Easy Matilda's chocolate cake inspired by the Matilda chocolate cake scene! One of the best Matilda's chocolate cake recipes -- if you've ever been just a little jealous of the Matilda chocolate cake boy in the movie, this Matilda Cake is for you!
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And if you like this cake, you'll love my S'mores Brownies, my Peach Mango Pie, and my Triple Chocolate Brownies!
Matilda's Chocolate Cake Recipe
Remember that Matilda chocolate cake? It's all about that perfect combo of cocoa, oil, and sugar – makes it crazy moist and packed with rich chocolatey flavor that's just unbeatable. Seriously, it's like a slice of heaven on a plate, no wonder everyone wants to eat the entire cake! If you're a chocolate lover, you'll adore this cake!
What is the famous Matilda cake?
The "Matilda cake" comes from an unforgettable scene in the 1996 film Matilda, based on a classic children's book by Roald Dahl, where a young boy named Bruce Bogtrotter is forced to eat a whole fudgy chocolate cake in front of the whole school as a punishment from the antagonist, Miss Trunchbull.
While Bruce's task was a tough one, there is no denying that that chocolate fudge cake looked DELICIOUS! For those of us with a sweet tooth, it's not that far off to imagine eating a whole chocolate cake in one sitting.
And this Matilda chocolate fudge cake recipe is inspired by the Matilda cake scene -- layers of moist chocolate cake are draped in silky smooth fudge frosting, and it's truly the perfect chocolate cake!
Why This is the BEST Matilda Cake
It took a lot of testing (and eating yummy cake), but I've finally perfected this incredible Matilda cake! So why is it the best?
- Rich chocolate flavor: This Matilda cake is rich and chocolatey, thanks to the addition of hot coffee, which accomplishes two things: it "blooms" the cocoa powder, bringing out richer chocolate flavor, and the coffee enhances the depth of the chocolate flavor.
- Perfect moist texture: We're using oil in this cake to preserve moisture, since butter can sometimes dry cakes out a bit. We're also using a version of the reverse creaming method, which coats the dry ingredients in oil, preventing too much gluten formation in the cake batter and ensuring a moist, light crumb.
- Easy to make: With its simple ingredients and no mixer required, this cake is super simple to make, even for beginner bakers!
These chocolate fudge cake layers are based on my Chocolate Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting, and this recipe is also similar to my Chocolate Spice Cake and my Chocolate Orange Cake! It's the perfect birthday cake -- truly the chocolate cake of your dreams!
What is special about Matilda cake?
In Roald Dahl's book, the cake itself is described as being incredibly rich and indulgent, with layers of moist chocolate sponge and a decadent chocolate frosting or ganache. This chocolate fudge cake is the best recreation of that delicious cake, and it's truly the best chocolate cake ever!
But why is this Matilda cake so special? Well it's already gone viral all over TikTok and Instagram, with a total of over 16 MILLION views and counting! But most importantly, the taste testing results are in, and readers are LOVING this cake! Here are some of their reviews:
Hello thank you for sharing your recipe! I made it last night to surprise my girls. They loved it and I’m glad I made, It was very tasty and decadent. It will go on to my recipe folder for sure!
I made this today! And omg it was SO GOOD.
This is seriously the most delicious cake I've ever had. 10/10. Definitely will make again.
Now it's your turn! When you try this Matilda chocolate cake, be sure to let me know how you like it in the comments below!
What is the chocolate cake from Matilda made of?
While we don't know the exact ingredients of the cake Bruce ate, this Matilda chocolate cake is made from simple ingredients and it's so easy! Here's everything you'll need to make a Matilda chocolate cake recipe from scratch:
- cake release - use a cooking spray or baking spray, as well as parchment paper rounds, to prep your cake pans.
- white sugar - I like to usewhite granulated sugar in this Matilda chocolate cake recipe for a delicious sweetness!
- all-purpose flour - Measure your all-purpose flour by weight with akitchen scaleto make sure you don't accidentally add too much.
- cocoa powder - for this easy Matildas chocolate cake recipe, we're going forunsweetened Dutch-process cocoa powder to give it a richer chocolate flavor.
- baking powder and baking soda - leavening agents likebaking powder andbaking soda add a nice lift to this cake!
- salt - adding just a bit ofsalt brings out the chocolatey flavors and offsets the sweetness in Matilda's chocolate cake recipes!
- oil - we're usingvegetable oil instead of butter which makes our Matilda chocolate cake recipe easy and moist!
