Matilda Cake 🍫🍰

If you’ve ever dreamed of recreating the iconic, rich chocolate cake made famous by the beloved movie, this Matilda Cake is the recipe you’ve been waiting for. Featuring ultra-moist chocolate cake layers and a silky, decadent chocolate ganache filling, this show-stopping dessert is every chocolate lover’s fantasy. Deep cocoa flavor, tender crumb, and luscious frosting come together to create a bakery-quality cake that’s perfect for birthdays, celebrations, or whenever you’re craving the ultimate chocolate indulgence.

This homemade Matilda Cake is rich, fudgy, and surprisingly easy to make with simple pantry ingredients.

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Why You’ll Love This Matilda Cake

This cake is everything a chocolate dessert should be.

Incredibly Moist

Buttermilk and hot coffee create an ultra-soft crumb.

Rich Chocolate Flavor

Dutch-process cocoa and chocolate ganache deliver deep, intense flavor.

Bakery-Style Dessert

Perfect for birthdays, holidays, and special occasions.

Easy to Make

Simple ingredients with impressive results.

Chocolate Lover’s Dream

Every layer is packed with rich chocolate goodness.

What Does Matilda Cake Taste Like?

Matilda Cake is intensely chocolatey with a soft, tender crumb and a smooth, fudgy ganache filling. The hot coffee enhances the cocoa flavor without making the cake taste like coffee, while the buttery ganache creates a luxurious finish.

It’s rich, moist, and wonderfully indulgent.

Benefits of Making Matilda Cake

Perfect Celebration Cake

Ideal for birthdays and special occasions.

Make-Ahead Friendly

The cake tastes even better after chilling.

Beginner-Friendly

Straightforward instructions make it easy for home bakers.

Freezer-Friendly

Bake the layers in advance and freeze until ready to assemble.

Ingredients

For the Chocolate Cake

• 1½ cups all-purpose flour (180g)
• 1 cup granulated sugar (200g)
• ½ cup Dutch-process cocoa powder (50g)
• 1½ teaspoons baking soda
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• ¾ cup buttermilk (180ml)
• 2 large eggs
• ⅔ cup vegetable oil (160ml)
• 2 tablespoons vanilla extract
• ½ cup hot coffee (120ml)

For the Chocolate Ganache Filling

• 1 cup heavy cream (240ml)
• 2 cups chocolate chips or finely chopped chocolate (340g)
• ½ cup granulated sugar (100g)
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter (28g)

Optional Garnishes

• Chocolate curls
• Chocolate shavings
• Fresh berries
• Cocoa powder
• Flaky sea salt

Kitchen Tools You’ll Need

Essential Equipment

• Two 6-inch cake pans or one 8-inch cake pan
• Mixing bowls
• Electric mixer or whisk
• Rubber spatula
• Cooling rack
• Offset spatula

Ingredient Additions and Substitutions

Customize this cake with your favorite flavors.

Chocolate Options

Use:

• Dark chocolate
• Semi-sweet chocolate
• Milk chocolate

Flavor Enhancers

Add:

• Espresso powder
• Almond extract
• Cinnamon
• Orange zest

Extra Fillings

Layer with:

• Chocolate mousse
• Raspberry preserves
• Salted caramel
• Fresh strawberries

How to Make Matilda Cake

This rich chocolate cake comes together in a few easy steps.

Step 1: Prepare the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).

Grease and line two 6-inch cake pans or one 8-inch cake pan with parchment paper.

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a large bowl, whisk together:

• Flour
• Sugar
• Dutch-process cocoa powder
• Baking soda
• Baking powder

Step 3: Add the Wet Ingredients

Add:

• Buttermilk
• Eggs
• Vegetable oil
• Vanilla extract
• Hot coffee

Mix until the batter is smooth and well combined.

Step 4: Bake

Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans.

Bake for 30–35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

Cool the cakes in the pans for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

Step 5: Prepare the Chocolate Ganache

Heat the heavy cream in a saucepan until it just begins to steam.

Pour the hot cream over the chocolate.

Let sit for 2 minutes.

Add:

• Sugar
• Butter

Stir until smooth, glossy, and fully combined.

Allow the ganache to cool until it reaches a spreadable consistency.

Step 6: Assemble the Cake

Place one cake layer on a serving plate.

Spread a generous layer of chocolate ganache over the top.

Add the second cake layer and cover the top and sides with the remaining ganache.

Decorate with chocolate curls or shavings if desired.

What to Serve with Matilda Cake

This decadent dessert pairs perfectly with:

Favorite Pairings

• Vanilla ice cream
• Fresh raspberries
• Strawberries
• Whipped cream
• Hot coffee
• Espresso
• Cold milk

Storage Instructions

Room Temperature

Store covered for up to 2 days.

Refrigerator

Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.

Bring to room temperature before serving for the best texture.

Freezer

Freeze the unfrosted cake layers for up to 3 months.

Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and foil before freezing.

General Information

Inspired by the unforgettable chocolate cake from the classic Matilda story, this cake has become a favorite among chocolate lovers for its incredibly moist texture and rich ganache. The addition of hot coffee intensifies the chocolate flavor without overpowering it, creating a deeply satisfying dessert that’s perfect for any celebration.

Nutritional Information

Approximate values per serving (based on 12 servings):

• Calories: 525
• Protein: 6g
• Carbohydrates: 52g
• Fat: 34g
• Saturated Fat: 14g
• Fiber: 3g
• Sugar: 37g
• Sodium: 220mg

Nutrition values are approximate and may vary depending on the ingredients used.

Conclusion

This Matilda Cake is everything a chocolate lover could ask for—deep, rich cocoa flavor, an incredibly moist crumb, and a silky chocolate ganache that takes every bite over the top. Whether you’re celebrating a birthday, hosting a special gathering, or simply treating yourself, this unforgettable cake is guaranteed to impress.

If you make this recipe, leave a review and share your photos on Pinterest so others can enjoy this rich and decadent chocolate masterpiece!

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