Matilda Chocolate Cake Recipe: How to Make the Perfect Cake

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Welcome to the ultimate guide for creating the most decadent chocolate cake Matilda would absolutely adore. This legendary chocolate cake has been cherished by fans since the 1996 film. It’s more than just a dessert; it’s a culinary adventure that brings Roald Dahl’s beloved story to life.

The Matilda cake is not just another chocolate cake. It’s a rich, moist masterpiece with an irresistible fudgy frosting. This frosting will transport you straight into the world of Bruce Bogtrotter’s memorable chocolate cake scene. Whether you’re a die-hard fan of the movie or simply a chocolate lover, this recipe promises to deliver pure indulgence.

Table of Contents

Key Takeaways

Recreate the iconic chocolate cake from the Matilda movie
Learn professional baking techniques for a moist chocolate cake
Discover the secret to perfect fudgy frosting
Understand the importance of ingredient quality and measurements
Create a dessert that celebrates culinary creativity

Why This Cake Became a Cultural Phenomenon

The chocolate cake from Matilda is special for many reasons:

Unprecedented size (18 inches across)
Rich chocolate flavor using 225 grams of semisweet chocolate
Decadent ingredients including 170 grams of unsalted butter
Emotional storytelling connected to the scene.

Whether you love the book, movie, or just chocolate cake, Matilda’s cake inspires everyone. It’s a favorite among bakers and food lovers globally.

Essential Ingredients for the Perfect Chocolate Cake

To make a chocolate cake that Matilda would love, start with the right ingredients. The secret to this legendary dessert is in its special ingredients. They turn a simple recipe into a masterpiece.

Dutch-Processed Cocoa Powder: The Flavor Foundation

The heart of a great Matilda cake is its cocoa powder. Dutch-processed cocoa gives a rich, deep chocolate flavor. It’s different from natural cocoa because it’s treated to remove acidity. This makes the chocolate taste smoother and more intense.

Choose high-quality Dutch-processed cocoa
Look for a deep, dark color
Ensure smooth, fine texture

Sugar and Fat: The Moisture Makers

Your chocolate cake Matilda will be amazing with the right sugar mix. A mix of white and brown sugars adds depth and moisture. Vegetable oil makes the cake tender and soft.

Use 2⅓ cups of mixed sugars
Combine white and brown sugar
Select high-quality vegetable oil

Secret Ingredients for Maximum Moisture

The secret to a memorable Matilda cake is in its moisture. Buttermilk and sour cream make each bite soft and rich.

Add buttermilk for tenderness
Include sour cream for richness
Ensure ingredients are room temperature

By picking these ingredients carefully, you’ll make a chocolate cake that would impress Bruce Bogtrotter!

Key Equipment and Preparation Steps

To make the perfect Matilda cake, you need the right tools and preparation. Before starting, gather the necessary equipment and learn the key steps.

Essential Baking Equipment

Three 8-inch round cake pans
Large mixing bowls
Electric mixer or stand mixer
Kitchen scale for precise measurements
Whisk
Rubber spatula
Cooling rack
Offset spatula for frosting

The Matilda cake recipe needs precision. A kitchen scale is key for the right texture. Measuring ingredients by weight ensures consistent results every time. Professional bakers know accuracy is crucial for a stunning chocolate cake.

Preparation Techniques

Bring all ingredients to room temperature
Prepare cake pans by greasing and flouring
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit
Sift dry ingredients to remove lumps
Use room-temperature eggs for better incorporation

When preparing the Matilda cake, focus on ingredient temperatures. Room-temperature ingredients mix better, making the batter uniform. This method helps you get the moist, rich texture that makes this cake famous.

Pro tip: Line your cake pans with parchment paper for easy removal and perfect cake layers. This extra step ensures your Matilda cake will look as amazing as it tastes.

The Ultimate Chocolate Cake Matilda Recipe

Get ready to make the famous chocolate cake Matilda that won hearts everywhere. This recipe will give you a rich, moist chocolate cake that Bruce Bogtrotter would be proud of!

