Decadent Matilda’s Chocolate Cake You Can’t Resist

A super-fudgy, rich, and indulgent chocolate cake that captures all the drama, nostalgia, and decadence of the iconic scene from Matilda.*

🎉 Introduction

We all remember the unforgettable moment in Matilda (1996) when Bruce Bogtrotter is forced to eat an entire chocolate cake in front of the school. That thick, moist, ultra-chocolatey masterpiece became the stuff of dessert legends. This Decadent Matilda’s Chocolate Cake brings that vision to life—a rich, fudgy sponge slathered with silky ganache that makes every bite absolutely sinful. 🍫🍰

It’s big, bold, and unashamedly indulgent. Perfect for birthdays, chocolate lovers, or when only a showstopper will do!

🛒 Ingredients

(Serves 12–14)

🍰 For the Chocolate Cake

• 1¾ cups all-purpose flour
• ¾ cup Dutch-process cocoa powder
• 2 cups granulated sugar
• 1½ tsp baking powder
• 1½ tsp baking soda
• 1 tsp salt
• 2 large eggs
• 1 cup buttermilk
• ½ cup vegetable oil
• 2 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 cup boiling water
• 1 tbsp instant espresso powder (optional)

🍫 For the Ganache Frosting

• 16 oz semi-sweet chocolate, finely chopped
• 2 cups heavy cream
• 2 tbsp unsalted butter
• Pinch of salt

👩‍🍳 Directions

Step 1: Bake the Cake

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line two 9-inch round cake pans.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together flour, cocoa, sugar, baking soda, baking powder, and salt.
3. Add eggs, buttermilk, oil, and vanilla. Mix until smooth and thick.
4. Dissolve espresso powder in boiling water and slowly add to batter (it will be thin).
5. Divide batter evenly into pans and smooth the tops.
6. Bake for 30–35 minutes, until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
7. Let cakes cool 10 minutes in pans, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

Step 2: Make the Ganache

1. Heat cream in a saucepan until it begins to simmer.
2. Pour over chopped chocolate in a heatproof bowl. Let sit 2 minutes.
3. Stir slowly until smooth and glossy. Add butter and salt.
4. Let ganache sit at room temperature 20–30 minutes to thicken to a spreadable consistency.

Step 3: Assemble and Frost

1. Place one cake layer on a serving plate or cake board. Spread a thick layer of ganache on top.
2. Add the second cake layer. Frost the top and sides with the remaining ganache.
3. Smooth with a spatula or swirl for texture. Chill slightly if needed to set.

🍽️ Servings & Timing

• Servings: 12–14
• Prep Time: 25 minutes
• Bake Time: 35 minutes
• Cooling/Frosting Time: ~1 hour
• Total Time: ~2 hours

🥄 Variations

• Salted Caramel Twist: Add a caramel drizzle between layers
• Nutty Crunch: Fold in chopped toasted walnuts or hazelnuts
• Vegan Version: Use dairy-free milk, oil, and chocolate
• Mini Cakes: Bake in muffin tins for individual portions
• Raspberry Boost: Add raspberry jam between cake layers

🧊 Storage & Reheating

• Room Temp: Keep covered for up to 2 days
• Fridge: Store up to 5 days—bring to room temp before serving
• Freezer: Wrap slices and freeze up to 2 months
• Reheat: Microwave individual slices for 15–20 seconds

❓ 10 FAQs

1. Is this the real Matilda cake recipe?
   It’s inspired by the film’s iconic cake—rich, dark, and over-the-top delicious.
2. What does the espresso powder do?
   It enhances the chocolate flavor without adding coffee taste.
3. Can I skip the ganache?
   You could, but it’s what makes this cake truly unforgettable.
4. How do I get a moist crumb?
   Buttermilk and boiling water keep it moist and soft.
5. Can I frost it with buttercream instead?
   Yes—but ganache is more authentic to the movie’s cake.
6. Can I use regular cocoa powder?
   Yes, but Dutch-process gives it a deeper chocolate taste.
7. What kind of chocolate is best for ganache?
   Use high-quality semi-sweet or dark chocolate for best results.
8. Does it need to be refrigerated?
   Not unless you’re storing it for more than 2 days.
9. Can I decorate it?
   Absolutely—top with chocolate curls or edible glitter!
10. Is this cake dense or fluffy?
    It’s moist and slightly dense with a melt-in-your-mouth texture.

🏁 Conclusion

Matilda’s Chocolate Cake is more than a dessert—it’s a decadent moment of chocolate bliss. Dense layers, gooey ganache, and that rich flavor make it a celebration cake worth repeating. If you’re a chocolate fanatic, there’s no resisting this show-stopping bake. 🍫🎉

Slice it thick, serve it with a glass of cold milk, and savor every legendary bite.

