There’s something undeniably magical about a perfect chocolate cake. It’s the kind of dessert that can turn an ordinary day into a celebration, bring smiles to faces of all ages, and create memories that last a lifetime. And when it comes to iconic chocolate cakes, few are as legendary as the Matilda Chocolate Cake—a cake that embodies pure indulgence and childhood nostalgia.
This is more than just a dessert; it’s a trip back to simpler times when the joy of chocolate could make everything right. Inspired by that unforgettable scene from the movie where a single slice was enough to captivate an entire generation, this cake promises to do the same for you. Rich, moist, and unapologetically chocolatey, it’s the kind of cake you’ll find yourself coming back to time and time again. Each bite is a reminder of why we love chocolate so much—its comforting sweetness, its luxurious depth, and its ability to bring people together.
I’ve spent countless hours perfecting this recipe, determined to recreate that same mouthwatering moment of joy. And now, I’m excited to share with you the ultimate chocolate cake experience—the cake that will satisfy your deepest chocolate cravings and warm your heart. It’s time to bake, indulge, and savor every luscious bite. This is the chocolate cake you’ve been dreaming of, the one you’ll proudly serve at every family gathering, knowing it’s bound to be the star of the show. Welcome to chocolate paradise.
Key Ingredients
- Cocoa Powder – Provides the rich, chocolatey base for both the cake and the glaze.
- Cake Flour – Ensures a light, tender crumb with a smooth texture.
- Egg Yolks & Whites – Egg yolks add richness, while whipped egg whites create a light, fluffy structure.
- Cooking Oil – Keeps the cake moist and enhances the chocolate flavor without overpowering it.
- Starch Syrup (or Honey) – Adds a subtle sweetness and helps maintain the cake’s moisture.
- Sugar – Sweetens the cake and balances the cocoa’s natural bitterness.
- Vanilla Extract – Enhances the overall flavor, giving the cake a warm, aromatic note.
- Butter – Contributes to the glaze’s creamy, melt-in-your-mouth texture.
- Milk & Sweetened Whipped Cream – Add moisture and softness to the cake and glaze, creating a smooth, creamy finish.
- Dark & Milk Chocolate – The stars of the glaze, providing depth and a luxurious chocolate
Top 5 reasons why this Matilda Chocolate Cake is the best:
After countless trials and tweaks—especially when it came to getting the frosting just right—I’m thrilled to say this recipe is everything a chocolate lover dreams of:
- Pure Chocolate Taste
This cake is all about chocolate—luxurious, intense, and true to its flavor. You won’t be overwhelmed by sugar or diluted cocoa powder; every bite is rich and chocolatey in the best way possible. - Incredibly Moist and Light
Achieving a cake that’s moist yet airy is no small feat, but this recipe nails it. The balance is perfect—each forkful melts in your mouth without feeling dense or heavy, making it easy to go back for a second (or third) slice. - Perfectly Creamy and Smooth Filling
The chocolate cream filling is a game-changer. It’s velvety and luscious, with just the right amount of sweetness to contrast with the dark chocolate glaze, creating a harmony of textures that makes this cake stand out. - Glossy and Easy-to-Make Frosting
The frosting isn’t just about looks, though it does give the cake that stunning, shiny finish. It’s all about flavor—rich, deep chocolate that stays soft and spreadable. It’s fuss-free and turns out perfect every single time. - No Complicated Techniques or Ingredients
This cake is a showstopper without any unnecessary fuss. It’s made with simple, accessible ingredients and straightforward steps, making it achievable for bakers of all skill levels. If you’ve ever hesitated to bake a chocolate cake from scratch, this is the one that will change your mind.
How To Make Matilda Chocolate Cake
Preparing the Cocoa Mixture : In a large bowl, add the cocoa powder and a pinch of salt. Then, pour in the cooking oil, milk, and 20 g of starch syrup (or honey). Mix well until all ingredients are fully combined. Sift the mixture through a sieve to remove any lumps and set aside.
Preparing the Egg Yolks : Separate the egg yolks from the whites and place the yolks in a bowl. Add a few drops of vanilla extract and 30 g of sugar. Whisk until the mixture is pale and frothy.
Incorporating the Cocoa Mixture : Gently fold the prepared cocoa mixture into the beaten egg yolk mixture. Use a spatula to fold carefully, maintaining the lightness of the batter.
Adding the Dry Ingredients : Sift the cake flour into the batter. Then, carefully fold in the cocoa mixture in several parts, making sure not to overmix to keep the batter light and airy.
