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Matilda Chocolate Cake – The Ultimate Rich, Fudgy, and Decadent Chocolate Cake

Remember the legendary cake-eating scene in Matilda? This Matilda Chocolate Cake brings that unforgettable moment to life in your kitchen! It’s deeply fudgy, incredibly moist, and slathered with the smoothest chocolate frosting. Whether you’re baking it for a birthday, celebration, or simply because you crave an indulgent chocolate fix, this cake promises to wow. 🍫✨
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Prep Time 25 minutes
bake & Assembly time 50 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 15 minutes
Servings: 16 servings
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

🍰 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 at room temperature
  • ½ cup vegetable oil
  • 2 large eggs at room temperature
  • 2 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1 cup hot coffee or hot water for milder flavor
🍫 Frosting
  • 1 cup unsalted butter softened
  • 3½ cups powdered sugar
  • 1 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
  • ½ cup heavy cream plus more if needed
  • 2 tsp vanilla extract
  • Pinch of salt

Equipment

  • 2 or 3 round 8-inch cake pans
  • Mixing bowls (large & medium)
  • Whisk or hand mixer
  • Measuring cups & spoons
  • Rubber spatula
  • Cooling racks
  • Offset spatula or butter knife

Method
 

Step 1: Prep & Preheat
  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Grease and line cake pans with parchment paper.
Step 2: Make the Cake Batter
  1. In a large bowl, whisk flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
  2. Add buttermilk, oil, eggs, and vanilla; mix until smooth.
  3. Gradually stir in hot coffee until batter is thin and silky.
Step 3: Bake
  1. Divide batter evenly into prepared pans.
  2. Bake 28–32 minutes, until a toothpick comes out clean.
  3. Cool in pans 10 minutes, then transfer to racks to cool completely.
Step 4: Make the Frosting
  1. Beat butter until creamy.
  2. Add powdered sugar, cocoa, salt, and vanilla; mix on low until combined.
  3. Gradually add heavy cream, beating until fluffy and spreadable. Add more cream if needed for smooth consistency.
Step 5: Assemble the Cake
  1. Place one cake layer on a plate or stand; spread with frosting.
  2. Repeat with remaining layers, then frost the sides and top.
  3. Smooth with an offset spatula or swirl for a rustic finish.
Step 6: Serve
  1. Slice thick pieces and enjoy every fudgy bite—just like Bruce Bogtrotter! 🍫

Notes

🥄 Variations
Extra Decadent: Add chocolate chips to the batter.
Layer with Ganache: Replace frosting between layers with rich chocolate ganache.
Mocha Twist: Add 1 tsp espresso powder to batter for deeper flavor.
Gluten-Free: Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.
🧊 Storage & Reheating
Room Temp: Store covered for up to 2 days.
Fridge: Keeps up to 5 days; let sit at room temp before serving.
Freezer: Wrap slices tightly; freeze up to 3 months; thaw overnight.
❓ 10 FAQs
Can I make cupcakes with this recipe?
Yes—bake at 350°F for 18–20 minutes.
Is hot coffee necessary?
It enhances chocolate flavor, but hot water works too.
Can I halve the recipe?
Yes—use one 8-inch pan or a loaf pan.
How do I keep the cake moist?
Don’t overbake and store in an airtight container.
What frosting alternatives work?
Cream cheese frosting or whipped ganache.
Can I add fillings?
Absolutely—try raspberry jam or chocolate mousse.
How do I get flat layers?
Use cake strips or level cooled layers with a knife.
Can I use Dutch-process cocoa?
Yes—just expect deeper color and flavor.
Is this cake sweet?
Perfectly balanced: rich, but not overly sweet.
Best way to decorate?
Classic swirl, chocolate shavings, or sprinkles.
🏁 Conclusion
This Matilda Chocolate Cake is everything you dream of in a chocolate dessert—moist, fudgy, and irresistibly decadent. One bite and you’ll see why it’s the ultimate chocolate cake to bake at home! 🍫🎂