Introduction to the Best Matilda Chocolate Cake Recipe
Baking at home offers a genuine, satisfying experience that fast food simply can’t match. When you whip up a cake in your own kitchen, you're not just creating a dessert; you're crafting memories. The aroma of the cake baking fills your home, bringing warmth and comfort. Plus, choosing your ingredients allows you to customize flavors and quality — no artificial additives here!
Now, let’s talk about the best Matilda chocolate cake recipe. This cake is not just a dessert; it's an indulgent experience, boasting a rich, fudgy texture and a luxurious chocolate fudge frosting that takes each slice to heavenly heights. It’s perfect for celebrations or simply to satisfy your chocolate cravings.
Why rely on store-bought cakes when you can produce something personal and delectable? With a few basic ingredients you probably already have on hand and just a little time, you’ll be impressing friends, family, or even yourself! For a comprehensive guide, check out Zoha's blog for additional baking tips and tricks. Let’s dive into the details of this delightful cake!

Ingredients for the Best Matilda Chocolate Cake
Creating the best Matilda chocolate cake recipe starts with the right ingredients. Let’s dive into what you’ll need for this indulgent treat.
Essential Ingredients for the Cake
To achieve that rich, moist texture, you’ll need:
- All-purpose flour for structure and tenderness
- Granulated sugar and light brown sugar to enhance sweetness and moisture
- Cocoa powder, ideally Dutch-processed, for deep chocolate flavor
- Eggs at room temperature to bind everything together
- Vegetable oil and sour cream to keep the cake ultra moist
These ingredients work in perfect harmony, ensuring your cake rises beautifully and boasts an irresistible fudgy crumb.
Key Ingredients for the Chocolate Fudge Frosting
The frosting is what truly elevates this cake:
- Dark chocolate provides a rich, decadent base
- Cream cheese adds creaminess and a slight tang
- Heavy cream is crucial for achieving that silky texture
Using high-quality chocolate, like this one, will make a noticeable difference in flavor. The combination of these ingredients creates a luscious, spreadable frosting that complements the cake perfectly.
With these essentials in mind, you’re on your way to making a show-stopping dessert!
Step-by-step Preparation of the Best Matilda Chocolate Cake
Gather and prep your ingredients
Before diving into this delicious adventure, let's first gather everything you'll need for the best Matilda chocolate cake recipe. Here’s your prep list:
- Dry Ingredients: All-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, granulated sugar, light brown sugar, salt, cocoa powder, and instant coffee.
- Wet Ingredients: Eggs, vegetable oil, buttermilk, sour cream, and boiling water.
- Frosting Ingredients: Dark chocolate, corn syrup, cream cheese, powdered sugar, and heavy cream.
Also, remember to preheat your oven to 350°F (no fan) and prepare three 8-inch round cake pans by lining them with parchment paper and buttering them generously.
Mix the dry ingredients for the cake
In a large bowl, whisk together your dry ingredients until they are fully combined. The mixture should be lump-free, creating a solid foundation for your cake. This step is crucial, as it ensures even distribution of the leavening agents.
Combine the wet ingredients for the cake
In a separate bowl, whisk the eggs, vegetable oil, buttermilk, and sour cream until smooth. This mixture adds richness and moisture to your cake. Pro tip: Using room temperature ingredients helps with even mixing and better texture.
Create the chocolate batter
Now, here comes the fun part! Combine the dry ingredients with the wet ingredients in two additions. Gently whisk and fold until you just see no more big lumps—overmixing can lead to a dense cake, and we want super fluffy layers here!
In another small bowl, mix cocoa powder and instant coffee, then whisk with boiling water until you have a shiny chocolate mixture. Pour this into your cake batter, folding gently until a smooth, rich chocolate batter forms.
Bake the cakes and cool them properly
Divide the batter evenly among the prepared pans and pop them in the oven for about 22-24 minutes. Check for doneness by inserting a toothpick; it should come out with a few moist crumbs. Once done, let the cakes cool in the pans for 20 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. I highly recommend refrigerating them for about an hour—this makes frosting a breeze!
Make the chocolate fudge frosting
While the cake cools, let’s whip up that luscious chocolate fudge frosting! Melt dark chocolate and corn syrup together using low heat, stirring until smooth. In a mixer, beat cream cheese with sifted cocoa powder, powdered sugar, and salt until creamy. Slowly add heavy cream and mix on low until luscious and fluffy. Wait for the melted chocolate to cool slightly, then whisk it into the frosting.
Assemble and frost the cake
Once everything is cool, it’s time to assemble. Trim any domes off the cake for level layers, then layer them with copious amounts of frosting in between. Cover the entire cake with a thin crumb coat and chill for 20 minutes—this step helps achieve a smoother final look. Finally, slather on the remaining frosting.
Now you’re ready to serve! Your guests will be raving about the best Matilda chocolate cake ever. Enjoy every delicious bite!

