Ingredients
Method
Step 1: Bake the Cake
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line two 8-inch round cake pans.
- In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- In a separate bowl, whisk oil, eggs, buttermilk, and vanilla.
- Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry. Slowly pour in the hot coffee and mix until smooth.
- Divide batter between prepared pans and bake for 30–35 minutes.
- Cool in pans for 10 minutes, then transfer to wire racks to cool completely.
Step 2: Make the Fudge Frosting
- Heat heavy cream until just simmering. Pour over chopped chocolate. Let sit for 3 minutes.
- Stir until smooth and glossy.
- Add butter, cocoa powder, powdered sugar, salt, and vanilla. Mix until thick and creamy.
- Chill briefly until the frosting is spreadable.
Step 3: Assemble the Cake
- Level cake layers if needed.
- Place one layer on a cake stand and spread a thick layer of frosting.
- Add the second cake layer and frost the top and sides.
- Create glossy swirls and refrigerate for 20 minutes before slicing.
Notes
🥄 Variations
Add Nuts: Fold chopped walnuts into the batter Espresso Twist: Replace coffee with espresso for deeper flavor Cupcake Version: Divide batter into lined muffin tins, bake 18–22 minutes Triple Layer: Use three 6-inch pans for a tall, dramatic look Salted Top: Sprinkle with flaked sea salt for contrast 🧊 Storage & Reheating
Room Temp: Covered, lasts 2 days Fridge: Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days Freezer: Freeze wrapped slices for up to 2 months Reheat: Bring to room temp or microwave for 10–15 seconds for extra gooeyness ❓ 10 FAQs
Is the coffee flavor strong?
No—it enhances the chocolate but doesn’t taste like coffee. Can I use milk instead of buttermilk?
Yes—add 1 tsp lemon juice to ⅔ cup milk as a substitute. Can this be made gluten-free?
Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend for baking. What type of chocolate is best?
Use quality semisweet or dark chocolate for the richest result. Why Dutch-process cocoa?
It gives a deeper color and smoother taste. Can I make it ahead?
Yes—assemble the day before and chill overnight. Can I skip the frosting?
The frosting is part of the magic, but you can dust with powdered sugar instead. Do I need a stand mixer?
No—a hand mixer or strong whisk works fine. Why does the batter seem thin?
That’s normal—it helps create the moist texture. How do I cut clean slices?
Use a warm knife and wipe between cuts. 🏁 Conclusion
This Rich & Fudgy Matilda Chocolate Cake is more than a dessert—it’s a celebration of chocolate. With its moist layers, luscious frosting, and iconic look, it's the kind of cake people talk about long after the last slice is gone. Bake it for your next party, rainy day indulgence, or just because you deserve it. 💖🍫🎂
Add Nuts: Fold chopped walnuts into the batter Espresso Twist: Replace coffee with espresso for deeper flavor Cupcake Version: Divide batter into lined muffin tins, bake 18–22 minutes Triple Layer: Use three 6-inch pans for a tall, dramatic look Salted Top: Sprinkle with flaked sea salt for contrast 🧊 Storage & Reheating
Room Temp: Covered, lasts 2 days Fridge: Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days Freezer: Freeze wrapped slices for up to 2 months Reheat: Bring to room temp or microwave for 10–15 seconds for extra gooeyness ❓ 10 FAQs
Is the coffee flavor strong?
No—it enhances the chocolate but doesn’t taste like coffee. Can I use milk instead of buttermilk?
Yes—add 1 tsp lemon juice to ⅔ cup milk as a substitute. Can this be made gluten-free?
Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend for baking. What type of chocolate is best?
Use quality semisweet or dark chocolate for the richest result. Why Dutch-process cocoa?
It gives a deeper color and smoother taste. Can I make it ahead?
Yes—assemble the day before and chill overnight. Can I skip the frosting?
The frosting is part of the magic, but you can dust with powdered sugar instead. Do I need a stand mixer?
No—a hand mixer or strong whisk works fine. Why does the batter seem thin?
That’s normal—it helps create the moist texture. How do I cut clean slices?
Use a warm knife and wipe between cuts. 🏁 Conclusion
This Rich & Fudgy Matilda Chocolate Cake is more than a dessert—it’s a celebration of chocolate. With its moist layers, luscious frosting, and iconic look, it's the kind of cake people talk about long after the last slice is gone. Bake it for your next party, rainy day indulgence, or just because you deserve it. 💖🍫🎂