Ingredients
Method
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.
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.