Variations of the Best Matilda Chocolate Cake
Gluten-free Matilda Chocolate Cake
For those needing a gluten-free treat, you can easily adapt the best Matilda chocolate cake recipe by swapping the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free blend. Look for a blend that includes xanthan gum to ensure your cake remains rise and structure. With rich cocoa and the same delicious frosting, this cake will delight everyone, regardless of dietary restrictions.
Vegan Matilda Chocolate Cake
Want to bake a plant-based version? Replace the eggs with flaxseed meal (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoons water equals one egg). Use almond milk instead of buttermilk, and substitute coconut oil for vegetable oil to maintain that rich flavor. This vegan Matilda chocolate cake will be just as fudgy and satisfying as the original. If you're searching for a dairy-free frosting, try this creamy avocado chocolate frosting recipe.
Experimenting with these variations allows everyone to enjoy a slice of that indulgently moist chocolate goodness!
Cooking Tips and Notes for the Best Matilda Chocolate Cake
Oven Temperature Tips
To achieve a beautifully baked cake from your best Matilda chocolate cake recipe, precision in oven temperature is crucial. Preheat your oven to 350°F without using the fan, as a fan can lead to uneven baking. For optimal results, invest in an oven thermometer; it ensures your oven is at the right temperature, allowing your cake to rise perfectly and stay moist.
Frosting Consistency Tips
The consistency of your frosting can make or break your cake. When preparing your chocolate fudge frosting, keep the heavy cream chilled but not icy to maintain a fluffy texture. If your frosting becomes too firm, warm a portion in the microwave for a few seconds, then whisk it back in. This ensures a silky, spreadable frosting that coats your Matilda chocolate cake beautifully.

Serving Suggestions for the Best Matilda Chocolate Cake
Perfect Pairings with Your Chocolate Cake
The best Matilda chocolate cake recipe shines brightest with delightful accompaniments. Serve it with a scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream for a classic treat that balances richness. You could also pair it with a dollop of fresh whipped cream, or a sprinkle of sea salt to enhance the chocolate flavor. For a refreshing contrast, consider fresh berries or a raspberry coulis, adding a touch of tartness.
Ideal Occasions for Serving This Cake
This cake is perfect for any celebration! Whether it’s a cozy birthday gathering, a holiday feast, or simply a weekend treat, the fudgy delight will impress. Hosting a dinner party? The best Matilda chocolate cake serves as an elegant centerpiece after a sumptuous meal. Also, don’t forget to consider a casual afternoon tea—who wouldn’t love indulging in this treat with a cup of freshly brewed coffee or herbal tea?
For more serving ideas, check out Bon Appétit’s dessert pairings.
Time Breakdown for the Best Matilda Chocolate Cake
Total Preparation Time
To create this best Matilda chocolate cake recipe, set aside about 50 minutes for preparation. This includes mixing your ingredients and getting the pans ready before the baking magic begins.
Baking Time
Bake your layered chocolate heaven for around 22-24 minutes. Keep an eye on them—when the toothpick comes out with just a few moist crumbs, they’re good to go!
Cooling and Assembly Time
After baking, let those cakes cool for 20 minutes in the pans and then transfer them to a cooling rack. For best results, chill them in the fridge for at least 1 hour before assembling—this ensures a better frosting experience and easier handling.
Whether you're celebrating a special occasion or just treating yourself, this time breakdown will help you seamlessly craft the best Matilda chocolate cake that’ll leave everyone wanting more! For more tips on achieving the perfect cake, check out this expert guide.
Nutritional Facts for the Best Matilda Chocolate Cake
Caloric Breakdown
Indulging in this best Matilda chocolate cake recipe means treating yourself to a delightful experience! Each slice (approximately 1/12 of the cake) boasts around 400-450 calories, depending on portion size and exact ingredients used.
Key Nutrients
Moreover, this rich cake is brimming with essential nutrients:
- Protein: Essential for muscle repair and immune function, each slice offers about 5-6 grams.
- Fats: With its decadent frosting, expect around 22 grams of fat, primarily from the cream and chocolate, providing energy and supporting cellular health.
- Carbohydrates: Delivering roughly 50-55 grams, these will keep you energized for your day ahead!
Feel free to explore more about the health benefits of dark chocolate here. Enjoy this sweet indulgence in moderation!
FAQs about the Best Matilda Chocolate Cake
What’s the secret to a moist cake?
The key to the best Matilda chocolate cake recipe lies in the balance of wet and dry ingredients. Using ingredients like sour cream and buttermilk not only enhances the flavor but also contributes to a wonderfully moist texture. Remember to avoid overmixing the batter once you combine the wet and dry ingredients—it’s that simple!
Can I make this cake in advance?
Absolutely! You can bake the cake layers a day ahead. Just make sure they are cooled completely and then wrap them tightly in plastic wrap. This helps keep the moisture in. You can also prepare the chocolate fudge frosting in advance; just store it in the refrigerator and let it come to room temperature before spreading.
How do I store my leftover cake?
To keep your delicious cake fresh, store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. If you have a lot left, you can refrigerate it, but just remember that it’s best enjoyed at room temperature for optimal taste and texture. Consider slicing individual pieces for easy access when cravings hit!
Conclusion on the Best Matilda Chocolate Cake
When it comes to indulgence, this best Matilda chocolate cake recipe truly stands out! With its rich flavor, wonderfully moist texture, and silky fudge frosting, it’s bound to be a crowd-pleaser. Perfect for celebrations or a cozy night in, this cake is worth every delicious bite! Enjoy!

