Description
This Matilda Chocolate Cake is a dream come true for chocolate lovers. Inspired by the iconic scene from the Matilda movie, this cake is ultra-rich, moist, and covered in a luscious chocolate ganache. Featuring deep cocoa flavors, soft sponge layers, and velvety chocolate frosting, this recipe is the ultimate indulgence. Perfect for birthdays, celebrations, or simply satisfying your chocolate cravings!
Ingredients
For the Cake:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- ¾ cup dark cocoa powder
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1 ½ teaspoons baking soda
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup buttermilk (or whole milk with 1 tablespoon vinegar)
- ½ cup vegetable oil
- 2 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 cup hot water or brewed coffee (for deeper flavor)
For the Chocolate Frosting:
- 1 ½ cups unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup dark cocoa powder
- 5 cups powdered sugar
- ½ cup heavy cream or milk
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- ½ teaspoon salt
For the Chocolate Ganache:
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 8 oz dark chocolate, chopped
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter (for shine)
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Cake Batter
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line two 9-inch round cake pans with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- Add buttermilk, vegetable oil, eggs, and vanilla extract to the dry ingredients. Mix until combined.
- Slowly pour in hot water or coffee while mixing on low speed. The batter will be thin—that’s normal!
- Divide the batter evenly between the prepared cake pans.
Step 2: Bake the Cake
- Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Let cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
Step 3: Make the Chocolate Frosting
- In a large bowl, beat the butter until creamy.
- Add cocoa powder and salt, then mix in the powdered sugar one cup at a time, alternating with heavy cream.
- Beat for 3-5 minutes until light and fluffy.
Step 4: Prepare the Chocolate Ganache
- Heat heavy cream in a small saucepan until it begins to simmer (do not boil).
- Pour over the chopped dark chocolate, let sit for 1 minute, then whisk until smooth.
- Stir in butter for a glossy finish. Let cool slightly.
Step 5: Assemble the Cake
- Place one cake layer on a serving plate. Spread 1 cup of frosting evenly on top.
- Add the second cake layer and cover the entire cake with the remaining frosting.
- Slowly pour the chocolate ganache over the top, allowing it to drip down the sides.
- Let set for 30 minutes before slicing.
Notes
- Storage: Keep covered at room temperature for 2-3 days or refrigerated for up to 5-7 days.
- Make-Ahead: The cake layers can be baked a day ahead and stored in plastic wrap.
- Customization:
- Add chocolate chips to the batter for extra richness.
- Substitute espresso powder for deeper chocolate flavor.
- Top with chocolate curls or sprinkles for decoration.
- Prep Time: 30 min
- Cook Time: 35 min
- Category: Desserts
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 large slice
- Calories: 767 kcal
- Sugar: 75g
- Fat: 42g
- Carbohydrates: 95g
- Protein: 8g