Matilda Style Chocolate Cake

Highlighted under: Baking & Desserts

Experience pure bliss with this decadent Matilda Style Chocolate Cake recipe that transforms rich flavors into an unforgettable dessert. This moist, luscious cake is layered with chocolate ganache and topped with a silky frosting, making it the perfect centerpiece for your Thanksgiving feast. Delight your family and friends with a slice of nostalgia that brings back the magic of childhood.

Talia Preston

Created by

Talia Preston

Last updated on 2025-12-01T14:04:06.922Z

This Matilda Style Chocolate Cake is not just a dessert; it’s a memory that transports you back to the whimsical world of childhood. Each bite reveals layers of rich chocolate flavor that will leave you and your guests wanting more.

The Joy of Baking

Baking is more than just a method of cooking; it's an experience that evokes nostalgia and creativity. When you mix ingredients together, you are not just preparing a dessert; you are creating memories. The aroma of chocolate wafting through your kitchen can transport you back to your childhood, where every bite feels like a warm hug. This Matilda Style Chocolate Cake is designed to bring that magic back, inviting you to savor each moment spent in the kitchen, making it an enriching activity for both novice and experienced bakers alike.

As you embark on this baking adventure, remember that each step is essential, from measuring out your ingredients to the final decorative touches. Embrace the process—don't rush. Allow yourself the joy of experimenting, whether that's adding a pinch more cocoa for extra richness or choosing to decorate with sprinkles for a fun twist. The joy of baking lies in the freedom to express yourself and the satisfaction that comes from creating something truly delicious.

Chocolate: A Love Affair

Chocolate is universally adored and has a special place in the hearts of many. It’s more than just a flavor; it’s an experience that can elevate a simple dessert into something extraordinary. The deep, rich taste of chocolate offers layers of complexity that can dance on your palate. When crafting the perfect chocolate cake, ensuring the right balance of cocoa powder and sweetness is key to achieving that memorable taste. This recipe pays homage to that balance, making it a go-to for chocolate lovers everywhere.

Furthermore, dark chocolate is known for its health benefits—when enjoyed in moderation, it can enhance mood and potentially improve heart health. By incorporating high-quality chocolate in your baking, you’re not just treating your taste buds; you’re also indulging in a bit of self-care. So, let your love for chocolate blossom with this cake, and invite your loved ones to share in the experience of delight with each slice.

Perfect for Any Occasion

This Matilda Style Chocolate Cake is not just a feast for the senses; it is incredibly versatile and suitable for various occasions. Whether it’s a birthday party, holiday gathering, or just a cozy family dinner, this decadent dessert can easily become the star of the table. Its rich flavors and beautiful layers evoke excitement, making it an impressive centerpiece that’s sure to leave a lasting impression. Celebrations feel even more special with a cake that embodies comfort and joy, as this one beautifully does.

Moreover, part of what makes this cake special is its adaptability. You can personalize it by adding your twist, whether that means including a raspberry layer for a fruity punch or serving it with a side of vanilla ice cream. The possibilities are endless, allowing you to cater to your guests' tastes and make every occasion truly unique. With this cake, you can create a memorable dessert experience that keeps your loved ones talking long after the last slice is enjoyed.

Ingredients

Ingredients

Gather the following ingredients to create this delightful cake.

Cake Ingredients

  • 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
  • 3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 2 cups sugar
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 cup whole milk
  • 1/2 cup vegetable oil
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • 1 cup boiling water

Ganache Ingredients

  • 8 ounces semi-sweet chocolate, chopped
  • 1 cup heavy cream

Frosting Ingredients

  • 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 3 1/2 cups powdered sugar
  • 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 1/4 cup heavy cream
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Make sure to measure your ingredients correctly for the best results.

Instructions

Instructions

Follow these steps to bake and frost your cake.

Prepare the Cake Batter

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans. In a large bowl, combine flour, cocoa powder, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Mix well.

Add eggs, milk, oil, and vanilla to the dry ingredients, and mix until smooth. Carefully stir in boiling water.

Pour the batter evenly into the prepared pans.

Bake the Cakes

Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean. Allow the cakes to cool in the pans for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

Make the Ganache

For the ganache, heat the heavy cream in a small saucepan until simmering. Pour it over the chopped chocolate in a bowl and let it sit for a few minutes. Stir until smooth and let cool slightly.

Make the Frosting

In a large bowl, beat the softened butter until creamy. Gradually add powdered sugar and cocoa powder, then mix in heavy cream and vanilla. Beat until fluffy.

