Ever watched the movie Matilda and craved that rich, glossy chocolate cake Bruce couldn’t resist? This Matilda’s Chocolate Cake Recipe brings that same indulgent magic straight to your kitchen. It’s not just a dessert — it’s a story baked with nostalgia and chocolate dreams. Soft, moist layers of cake meet a silky fudge frosting that melts on the tongue and satisfies every craving.
This recipe is designed for home bakers who want bakery-quality results with simple steps. Whether you’re baking for a birthday, a dinner party, or simply to treat yourself, this chocolate cake promises joy in every slice. In this article, you’ll learn how to make Matildas Chocolate Cake Recipe from scratch and master the fudge frosting that makes it unforgettable.
What Makes Matildas Chocolate Cake Recipe Special
The reason this Matilda’s Chocolate Cake Recipe stands out is its perfect harmony of flavor and texture. It’s deeply chocolatey, incredibly soft, and beautifully layered with rich, velvety fudge frosting. Each bite balances sweetness and intensity, creating a taste that feels indulgent yet comforting.
Definition List:
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Matilda’s Chocolate Cake Recipe: A decadent chocolate cake inspired by the movie Matilda, made with layers of moist sponge and rich fudge frosting.
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Fudge Frosting: A smooth, glossy chocolate topping made with butter, dark chocolate, heavy cream, and cocoa.
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Dutch Cocoa Powder: A special type of cocoa that gives deep color and bold flavor to chocolate cakes.
What makes this version unique is its simplicity without losing depth of flavor. Every element is thoughtfully combined to create the ultimate chocolate lover’s dream.
Why This Matilda’s Chocolate Cake Recipe Works
This version of Matilda’s Chocolate Cake Recipe delivers exceptional results every time.
Rich Chocolate Flavor – The blend of Dutch-process cocoa and dark chocolate builds an unforgettable taste.
Soft and Moist Texture – Buttermilk and vegetable oil create a cake that stays tender for days.
Simple Process – It’s a one-bowl chocolate cake that anyone can make with minimal cleanup.
Perfect Fudge Frosting – Smooth, shiny, and easy to spread, this frosting turns the cake into a masterpiece.
Versatile for Any Occasion – Whether for holidays, birthdays, or family dinners, it always feels special.
Each of these elements works together to make this Matilda’s Chocolate Cake Recipe both elegant and approachable.
Ingredient Breakdown and Baking Science
Great cakes depend on understanding each ingredient’s role. Here’s how every part contributes to the success of this Matilda’s Chocolate Cake Recipe.
| Ingredient | Purpose | Tips for Best Results |
|---|---|---|
| All-purpose flour | Forms the base structure of the cake | Avoid overmixing to keep the crumb soft |
| Dutch cocoa powder | Deepens color and flavor | Use high-quality Dutch cocoa for a bolder taste |
| Baking powder and soda | Help the cake rise evenly | Always use fresh leavening agents |
| Granulated sugar | Adds sweetness and moisture | Caster sugar can be substituted for finer texture |
| Vegetable oil | Keeps the cake tender | Neutral oils like canola work best |
| Eggs | Bind ingredients and provide structure | Use room-temperature eggs |
| Buttermilk | Adds moisture and a subtle tang | Make your own by mixing milk with lemon juice |
| Hot coffee | Intensifies the chocolate flavor | Use strong coffee or espresso; it enhances, not overpowers |
| Vanilla extract | Enhances aroma and flavor | Pure vanilla gives better results |
| Salt | Balances sweetness | A pinch enhances the chocolate depth |
Every ingredient in this Matilda’s Chocolate Cake Recipe plays a key role — from texture to flavor balance. The harmony of these elements ensures bakery-quality results at home.
Step-by-Step Instructions for Matilda’s Chocolate Cake Recipe
Follow these easy steps to bake the perfect Matildas Chocolate Cake Recipe at home.
Step 1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C). Grease and line two 8-inch round cake pans with parchment paper.
Step 2. In a large mixing bowl, combine flour, sugar, salt, baking powder, baking soda, and sifted cocoa powder. Whisk until evenly blended.
Step 3. Add buttermilk, oil, vanilla extract, and eggs. Mix gently until smooth.
Step 4. Pour in hot coffee and stir until the batter becomes silky and lump-free.
Step 5. Divide the batter evenly between pans. Weigh if possible for uniform layers.
Step 6. Bake for 30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Step 7. Let the cakes cool completely before frosting to prevent melting or cracking.
Tip: Use cake strips or wrap damp towels around pans while baking to ensure even layers without domes.
Making the Glossy Chocolate Fudge Frosting
The frosting in this Matildas Chocolate Cake Recipe gives it that movie-style shine and irresistible flavor.
Step 1. In a saucepan, melt butter, dark chocolate, and heavy cream together over medium heat.
Step 2. Sift in cocoa powder, powdered sugar, and a pinch of salt. Stir continuously until smooth.
Step 3. Strain the mixture into a large bowl to remove lumps and help it cool faster.
Step 4. Cover with plastic wrap pressed directly on the surface to prevent a skin from forming.
Step 5. Let it cool at room temperature for 30 minutes, then refrigerate for 1–2 hours until thick and spreadable.