- eggs - make sure youreggsare atroom temperature before you mix them in. If they feel cold to the touch, submerge them in a bowl of lukewarm water for 15 minutes.
- vanilla - for the best flavor, I like to usepure vanilla extract. Or you canmake your own!
- full-fat buttermilk - like your eggs, your buttermilk should be at room temperature.
- hot coffee - this is a trick to help bring out those chocolatey flavors even more!
Then, we're topping our cake with a super easy, glossy chocolate fudge frosting. Details and instructions are in my Chocolate Fudge Frosting post, but here's what you'll need:
- heavy cream- serves as the base for this glossy fudge frosting.
- unsweetened cocoa powder - it can be regular unsweetened cocoa powder or unsweetened Dutch process cocoa powder.
- bittersweet chocolate - about 60% cacao bittersweet chocolate will work. I use the Ghirardelli baking bars.
- salted butter - you can also use unsalted butter -- just add salt to taste at the end.
- powdered sugar - adds sweetness and gives this frosting its structure.
- espresso powder - deepens the chocolate flavor and adds a bit of complexity.
- vanilla extract - as above, be sure to usepure vanilla extract. Or you canmake your own!
See recipe card below for quantities.
Equipment
We'll be making this moist cake in two 8-inch round cake pans. And since this Maltida chocolate cake recipe is an easy one-bowl recipe, you won't need a mixer at all!
I just recommend a large mixing bowl, a whisk, and a rubber spatula for mixing. You may also want to have a wire rack to help the cake cool more quickly. And of course, I always recommend a kitchen scale for measuring dry ingredients.
Chocolate Fudge Cake Recipe Instructions
The recipe card below will give you detailed step-by-step instructions for making this Matilda cake, as well as full ingredient measurements and a recipe video! But here's a quick look at how you'll make this Matilda chocolate fudge cake recipe!
In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
Add wet ingredients -- first stir in oil to coat dry ingredients, then mix in eggs and buttermilk, mixing well with a rubber spatula after each addition.
Pour in hot coffee and mix gently until mixture is just combined.
Pour cake batter evenly into prepared cake pans and bake!
Prepare chocolate fudge frosting and allow to cool to room temperature.
Spread frosting all over cooled chocolate fudge cake, on the sides of the cake and swirl frosting on the top of the cake!
Hint: Be sure to let the dark chocolate cake layers cool completely before adding frosting. I like to wrap them in plastic wrap while still warm, then let them cool in the fridge overnight. This makes sure they cool completely, and the plastic wrap retains moisture.
How to Store Matilda's Chocolate Fudge Cake
Store the cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days - I like to put cakes in my Libbey domed cake stand.
Also, this Matilda chocolate fudge cake recipe freezes very well -- it's best frozen in individual slices to make thawing easier. First, place slices in the freezer until frozen solid, then wrap in plastic wrap and then in heavy duty foil. Then freeze for up to two months and thaw, uncovered, at room temperature.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is the chocolate cake guy in Matilda?
Who eats the Matilda chocolate cake? The boy in the book and movie is named Bruce Bogtrotter, and he eats that entire chocolate cake in one sitting! To be honest, isn't there a bit of Bruce Bogtrotter inside all of us when those chocolate cravings hit?
Why is it called a Matilda cake?
Definitely as a reference to the movie Matilda where the famous scene with Bruce Bogtrotter took place! This moist chocolate fudge cake is the perfect nod to the Matilda chocolate cake scene!
What's the difference between Matilda cake and chocolate cake?
This Matilda cake is a chocolate cake that is moist, fudgy, and dense, and then topped with a rich chocolate fudge frosting just like the cake in the movie Matilda! So essentially, there's no difference between a Matilda cake and a chocolate cake, but it's a special kind of chocolate cake that will have you wishing you could eat the whole thing!
What happened to the kid who ate chocolate cake in Matilda?
Jimmy Karz, the actor who played Bruce Bogtrotter in Matilda, appeared in a few projects before retiring from acting in 1998.
Who sells the Matilda cake?
You can most likely get lots of cakes inspired by the Matilda chocolate cake boy, Bruce, but this Matilda chocolate cake recipe is easy to make yourself, and SO delicious! Give it a try and let me know what you think!
What other chocolate recipes should I make?
If you love the glossy frosting on this chocolate fudge cake, you'll have to check out my Samoas Cookie Pie or my Peanut Buster Parfait Ice Cream Pie for their amazing chocolate ganache topping! Or try my Protein Mug Cake for another easy single-serve high protein treat!
