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The Best Matilda Chocolate Cake: Ultra Moist & Fudgy

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This ultra moist and fudgy chocolate cake is inspired by the iconic scene from Matilda. Made with hot coffee for deep chocolate flavor, it’s a one-bowl wonder that’s perfect for any occasion.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 cups (240g) all-purpose flour
  • 2 cups (400g) granulated sugar
  • 3/4 cup (75g) unsweetened cocoa powder (Dutch-processed preferred)
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 2 large eggs, room temperature
  • 1 cup (240ml) whole milk
  • 1/2 cup (120ml) vegetable oil (canola or avocado)
  • 1/2 cup (120ml) buttermilk
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • 1 cup (240ml) hot brewed coffee
  • 1 cup (2 sticks, 226g) unsalted butter, softened
  • 3/4 cup (75g) unsweetened cocoa powder (for frosting)
  • 3 cups (360g) powdered sugar
  • 1/4 cup (60ml) heavy cream
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (for frosting)
  • Pinch of salt (for frosting)

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease two 9-inch round cake pans, line bottoms with parchment paper, and dust with cocoa powder.
  2. In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
  3. Make a well in the center and add eggs, milk, vegetable oil, buttermilk, and vanilla extract. Whisk until just combined (a few lumps are fine).
  4. Slowly pour in hot coffee while whisking gently until batter is thin and smooth.
  5. Divide batter evenly between prepared pans. Tap pans on counter to release air bubbles.
  6. Bake for 30-35 minutes, until a toothpick inserted in center comes out with a few moist crumbs. Cool in pans for 10 minutes, then turn out onto a wire rack to cool completely.
  7. For frosting: Beat softened butter until smooth. Sift in cocoa powder and beat. Gradually add powdered sugar alternating with heavy cream, beating on low. Add vanilla and salt, then beat on medium-high for 2-3 minutes until light and fluffy.
  8. Place one cake layer on serving plate, spread about 3/4 cup frosting on top. Add second layer and frost top and sides of entire cake.

Notes

Room temperature ingredients are important for best texture. Don’t skip the coffee—it intensifies chocolate flavor without making the cake taste like coffee. For best results, let assembled cake rest overnight at room temperature. To check doneness, start checking at 28 minutes.

Nutrition

Keywords: chocolate cake, Matilda cake, fudgy chocolate cake, moist chocolate cake, one-bowl cake, birthday cake

Find it online: https://chloeplate.com/the-best-matilda-chocolate-cake-ultra-moist-and-fudgy/