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Matilda’s Chocolate Cake

A rich, moist chocolate cake inspired by the iconic scene from Matilda, with layers of decadent fudge frosting.
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Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 35 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 30 minutes
Servings: 12 slices
Course: Dessert, Snack
Cuisine: American, Autumn
Calories: 550
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Cake Batter
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 2 cups granulated sugar
  • 0.75 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 2 tsp baking powder
  • 1.5 tsp baking soda
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1 tsp espresso powder optional
  • 1 cup buttermilk at room temperature
  • 0.5 cup vegetable oil
  • 2 large eggs at room temperature
  • 2 tsp pure vanilla extract
  • 1 cup hot coffee or hot water
Chocolate Fudge Frosting
  • 1.5 cups unsalted butter softened
  • 1 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 5 cups powdered sugar
  • 0.5 cup milk
  • 2 tsp pure vanilla extract
  • 0.25 tsp salt

Equipment

  • Mixing bowls
  • Cake pans
  • Wire rack
  • Hand mixer or stand mixer

Method
 

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour three 9-inch round cake pans, line bottoms with parchment.
  2. Sift together flour, sugar, cocoa, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and espresso powder in a large bowl.
  3. Whisk buttermilk, oil, eggs, and vanilla in another bowl until combined.
  4. Gradually add wet mixture to dry, mixing on low until incorporated.
  5. Slowly pour in hot coffee while mixing; batter will be thin. Divide among pans.
  6. Bake 30-35 minutes until toothpick comes out clean. Cool in pans 10 minutes, then on wire racks.
  7. For frosting: Beat butter until creamy. Sift in cocoa and powdered sugar alternately with milk.
  8. Add vanilla and salt; beat until fluffy. Assemble cake layers with frosting, then frost exterior.

Notes

For best results, use room-temperature ingredients and don't overbake for moist crumb.