If you’ve always dreamed of indulging in the ultimate chocolate fantasy, the Dreamy Moist Matilda Chocolate Cake is about to become your new obsession. This cake is everything a chocolate lover could ever want: deeply chocolaty, outrageously moist, and finished with an irresistibly fluffy chocolate frosting. Inspired by that iconic, movie-worthy slice, this recipe is easy enough for a weeknight craving yet showstopping enough for celebratory occasions. Trust me—you’re in for a slice of pure joy with every forkful!
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of the Dreamy Moist Matilda Chocolate Cake is in its simple yet essential ingredients. Each plays an important part in creating that rich color, decadent texture, and bold flavor you crave in a true chocolate cake.
- All-purpose flour: Provides the perfect structure and softness for that tender crumb.
- Granulated sugar: Sweetens the cake and keeps it moist all the way through.
- Unsweetened cocoa powder: Delivers deep, true chocolate flavor—don’t skimp on the quality!
- Baking powder: Gives the cake its gentle lift and lightness.
- Baking soda: Works with buttermilk to make every bite soft and airy.
- Salt: Enhances all the flavors and balances the sweetness beautifully.
- Buttermilk, room temperature: Adds tang and incredible richness—let it come to room temp for best results.
- Vegetable oil: The secret to unlocking that super-moist crumb you remember from Matilda.
- Large eggs, room temperature: Acts as a binder and helps the cake rise.
- Vanilla extract: Rounds out the flavors and adds warm, aromatic depth.
- Hot water or brewed coffee: Hot liquid “blooms” the cocoa, bringing out a wonderful dark chocolate taste—choose coffee for extra richness (don’t worry, you won’t taste the coffee itself).
- Unsalted butter, softened (for frosting): Forms the luscious, creamy foundation for the frosting.
- Unsweetened cocoa powder (for frosting): Intensifies the chocolatey goodness in every swoop of frosting.
- Powdered sugar (for frosting): Sweetens and thickens the frosting to cloud-like perfection.
- Heavy cream (for frosting): Makes the frosting ultra-smooth and spreadable—add extra for a silkier texture if needed!
- Vanilla extract (for frosting): Gives the frosting a delicious, rounded flavor.
- Salt (for frosting): Just a touch makes all the difference, keeping the frosting balanced and never too sweet.
How to Make Dreamy Moist Matilda Chocolate Cake
Step 1: Prep Your Pans and Preheat the Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease two 9-inch round cake pans and line the bottoms with parchment paper for easy release. A little love here ensures your layers come out perfectly intact, ready to stack high and proud.
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, granulated sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Taking a moment to really blend these ingredients means every bite will have consistent flavor and a melt-in-your-mouth crumb.
Step 3: Add the Wet Ingredients
To the dry mix, add the buttermilk, vegetable oil, eggs, and vanilla extract. Whisk or mix until everything is combined, being sure not to overmix—just until it’s all smooth and glossy. This step creates that cake batter magic, promising your Dreamy Moist Matilda Chocolate Cake will live up to its name.
Step 4: Incorporate the Hot Water or Coffee
Carefully pour in the hot water or brewed coffee, mixing on low speed. Your batter will thin out and look a bit runny—don’t worry, that’s exactly what you want for the moistest cake possible! The heat brings out the depth of the chocolate, giving this cake its movie-star flavor.
Step 5: Bake the Cakes
Divide the batter evenly between your prepared pans and bake for 30 to 35 minutes. Keep an eye out for edges that pull slightly from the pan and a toothpick inserted in the center that comes out with a few moist crumbs attached. Cool the cakes in their pans for 10 minutes, then turn them out onto a wire rack to cool completely.
Step 6: Make the Chocolate Frosting
While your cakes cool, beat the softened butter and cocoa powder together in a large bowl until creamy. Gradually add the powdered sugar, alternating with splashes of heavy cream, until the mixture is perfectly fluffy. Finish with vanilla extract and salt for that swoon-worthy taste—and add a little more cream if you want it extra silky.
Step 7: Frost and Assemble Your Cake
Place one cooled cake layer on your serving plate, spread a generous layer of chocolate frosting over the top, and set the second layer above it. Use the remaining frosting to coat the top and sides of the entire cake. Don’t be shy—this is the time for big swoops and dramatic swirls!
Step 8: Serve with Joy
Slice your masterpiece and serve with a cold glass of milk—just like the most unforgettable scene from Matilda. Get ready for wide eyes, big smiles, and lots of happy sighs!
How to Serve Dreamy Moist Matilda Chocolate Cake
Garnishes
This cake is showstopping on its own, but a few simple garnishes can elevate your Dreamy Moist Matilda Chocolate Cake to new heights. Sprinkle with chocolate shavings, a dusting of cocoa powder, or top with fresh raspberries for a pop of color and tang.
Side Dishes
For the ultimate dessert experience, serve each slice with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream or a generous dollop of freshly whipped cream. A glass of icy-cold milk is an iconic pairing, but coffee or espresso also bring out the chocolate notes beautifully.
Creative Ways to Present
To make things extra special, consider layering the cake into individual mason jars for portable treats, or transform leftovers into chocolate cake trifles with whipped cream and berries. For birthdays and parties, finish with rainbow sprinkles or edible gold stars to really embrace the spirit of fun.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep any leftover Dreamy Moist Matilda Chocolate Cake covered at room temperature for up to two days. Beyond that, move it to the refrigerator—just be sure to let it come to room temperature before serving for the softest texture.
Freezing
You can definitely freeze this cake for future cravings! Slice and wrap individual pieces tightly in plastic wrap, then pop them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll keep for up to 3 months—just thaw overnight in the fridge when you’re ready for your next chocolate fix.
Reheating
While this cake is delicious straight from the fridge, a few seconds in the microwave will soften it up and give you that just-baked warmth. Heat slices in short bursts and serve with an extra drizzle of cream or chocolate sauce if you’re feeling indulgent.
FAQs
Can I use Dutch process cocoa instead of regular?
Absolutely! Dutch process cocoa will make the cake even deeper and richer in color, lending a slightly smoother chocolate flavor. Just be sure to use high-quality cocoa, whichever type Dessert.
What if I don’t have buttermilk?
No worries—simply add 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar to a measuring cup, then fill with milk to make 1 cup. Let it sit for five minutes and you have an easy buttermilk substitute for your Dreamy Moist Matilda Chocolate Cake.
Do I need to use coffee? Will my cake taste like coffee?
Coffee amps up the chocolate flavor without making your cake taste like coffee. However, if you prefer not to use it, hot water works perfectly too—your cake will still be decadent and delicious.
How do I keep my cake layers from sticking to the pans?
Grease your pans thoroughly and line each bottom with a round of parchment paper. This creates a nonstick barrier so your Dreamy Moist Matilda Chocolate Cake releases without any stress.
Can this recipe be made into cupcakes?
Yes! Divide the batter among lined cupcake tins, filling each about two-thirds full. Bake at the same temperature for 18 to 22 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with a few moist crumbs.
Final Thoughts
If you’re searching for that chocolate cake to end all chocolate cakes, look no further—the Dreamy Moist Matilda Chocolate Cake really is what dessert dreams are made of. I hope you treat yourself and your loved ones to a slice (or two!), and that it brings big, chocolatey smiles all around. Happy baking!