BEST MATILDA CHOCOLATE CAKE RECIPE
Equipment
- oven
- Stand Mixer
- saucepan
- Cake pans
- Mixing Bowls
- wire rack
- serrated knife
Ingredients
Chocolate Cake
- 2 cups all purpose flour sifted
- 1.5 teaspoon baking powder
- 1.5 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- ⅔ cup light brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 3 large eggs ideally room temp
- ⅔ cup vegetable oil
- ⅓ cup buttermilk mix ⅓ cup whole milk + 1 teaspoon vinegar
- 1 cup sour cream ideally room temp
- ¾ cup cocoa powder Dutch Processed preferred
- 2 teaspoon instant coffee
- ¾ cup boiling water
Chocolate Fudge Frosting
- 300 g dark chocolate
- 3 tablespoon corn syrup
- 8 oz cream cheese room temperature
- ⅓ cup cocoa powder
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 1 ¼ cup heavy cream chilled
Instructions
Chocolate Cake
- Preheat oven to 350F (no fan) and prepare 3 8" pans with parchment paper and butter.
- In a bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, baking soda, granulated sugar, light brown sugar and salt. Whisk together until no lumps remain.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs, vegetable oil, buttermilk and sour cream until smooth.
- Add the dry ingredients to the wet in 2 additions, and gently whisk and fold until they are just combined and no big lumps remain. Do not overmix.
- In a separate small bowl, add the cocoa powder and instant coffee. Pour over the boiling water and whisk until a smooth shiny mixture forms.
- Pour the cocoa mixture onto the remaining batter, and gently fold until a chocolate cake batter forms.
- Divide the batter evenly between the 3 prepared cake pans.
- Bake for ~22-24 minutes until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with light moist crumbs attached.
- Let the cakes cool in the pans for 20 minutes, then carefully remove them and place on a wire rack. Let cool completely (I recommend refrigerating for 1 hour).
Chocolate Fudge Frosting
- Add the chocolate and corn syrup to a saucepan and heat over the lowest flame while stirring constantly until the chocolate has fully melted. Set aside.
- In the bowl of your stand mixer, add the room temperature cream cheese and sift in the cocoa powder, powdered sugar and salt. Use the paddle attachment and whisk on medium speed until the mixture becomes creamy (1-2 minutes). Scrape the bowl.
- Add the heavy cream and whisk again on low speed until a fluffy, whipped consistency is reached. Scrape the bowl in the middle. This should not take too long; avoid overmixing.
- At this point, the melted chocolate should be warm and runny but not very hot. Slowly pour it in while whisking on low speed until the chocolate is fully combined into the frosting. Due to the temperature of the chocolate, the frosting will become a more runny consistency.
- Let the frosting cool down until it becomes spreadable. I recommend doing this at room temperature for ~30 minutes but you can also do it in the fridge (it won't take too long). If it becomes too firm, remove 1 cup, microwave for just a few seconds until it is warm, and whisk back into the remaining frosting.
Assembly
- Once the cakes and frosting have cooled down, it's time to assemble.
- Use a large serrated knife to carefully trim off the domes from the cakes.
- Layer them on top of each other with a generous layer of the frosting in between (don't be stingy!). Cover the cake with a thin layer of frosting (crumb coat) and refrigerate for 20 minutes. Then slather on the remaining frosting all over.
- Serve & enjoy! This cake is best eaten at room temperature.
- Tip: To get a shiny look on the cake, use a blow dryer at the lowest setting and gently wave it 1 foot away from the cake.





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