My 2 Bite Brownies are another delicious chocolatey treat! And gluten free folks will love my Gluten Free Olive Oil Cake!
Top Tip
Don't forget to measure your flour by weight with a kitchen scale! It'll help ensure accurate measurements and prevent a dry cake!
Looking for other recipes like this one? Try these:
- Mini Chocolate Cake
- Chocolate Chip Loaf Cake
- Chocolate Olive Oil Cake with Crystallized Ginger
- Chocolate Beignets
Pairing
These are my favorite dishes to serve with this recipe:
- Brown Sugar Shaken Espresso Recipe Starbucks Copycat
- Oat Milk Eggnog
- Christmas Gin co*cktails
- Amarena Cherry Chocolate Sauce
If you try this recipe,I would love it if you couldleave a star review rating and comment below! It’s so wonderful hearing your feedback! And don’t forget to share your creations with me by tagging@chenee_today on Instagram!
📖 Recipe
Best Matilda's Chocolate Cake Recipe - Matilda Cake
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Easy Matilda's chocolate cake inspired by the Matilda chocolate cake scene! One of the best Matilda's chocolate cake recipes -- if you've ever been just a little jealous of the Matilda chocolate cake boy in the movie, THIS is the cake for you!
Prep Time: 15 minutes minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes minutes
Course: Dessert
Cuisine :American
Servings: 18 slices
Calories: 593kcal
Recipe Source: Chenée Lewis
Equipment you may need
Ingredients
- baking spray
- 2 cups (400 g) granulated sugar
- 2 cups (250 g) all-purpose flour
- ¾ cup (85 g) unsweetened Dutch-process cocoa powder
- 1 ½ teaspoon (6 g) baking powder
- ½ teaspoon (2 g) baking soda
- ¾ teaspoon (5 g) salt
- ¾ cup (177 ml) vegetable oil
- 2 large eggs - room temperature
- 2 teaspoon (10 ml) pure vanilla extract
- 1 cup (237 ml) buttermilk - room temperature
- 1 cup (237 ml) hot brewed coffee
- Chocolate Fudge Frosting
Instructions
Preheat oven to 350°F. Line two 8-inch round cake pans with parchment paper and spray with baking spray.
baking spray
In a large bowl, whisk together flour, cocoa powder, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
2 cups all-purpose flour, ¾ cup unsweetened Dutch-process cocoa powder, 1 ½ teaspoon baking powder, ½ teaspoon baking soda, ¾ teaspoon salt, 2 cups granulated sugar
Stir in vegetable oil until dry ingredients are well coated, followed by eggs and vanilla.
¾ cup vegetable oil, 2 large eggs, 2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
Stir in buttermilk until combined, then carefully pour in hot coffee and stir until smooth.
1 cup buttermilk, 1 cup hot brewed coffee
Add batter evenly to prepared cake pans and bake in preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick entered into the center of the cakes comes out smooth or with moist crumbs.
Cool cake layers slightly in cake pans, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before adding Chocolate Fudge Frosting.
Prepare frosting as detailed in Chocolate Fudge Frosting post.
Chocolate Fudge Frosting
Spread frosting over cooled cake layers.
Video
Notes
Substitutions:
- Buttermilk Substitute - Measure out 1 cup of whole milk and replace 1 tablespoon of it with lemon juice or vinegar. Then let it sit a few minutes and add it in to your chocolate cake batter!
Storage and Freezing:
Store this delicious cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days. Then to serve, cut individual slices and let them come to room temperature.
Also, this Matilda's chocolate fudge cake freezes very well -- it's best frozen in individual slices to make thawing easier. First, place slices in the freezer until frozen solid, then wrap in plastic wrap and then in heavy duty foil. Then freeze for up to two months and thaw, uncovered, at room temperature.
Nutrition
Serving: 1 slice | Calories: 593 kcal | Carbohydrates: 111 g | Protein: 10 g | Fat: 14 g | Saturated Fat: 9 g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1 g | Monounsaturated Fat: 4 g | Trans Fat: 1 g | Cholesterol: 67 mg | Sodium: 537 mg | Potassium: 452 mg | Fiber: 3 g | Sugar: 90 g | Vitamin A: 466 IU | Vitamin C: 1 mg | Calcium: 203 mg | Iron: 3 mg
Nutrition Disclaimer
Did you try this recipe? Rate it below!I can't wait to see (and share) your results! Follow me on Instagram at @chenee_today and tag #cheneetoday!
Last Updated on June 17, 2024 by Chenée Lewis
