾ cup Dutch-process cocoa powder
• 1½ tsp baking powder
• ½ tsp baking soda
• ¾ tsp salt
• ¾ cup vegetable oil
• 2 large eggs (room temperature)
• 2 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 cup buttermilk (or 1 cup milk + 1 tbsp vinegar)
• 1 cup hot brewed coffee (or hot water)

🍫 For the Fudge Frosting

• ¾ cup unsalted butter, softened
• ½ cup cocoa powder
• 3½ cups powdered sugar
• ½ tsp salt
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• ⅓ cup heavy cream or milk (plus more as needed)
• 4 oz melted dark chocolate (for extra shine and richness)

👩‍🍳 Directions

Step 1: Prep the Oven and Pans

• Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
• Grease and line two 9-inch round pans with parchment paper.

Step 2: Make the Cake Batter

1. In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
2. Add in the eggs, oil, vanilla, and buttermilk. Mix until just combined.
3. Carefully stir in the hot coffee. The batter will be thin—this is good!
4. Pour batter evenly into prepared pans.

Step 3: Bake the Cakes

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

Step 4: Make the Fudge Frosting

1. Beat butter until smooth and creamy.
2. Add cocoa powder, powdered sugar, salt, and vanilla.
3. Slowly mix in cream or milk until frosting reaches a thick, spreadable consistency.
4. Fold in the melted dark chocolate for glossy, rich texture.

Step 5: Assemble the Cake

1. Trim cake layers if needed. Place one on a cake stand or serving plate.
2. Spread a thick layer of frosting on top.
3. Add the second cake layer, then frost the top and sides generously.
4. Smooth the frosting or leave it rustic—either way, it’s delicious.

🍽️ Servings & Timing

• Servings: 12–14
• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Bake Time: 35 minutes
• Frosting & Assembly Time: 25 minutes
• Total Time: ~1 hour 20 minutes

🥄 Variations

• Coffee-Free: Use hot water instead of coffee
• Triple Layer: Divide into 3 pans for an even taller cake
• Salted Caramel Twist: Add a layer of caramel between cakes
• Gluten-Free: Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend
• Ganache Drizzle: Melt chocolate and cream for a finishing drizzle

🧊 Storage & Reheating

• Room Temp: Store covered for 2–3 days
• Refrigerator: Keeps up to 5 days (bring to room temp before serving)
• Freezer: Freeze unfrosted layers for up to 2 months
• To Reheat Slices: Microwave 15–20 seconds for that gooey texture

❓ 10 FAQs

1. Why add hot coffee?
   It enhances the cocoa flavor and keeps the cake moist.
2. Is the coffee flavor strong?
   No—it simply intensifies the chocolate. You won’t taste coffee.
3. Can I make it without buttermilk?
   Yes, use milk + vinegar or lemon juice as a substitute.
4. Can I use regular cocoa powder?
   You can, but Dutch-process gives a smoother, deeper flavor.
5. How do I get glossy frosting?
   Melted chocolate plus a touch of cream creates the shiny finish.
6. Can I make it ahead of time?
   Yes—bake and frost the day before, or freeze the layers.
7. Can I use this for cupcakes?
   Definitely! Bake for 18–20 minutes in cupcake tins.
8. How do I make it extra fudgy?
   Don’t overbake. Keep it slightly underdone for that gooey texture.
9. What’s the best way to decorate it?
   Keep it classic with swirls, or go big with chocolate shards or ganache.
10. Is this good for birthdays?
    Absolutely—it’s a showstopper and perfect for celebration!

🏁 Conclusion

This Matilda-style chocolate cake is a tribute to everything we love about rich, gooey, over-the-top desserts. It’s nostalgic, decadent, and irresistibly chocolatey. Whether you’re channeling Bruce Bogtrotter or just baking for fun, this cake never fails to impress. 🍫🎂

Bake it, serve it tall, and don’t forget a tall glass of cold milk on the side.