Decadent Matilda’s Chocolate Cake You Can’t Resist

Adam

We all remember the unforgettable moment in Matilda (1996) when Bruce Bogtrotter is forced to eat an entire chocolate cake in front of the school. That thick, moist, ultra-chocolatey masterpiece became the stuff of dessert legends. This Decadent Matilda’s Chocolate Cake brings that vision to life—a rich, fudgy sponge slathered with silky ganache that makes every bite absolutely sinful. 🍫🍰 It’s big, bold, and unashamedly indulgent. Perfect for birthdays, chocolate lovers, or when only a showstopper will do!

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 25 minutes mins

bake Cooling/Frosting time 1 hour hr 35 minutes mins

Total Time 2 hours hrs

Servings 14 servings

Ingredients

  

• Serves 12–14

🍰 For the Chocolate Cake

• 1¾ cups all-purpose flour
• ¾ cup Dutch-process cocoa powder
• 2 cups granulated sugar
• 1½ tsp baking powder
• 1½ tsp baking soda
• 1 tsp salt
• 2 large eggs
• 1 cup buttermilk
• ½ cup vegetable oil
• 2 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 cup boiling water
• 1 tbsp instant espresso powder optional

🍫 For the Ganache Frosting

• 16 oz semi-sweet chocolate finely chopped
• 2 cups heavy cream
• 2 tbsp unsalted butter
• Pinch of salt

Instructions

 

Step 1: Bake the Cake

• Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line two 9-inch round cake pans.
• In a large bowl, whisk together flour, cocoa, sugar, baking soda, baking powder, and salt.
• Add eggs, buttermilk, oil, and vanilla. Mix until smooth and thick.
• Dissolve espresso powder in boiling water and slowly add to batter (it will be thin).
• Divide batter evenly into pans and smooth the tops.
• Bake for 30–35 minutes, until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
• Let cakes cool 10 minutes in pans, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

Step 2: Make the Ganache

• Heat cream in a saucepan until it begins to simmer.
• Pour over chopped chocolate in a heatproof bowl. Let sit 2 minutes.
• Stir slowly until smooth and glossy. Add butter and salt.
• Let ganache sit at room temperature 20–30 minutes to thicken to a spreadable consistency.

Step 3: Assemble and Frost

• Place one cake layer on a serving plate or cake board. Spread a thick layer of ganache on top.
• Add the second cake layer. Frost the top and sides with the remaining ganache.
• Smooth with a spatula or swirl for texture. Chill slightly if needed to set.

Notes

🥄 Variations
Salted Caramel Twist: Add a caramel drizzle between layers

Nutty Crunch: Fold in chopped toasted walnuts or hazelnuts

Vegan Version: Use dairy-free milk, oil, and chocolate

Mini Cakes: Bake in muffin tins for individual portions

Raspberry Boost: Add raspberry jam between cake layers

🧊 Storage & Reheating
Room Temp: Keep covered for up to 2 days

Fridge: Store up to 5 days—bring to room temp before serving

Freezer: Wrap slices and freeze up to 2 months

Reheat: Microwave individual slices for 15–20 seconds

❓ 10 FAQs
Is this the real Matilda cake recipe?
It’s inspired by the film’s iconic cake—rich, dark, and over-the-top delicious.

What does the espresso powder do?
It enhances the chocolate flavor without adding coffee taste.

Can I skip the ganache?
You could, but it’s what makes this cake truly unforgettable.

How do I get a moist crumb?
Buttermilk and boiling water keep it moist and soft.

Can I frost it with buttercream instead?
Yes—but ganache is more authentic to the movie’s cake.

Can I use regular cocoa powder?
Yes, but Dutch-process gives it a deeper chocolate taste.

What kind of chocolate is best for ganache?
Use high-quality semi-sweet or dark chocolate for best results.

Does it need to be refrigerated?
Not unless you’re storing it for more than 2 days.

Can I decorate it?
Absolutely—top with chocolate curls or edible glitter!

Is this cake dense or fluffy?
It’s moist and slightly dense with a melt-in-your-mouth texture.

🏁 Conclusion
Matilda’s Chocolate Cake is more than a dessert—it’s a decadent moment of chocolate bliss. Dense layers, gooey ganache, and that rich flavor make it a celebration cake worth repeating. If you’re a chocolate fanatic, there’s no resisting this show-stopping bake. 🍫🎉

Slice it thick, serve it with a glass of cold milk, and savor every legendary bite.