Precise Mixing Techniques

To make the perfect chocolate cake Matilda, you need to prepare your ingredients carefully. Here’s how to mix them:

Sift 240g all-purpose flour with 70g unsweetened cocoa powder
Combine 400g granulated sugar with dry ingredients
Whisk 2 large eggs until light and fluffy
Gradually add 240ml buttermilk and 120ml vegetable oil
Add 180ml hot brewed coffee for deep chocolate flavor

Baking Temperature and Timing

For your Matilda cake recipe, precision is key. Follow these important baking steps:

Preheat oven to 180°C (350°F)
Prepare two 8-inch cake pans with parchment paper
Bake for exactly 30 minutes
Check if it’s done by inserting a toothpick—it should come out clean.

Cooling Process Tips

The final step of your chocolate cake Matilda is crucial for texture and flavor. Let the cakes cool completely before frosting. Pro tip: Let layers rest at room temperature for 30-45 minutes to achieve optimal moisture and consistency.

Your rich and indulgent Matilda-inspired chocolate cake is ready to wow and satisfy!

Creating the Perfect Chocolate Fudge Frosting

Making the ultimate chocolate fudge frosting for your Matilda cake is all about precision. It’s about using the right ingredients. This frosting turns a simple chocolate cake into a showstopper, just like Bruce Bogtrotter’s.

For the Matilda cake recipe’s chocolate fudge frosting, you’ll need these essential ingredients:

300g dark chocolate, melted
8 oz (226g) cream cheese, softened
1 cup (100g) powdered sugar
1¼ cups chilled heavy cream
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Begin by melting the dark chocolate carefully.You can melt it using a double boiler or the microwave in short intervals. Stir often to avoid burning. The chocolate should be smooth and glossy for the best Matilda cake frosting.

Whip the cream cheese until it becomes light and fluffy. Gradually add powdered sugar, mixing until fully combined. Gently fold in the melted chocolate to keep the texture smooth. Whip the heavy cream until stiff peaks form, then fold it into the chocolate mixture.

Pro tip: Let the frosting cool for 30 minutes at room temperature. This makes it perfect for spreading. Your Matilda cake will look like it was made by a pro, and it will taste amazing too.

Remember to store any leftover frosting in an airtight container in the fridge. When you’re ready to use it, let it sit at room temperature for 10-15 minutes. This will soften it slightly.

Expert Tips for Assembly and Decoration

When making the Matilda chocolate cake, being precise is key. Start by leveling each cake layer for a flat surface. Use a long serrated knife to trim any domed tops, making sure they’re even.

Chill your cake layers before frosting them. Put them in the fridge for about 30 minutes to firm up. This step keeps crumbs out of your frosting, giving you a smooth finish. A clean, polished look is essential for this iconic dessert.

The crumb coat is a pro trick for a flawless cake. Apply a thin layer of frosting over the cake to seal in the crumbs. Chill for 15 minutes, then add the final frosting layer. Use an offset spatula for smooth strokes. You can also add decorative swirls or patterns to make it special.

Keep your Matilda cake in the fridge, but let it sit at room temperature for 30 minutes before serving. This lets the flavors meld and the frosting soften. Each slice will be as delightful as the legendary cake in the story.

FAQ

What makes the Matilda chocolate cake different from other chocolate cakes?

The Matilda chocolate cake is special because of its moist texture and deep cocoa flavor. It has a fudge frosting that’s rich and decadent. Unlike other cakes, it uses oil, buttermilk, and sour cream for a tender and flavorful treat.

Is this cake suitable for beginner bakers, or is it challenging to make?

You don’t need fancy equipment, but some tools are helpful. A kitchen scale, two 9-inch pans, an electric mixer, and an oven thermometer are recommended. These tools help you get the cake’s signature texture and even baking.

Can I substitute ingredients in the Matilda chocolate cake recipe?

Some substitutions are okay, but they might change the cake’s taste and texture. Dutch-processed cocoa is key and can’t be swapped with natural cocoa. You can use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream, but keep the fat and moisture levels similar.

How long does the Matilda chocolate cake remain fresh?

The cake stays fresh for 3-4 days in an airtight container at room temperature. It can last up to 5-6 days in the fridge. For the best taste, let the cake come to room temperature before serving.

What’s the secret to the cake’s incredibly moist texture?

The cake’s moisture comes from vegetable oil, buttermilk, sour cream, and careful mixing. These ingredients create a tender crumb that stays moist for days.

How much chocolate is in the frosting?

The frosting is made with melted dark chocolate, cocoa powder, cream cheese, and heavy cream. This mix creates a smooth, intensely chocolatey frosting that matches the cake’s flavor perfectly.