Matilda Chocolate Cake (Print Layout)

Rich, moist chocolate cake with decadent frosting inspired by the beloved classic film.

# What You Need:

→ Cake Components

01 - 2 cups all-purpose flour
02 - 2 cups granulated sugar
03 - ¾ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
04 - 1½ teaspoons baking powder
05 - 1½ teaspoons baking soda
06 - 1 teaspoon salt
07 - 2 large eggs, room temperature
08 - 1 cup whole milk
09 - ½ cup vegetable oil
10 - 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
11 - 1 cup boiling water

→ Chocolate Frosting

12 - 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
13 - ¾ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
14 - 3½ cups powdered sugar
15 - ¼ cup whole milk, plus extra if needed
16 - 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
17 - Pinch of salt

# Directions:

01 - Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans, line bottoms with parchment paper.
02 - Sift together flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt in a large mixing bowl.
03 - Add eggs, milk, oil, and vanilla to the dry mixture. Beat on medium speed for 2 minutes until fully incorporated.
04 - Stir in boiling water gradually. The batter will appear thin—this creates the signature moist texture.
05 - Divide batter evenly between prepared pans. Bake for 30 to 35 minutes until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
06 - Let cakes rest in pans for 10 minutes, then invert onto wire racks. Cool completely before frosting, approximately 1 hour.
07 - Beat softened butter in a large bowl until creamy and light, about 2 minutes. Sift in cocoa powder and mix until smooth.
08 - Add powdered sugar in three additions, alternating with milk. Beat between additions until fluffy and spreadable.
09 - Mix in vanilla extract and salt. Beat on high speed for 1 additional minute for light, airy texture.
10 - Place first cake layer on serving plate. Spread generous frosting layer to edges. Top with second cake layer.
11 - Apply remaining frosting to top and sides. Create signature swoops with offset spatula for the classic Matilda appearance.

# Expert Suggestions:

01 -
  • The boiling water trick creates the most tender crumb youve ever experienced
  • This frosting is so good youll catch yourself eating it straight from the bowl
  • Its the cake that makes people pause and ask what your secret ingredient is
02 -
  • That terrifyingly thin batter after adding boiling water is completely normal and essential for the moist texture
  • Let the cakes cool completely before frosting or your masterpiece will slide right off the sides
  • Room temperature ingredients blend together more seamlessly creating a smoother final result
03 -
  • Weighing your ingredients instead of using cups will give you more consistent results every time
  • Sifting the powdered sugar before adding to the frosting prevents any gritty texture in the final product

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