Assemble the Cake

Place one cake layer on a serving plate, spread a layer of ganache over it, and then top with the second layer. Frost the top and sides with chocolate frosting.

Serve and Enjoy

Slice your Matilda Style Chocolate Cake and serve to your delighted guests!

Enjoy your homemade Matilda Style Chocolate Cake!

Baking Tips for Success

To ensure your Matilda Style Chocolate Cake turns out perfectly every time, start by measuring your ingredients accurately. Use a kitchen scale for precision when measuring flour and sugar, as even slight variations can impact the cake's texture. Additionally, be sure to use room temperature ingredients, particularly eggs and milk, as they blend better with the dry ingredients, contributing to a lighter, fluffier cake.

When it comes to mixing, avoid overmixing your batter. Once you've combined your wet and dry ingredients, mix just until no streaks remain. Overmixing can lead to a dense and tough cake, which you definitely want to avoid. Lastly, always check your cakes for doneness a few minutes early, as oven temperatures can vary. Insert a toothpick in the center, and if it comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs, your cake is ready to be taken out.

Storing and Serving Suggestions

After you've baked and frosted your Matilda Style Chocolate Cake, you may wonder how to best store the leftovers. Ideally, keep the cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. If you need to store it longer, refrigerate it, where it can last up to a week. Make sure it’s properly covered to prevent it from drying out and losing its wonderful moisture.

When serving your cake, consider topping it with fresh berries or a drizzle of caramel for an added touch of elegance. This is also a great opportunity to introduce a scoop of vanilla ice cream on the side, balancing the rich flavors with a cold, creamy contrast. For gatherings, pre-slicing the cake can be a thoughtful way to help guests enjoy it without the hassle of cutting pieces themselves, making your celebrations even smoother!

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Questions About Recipes

→ Can I make this cake ahead of time?

Yes, you can bake the cake layers in advance and store them in the fridge for up to 2 days before assembling.

→ How do I store leftovers?

Store any leftover cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.

Matilda Style Chocolate Cake

Experience pure bliss with this decadent Matilda Style Chocolate Cake recipe that transforms rich flavors into an unforgettable dessert. This moist, luscious cake is layered with chocolate ganache and topped with a silky frosting, making it the perfect centerpiece for your Thanksgiving feast. Delight your family and friends with a slice of nostalgia that brings back the magic of childhood.

Prep Time20.0
Cooking Duration30.0
Overall Time50.0

Created by: Talia Preston

Recipe Type: Baking & Desserts

Skill Level: Intermediate

Final Quantity: 12.0

What You'll Need

Cake Ingredients

  1. 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
  2. 3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
  3. 2 cups sugar
  4. 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
  5. 1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda
  6. 1 teaspoon salt
  7. 2 large eggs
  8. 1 cup whole milk
  9. 1/2 cup vegetable oil
  10. 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
  11. 1 cup boiling water

Ganache Ingredients

  1. 8 ounces semi-sweet chocolate, chopped
  2. 1 cup heavy cream

Frosting Ingredients

  1. 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
  2. 3 1/2 cups powdered sugar
  3. 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
  4. 1/4 cup heavy cream
  5. 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

How-To Steps

Step 01

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans. In a large bowl, combine flour, cocoa powder, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Mix well.

Add eggs, milk, oil, and vanilla to the dry ingredients, and mix until smooth. Carefully stir in boiling water.

Pour the batter evenly into the prepared pans.

Step 02

Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean. Allow the cakes to cool in the pans for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

Step 03

For the ganache, heat the heavy cream in a small saucepan until simmering. Pour it over the chopped chocolate in a bowl and let it sit for a few minutes. Stir until smooth and let cool slightly.

Step 04

In a large bowl, beat the softened butter until creamy. Gradually add powdered sugar and cocoa powder, then mix in heavy cream and vanilla. Beat until fluffy.

Step 05

Place one cake layer on a serving plate, spread a layer of ganache over it, and then top with the second layer. Frost the top and sides with chocolate frosting.

Step 06

Slice your Matilda Style Chocolate Cake and serve to your delighted guests!

Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)

  • Total Fat: 18g
  • Saturated Fat: 10g
  • Cholesterol: 45mg
  • Sodium: 260mg
  • Total Carbohydrates: 52g
  • Dietary Fiber: 3g
  • Sugars: 38g
  • Protein: 4g