Matilda’s Chocolate Cake is more than just a dessert; it’s a delightful celebration of flavors that has the power to elevate any gathering. Inspired by the whimsical charm of childhood memories and the enchanting world of Roald Dahl, this cake is a chocolate lover’s dream. Whether you’re planning a birthday party, a cozy family gathering, or simply need a sweet pick-me-up after a long day, this cake fits the bill, providing rich, moist layers frosted with a decadent chocolate icing that’s sure to bring smiles all around.

What Makes This Recipe Special

This chocolate cake is a masterpiece of simplicity and taste, making it a fantastic choice for bakers of all skill levels. Here are a few reasons why you’ll want to add this recipe to your collection:

Rich and Moist: The combination of boiling water and vegetable oil keeps the cake incredibly moist, ensuring each bite melts in your mouth.
Quick and Easy: With straightforward ingredients easily found in any pantry, this recipe requires minimal prep time and delivers maximum satisfaction.
Kid-Approved: This cake is a favorite among kids (and adults!) alike, making it perfect for birthday parties or family gatherings.

"This is the best chocolate cake I’ve ever made! Moist, rich, and absolutely delicious. My family devoured it within minutes!" – Happy Baker

Preparing Matilda’s Chocolate Cake

If you’re ready to create a chocolate sensation, here’s what to expect in this simple step-by-step approach. We’ll whip up a wonderfully rich cake with an indulgent frosting that satisfies every chocolate craving.

Gather Your Ingredients

Before we roll up our sleeves, let’s ensure you have everything you need to make this decadent treat:

Cake Ingredients:
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- 1 3⁄4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 1⁄2 cups granulated sugar
- 3⁄4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 1⁄2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1 1⁄2 teaspoons baking soda
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup whole milk (can substitute with almond milk for a dairy-free version)
- 1⁄2 cup vegetable oil
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 cup boiling water
Frosting Ingredients:
- 1⁄2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2⁄3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 3 cups powdered sugar
- 1⁄3 cup whole milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Cooking Steps

Now it’s time to dive into the deliciousness. Follow these user-friendly directions to guide you through baking Matilda’s Chocolate Cake:

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans.
In a large bowl, sift together flour, granulated sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
Add eggs, milk, vegetable oil, and vanilla to the dry ingredients. Mix on medium speed for about 2 minutes until well blended.
Carefully stir in the boiling water; expect a thin batter.
Evenly distribute the batter into your prepared pans.
Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then transfer them to wire racks to cool completely.
For the frosting: beat the softened butter until creamy. Gradually mix in cocoa powder, powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla, beating until fluffy.
Once the cakes have cooled, stack them. Spread a layer of frosting on top of the first layer, then place the second layer on top and frost the top and sides of the cake.
Add chocolate shavings or colorful sprinkles for decoration, slice, and enjoy!

Best Way to Serve

This cake can shine in various settings! Here are some serving suggestions:

Slice and Serve: Display your beautiful creation on a decorative cake stand and serve with fresh berries or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for added indulgence.
Pair with Coffee: For adults, it’s perfect with a strong cup of coffee or espresso, elevating the chocolate flavor.
Top it Off: Consider topping each slice with whipped cream or a drizzle of chocolate sauce for a delightful twist.

Keeping Matilda’s Chocolate Cake Fresh Longer

To maintain that irresistible taste and texture, here are some storage tips:

Room Temperature: Keep the cake covered at room temperature for up to 3 days.
Refrigeration: If storing longer, wrap the cake in plastic wrap and place it in the fridge for up to a week.
Freezer Friendly: You can freeze the cake layers for up to 3 months. Just ensure they are well-wrapped and thaw before frosting.

Pro chef tips

Every great baker knows a few helpful hints can make all the difference:

Room Temperature Ingredients: Make sure your eggs and milk are at room temperature before mixing; this helps achieve a smoother batter.
Don’t Overmix: After adding the boiling water, stir just until combined to avoid a tough cake.
Test for Doneness: Use the toothpick method but check at the earlier baking time. Overbaking can lead to dryness.

Creative Twists

Feeling adventurous? Here are ways to customize Matilda’s Chocolate Cake:

Add a Pinch of Espresso: Enhance the chocolate flavor by adding a teaspoon of espresso powder to the dry ingredients.
Fruit Filling: Layer with raspberry or cherry preserves between the cake layers for a fruity surprise.
Vegan Variation: Substitute eggs with applesauce or a flaxseed mixture and use plant-based milk and oil for a vegan version.

FAQ

How long does it take to make Matilda’s Chocolate Cake?

The total preparation and baking time is about 1 hour, with an additional cooling time.

Can I use a different kind of milk?

Yes! You can substitute whole milk with almond, soy, or coconut milk depending on your dietary preferences.

What is the best way to store leftovers?

Keep leftovers covered at room temperature for a few days or refrigerate for longer freshness.

Can I make this cake ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can bake and freeze the layers ahead of time and frost them the day you plan to serve.

Enjoy crafting this delicious Matilda’s Chocolate Cake, and let its charm fill your kitchen with joy and sweetness!

Matilda’s Chocolate Cake

Total Time: 45 minutes
Yield: 8 servings 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

Description

A rich and moist chocolate cake that is perfect for any celebration, featuring layers of decadent chocolate frosting.

Ingredients

Scale

1 3⁄4 cups all-purpose flour
1 1⁄2 cups granulated sugar
3⁄4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
1 1⁄2 teaspoons baking powder
1 1⁄2 teaspoons baking soda
1 teaspoon salt
2 large eggs
1 cup whole milk (or almond milk for dairy-free)
1⁄2 cup vegetable oil
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1 cup boiling water

1⁄2 cup unsalted butter, softened
2⁄3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
3 cups powdered sugar
1⁄3 cup whole milk
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans.
In a large bowl, sift together flour, granulated sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
Add eggs, milk, vegetable oil, and vanilla to the dry ingredients. Mix on medium speed for about 2 minutes until well blended.
Carefully stir in the boiling water; expect a thin batter.
Evenly distribute the batter into your prepared pans.
Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then transfer them to wire racks to cool completely.
For the frosting: Beat the softened butter until creamy. Gradually mix in cocoa powder, powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla, beating until fluffy.
Once the cakes have cooled, stack them. Spread a layer of frosting on top of the first layer, then place the second layer on top and frost the top and sides of the cake.
Add chocolate shavings or colorful sprinkles for decoration, slice, and enjoy!

Notes

For added flavor, consider adding a pinch of espresso powder to the dry ingredients or layering with fruit preserves.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 slice
Calories: 350
Sugar: 30g
Sodium: 300mg
Fat: 15g
Saturated Fat: 9g
Unsaturated Fat: 5g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 45g
Fiber: 3g
Protein: 5g
Cholesterol: 50mg

Keywords: chocolate cake, dessert, birthday cake, delicious, easy baking