Adam

Best Matilda’s Chocolate Cake – Rich, Fudgy & Show‑Stopping

Everyone remembers the epic chocolate cake scene from Matilda. It wasn’t just dramatic—it was drool-worthy. This Matilda’s Chocolate Cake is a tribute to that moment: rich, ultra-fudgy, deeply chocolatey, and totally unforgettable. Made with simple ingredients like cocoa powder, hot coffee, and buttermilk, this cake turns everyday baking into a decadent celebration. If you’re a chocolate lover, this is your dream cake. Moist, dense layers paired with a glossy chocolate frosting? Say no more. 🍫

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 20 minutes mins

bake & Frosting & Assembly Time 1 hour hr

Total Time 1 hour hr 20 minutes mins

Servings: 14 servings

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

  

🍰 For the Cake

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

🍫 For the Fudge Frosting

• ¾ cup unsalted butter softened
• ½ cup cocoa powder
• 3½ cups powdered sugar
• ½ tsp salt
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• ⅓ cup heavy cream or milk plus more as needed
• 4 oz melted dark chocolate for extra shine and richness

Method

 

Step 1: Prep the Oven and Pans

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Grease and line two 9-inch round pans with parchment paper.

Step 2: Make the Cake Batter

1. In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
2. Add in the eggs, oil, vanilla, and buttermilk. Mix until just combined.
3. Carefully stir in the hot coffee. The batter will be thin—this is good!
4. Pour batter evenly into prepared pans.

Step 3: Bake the Cakes

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

Step 4: Make the Fudge Frosting

1. Beat butter until smooth and creamy.
2. Add cocoa powder, powdered sugar, salt, and vanilla.
3. Slowly mix in cream or milk until frosting reaches a thick, spreadable consistency.
4. Fold in the melted dark chocolate for glossy, rich texture.

Step 5: Assemble the Cake

1. Trim cake layers if needed. Place one on a cake stand or serving plate.
2. Spread a thick layer of frosting on top.
3. Add the second cake layer, then frost the top and sides generously.
4. Smooth the frosting or leave it rustic—either way, it’s delicious.

Notes

🥄 Variations
Coffee-Free: Use hot water instead of coffee

Triple Layer: Divide into 3 pans for an even taller cake

Salted Caramel Twist: Add a layer of caramel between cakes

Gluten-Free: Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend

Ganache Drizzle: Melt chocolate and cream for a finishing drizzle

🧊 Storage & Reheating
Room Temp: Store covered for 2–3 days

Refrigerator: Keeps up to 5 days (bring to room temp before serving)

Freezer: Freeze unfrosted layers for up to 2 months

To Reheat Slices: Microwave 15–20 seconds for that gooey texture

❓ 10 FAQs
Why add hot coffee?
It enhances the cocoa flavor and keeps the cake moist.

Is the coffee flavor strong?
No—it simply intensifies the chocolate. You won’t taste coffee.

Can I make it without buttermilk?
Yes, use milk + vinegar or lemon juice as a substitute.

Can I use regular cocoa powder?
You can, but Dutch-process gives a smoother, deeper flavor.

How do I get glossy frosting?
Melted chocolate plus a touch of cream creates the shiny finish.

Can I make it ahead of time?
Yes—bake and frost the day before, or freeze the layers.

Can I use this for cupcakes?
Definitely! Bake for 18–20 minutes in cupcake tins.

How do I make it extra fudgy?
Don’t overbake. Keep it slightly underdone for that gooey texture.

What’s the best way to decorate it?
Keep it classic with swirls, or go big with chocolate shards or ganache.

Is this good for birthdays?
Absolutely—it’s a showstopper and perfect for celebration!

🏁 Conclusion
This Matilda-style chocolate cake is a tribute to everything we love about rich, gooey, over-the-top desserts. It’s nostalgic, decadent, and irresistibly chocolatey. Whether you’re channeling Bruce Bogtrotter or just baking for fun, this cake never fails to impress. 🍫🎂

Bake it, serve it tall, and don’t forget a tall glass of cold milk on the side.