When done right, the fudge frosting should be glossy, soft, and easy to spread over cooled cake layers.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
To make sure your Matildas Chocolate Cake Recipe comes out perfectly every time, avoid these common baking errors.
Overmixing the batter can make the cake dense instead of light.
Cold eggs or buttermilk prevent even mixing and may cause cracks.
Expired baking powder or soda will stop the cake from rising properly.
Frosting the cake before it’s fully cooled can melt the topping.
Cooking the frosting at high heat creates a grainy texture.
Scooping flour directly from the bag packs it too tightly — always spoon and level it.
Matilda’s Chocolate Cake Recipe
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C). Grease and line two 8-inch round cake pans with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, mix flour, sugar, cocoa powder, salt, baking powder, and baking soda.
- Add buttermilk, oil, eggs, and vanilla. Stir until the batter is smooth.
- Pour in the hot coffee and mix gently until combined.
- Divide the batter evenly into the prepared pans.
- Bake for 30 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
- Cool the cakes completely before frosting.
- For the frosting, melt butter, dark chocolate, and heavy cream in a saucepan over medium heat.
- Add cocoa powder, powdered sugar, salt, and vanilla. Stir until smooth.
- Cool the frosting until thick and spreadable.
- Spread frosting between the layers and over the top and sides of the cake.
Notes
Matilda’s Chocolate Cake Recipe
Short Introduction
This Matilda’s Chocolate Cake Recipe is rich, moist, and full of deep chocolate flavor. The layers are soft and tender, covered with a smooth chocolate fudge frosting. It is simple to make and tastes like a bakery-style dessert. Perfect for birthdays, parties, or any day you want a slice of chocolate heaven.Ingredients
For the Cake:- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- ½ cup Dutch-process cocoa powder
- 1 ¾ cups granulated sugar
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- ⅔ cup vegetable oil
- 3 large eggs (room temperature)
- ⅔ cup buttermilk
- 1 cup hot coffee
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 11 oz unsalted butter
- 14 oz dark chocolate (60–70%), chopped
- ⅓ cup cocoa powder
- 1 ⅓ cups heavy cream
- 1 ⅓ cups powdered sugar
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C). Grease and line two 8-inch round cake pans with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, mix flour, sugar, cocoa powder, salt, baking powder, and baking soda.
- Add buttermilk, oil, eggs, and vanilla. Stir until the batter is smooth.
- Pour in the hot coffee and mix gently until combined.
- Divide the batter evenly into the prepared pans.
- Bake for 30 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
- Cool the cakes completely before frosting.
- For the frosting, melt butter, dark chocolate, and heavy cream in a saucepan over medium heat.
- Add cocoa powder, powdered sugar, salt, and vanilla. Stir until smooth.
- Cool the frosting until thick and spreadable.
- Spread frosting between the layers and over the top and sides of the cake.
Notes
- Use room-temperature eggs and buttermilk for best texture.
- Do not overmix the batter or the cake will become dense.
- Let the cakes cool fully before adding frosting.
- For deeper flavor, use high-quality Dutch cocoa and dark chocolate.
- Store leftover cake in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Bring to room temperature before serving.
Nutritional Facts
| Nutrient | Per Slice |
|---|---|
| Calories | 713 kcal |
| Carbohydrates | 71 g |
| Protein | 8 g |
| Fat | 51 g |
| Saturated Fat | 26 g |
| Fiber | 6 g |
| Sugar | 33 g |
| Sodium | 489 mg |
| Cholesterol | 111 mg |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Matildas Chocolate Cake made of?
This cake is made of rich chocolate sponge layers covered with a glossy chocolate fudge frosting. The batter includes cocoa powder, coffee, buttermilk, and oil for ultimate softness.
Can I make this cake in advance?
Yes. You can bake the layers ahead, wrap them well, and refrigerate or freeze them. Frost the cake on the day you plan to serve it for the freshest flavor.
Does the cake taste like coffee?
No. The coffee simply enhances the chocolate flavor and makes it richer. You won’t taste any bitterness, only deeper cocoa notes.
Can I turn this recipe into cupcakes?
Absolutely. Divide the batter into cupcake liners and bake for 18–20 minutes. The same frosting pairs perfectly for a batch of Matilda’s Chocolate Cupcakes.
Why is Matildas Chocolate Cake so famous?
This cake gained fame from the movie Matilda, where a young boy devours an enormous chocolate cake. It’s now a symbol of indulgence and pure chocolate bliss.
Nutritional Information
| Serving Size | Calories | Carbohydrates | Protein | Fat | Saturated Fat | Fiber | Sugar |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 Slice (1/14 cake) | 710 kcal | 71 g | 8 g | 51 g | 26 g | 6 g | 33 g |
These values are approximate and may vary depending on ingredient brands and substitutions.
Final Thoughts Matildas Chocolate Cake Recipe
This Matilda’s Chocolate Cake Recipe is more than just a dessert. It’s an experience — rich, smooth, and full of chocolate flavor. The combination of moist cake and silky fudge frosting brings joy to anyone who takes a bite. With simple ingredients and easy steps, it’s a treat that feels special every time.
If you’re looking to recreate a childhood favorite or impress guests with a decadent homemade cake, this is the recipe that never fails. Bake it once, and you’ll find yourself making it again for every celebration.