Preparing the Chocolate Glaze : In a microwave-safe bowl, add 100 g of milk chocolate and 150 g of dark chocolate in pieces. Add a pinch of salt, 20 g of starch syrup, 50 g of butter, and 200 g of sweetened whipped cream. Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval, until the chocolate and butter are fully melted and the mixture is smooth. Mix well and refrigerate for 2 to 3 hours.
Baking the Cake : Pour the batter into a prepared cake pan (lined with parchment paper or greased). Bake in a preheated oven at 170°C (340°F) for 20 to 25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let the cake cool completely before removing it from the pan and assembling.
Tips to Perfect This “Matilda” Chocolate Cake
Here are some expert tips to help you achieve the ultimate Matilda Chocolate Cake every time:
- Use Room Temperature Ingredients
Ensure that your eggs, butter, and any refrigerated ingredients are at room temperature before starting. This makes it easier to mix the batter evenly and helps create a smooth, lump-free texture for the cake. - Whip the Egg Whites to Firm Peaks
For the perfect light and fluffy texture, whip the egg whites until they form firm, glossy peaks. This step is crucial for giving the cake its airy structure. Gently fold the whites into the batter in stages to avoid deflating them, preserving the fluffiness. - Don’t Overmix the Batter
When incorporating the dry ingredients and cocoa mixture, mix gently just until everything is combined. Overmixing can lead to a dense and heavy cake, so use a light hand to keep the batter airy. - Let the Cake Cool Completely Before Frosting
Allow the cake layers to cool fully on a wire rack before you start assembling. A warm cake can cause the frosting to melt and slide, so patience is key. Once cooled, cut the layers evenly to make sure the filling and glaze are distributed smoothly. - Soften the Refrigerated Cream Before Spreading
If the cream becomes too firm after refrigeration, give it a quick stir with a spatula to bring it back to a spreadable consistency. This will make it easier to apply a smooth, even layer on the cake. For a more polished finish, use a cake scraper or offset spatula to create clean edges.
By following these tips, you’ll ensure that your Matilda Chocolate Cake turns out flawless every single time—rich, moist, and bursting with chocolate goodness!
Storing & Freezing
Storing: To keep your Matilda Chocolate Cake fresh, store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you prefer a chilled cake, you can also refrigerate it for up to 5 days—just make sure it’s well-covered to prevent the cake from drying out.
Freezing: This cake freezes beautifully! To freeze, wrap each slice (or the whole cake) tightly in plastic wrap and then in a layer of aluminum foil. Store in the freezer for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, let the cake thaw in the refrigerator overnight. For the best texture, allow it to come to room temperature before serving.
Tip: If you’re planning to freeze the cake, consider freezing the layers separately without the frosting. Frost the cake once it’s thawed for a fresher taste!
The Perfect Matilda Chocolate Cake: A Fudgy, Moist Indulgence
Description
This decadent Matilda-inspired chocolate cake is rich, moist, and topped with a luscious chocolate glaze. With layers of airy cake and creamy chocolate frosting, it's a chocolate lover's dream come true. Simple to make, it's perfect for any celebration or a cozy weekend treat.
Ingredients
For The Cake
For The Chocolate Cream Filling
For The Chocolate Glaze
Instructions
Preparing the Cocoa Mixture
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Cocoa mixture: In a large bowl, add the cocoa powder and a pinch of salt. Then, add the cooking oil, milk, and 20 g of starch syrup (or honey). Mix well until all ingredients are well combined.
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Sift the mixture: Pass this mixture through a sieve to remove any lumps. Set it aside.
Preparing the Egg Yolks
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Separate the eggs: Separate the egg yolks from the whites. Place the yolks in a bowl. Add a few drops of vanilla extract and 30 g of sugar to the yolks, then whisk until the mixture is pale and frothy.
Preparing the Egg Whites
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Beat the egg whites: In another clean bowl, beat the egg whites with an electric mixer. Gradually add 70 g of sugar while continuing to beat until the egg whites form stiff, glossy peaks.
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Incorporate the egg whites: Gently fold the egg whites into the yolk mixture in three parts using a spatula, making sure not to deflate the batter.
Adding the Dry Ingredients
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Add the flour: Sift the cake flour into the batter. Then, gently fold in the cocoa mixture you prepared earlier, mixing until the batter is smooth and homogeneous. Be careful not to overmix to keep the texture light.
Baking
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Bake the cake: Pour the batter into a prepared cake pan (lined with parchment paper or greased). Bake in a preheated oven at 170°C (340°F) for 20 to 25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let the cake cool completely before removing it from the pan and assembling.
Preparing the Chocolate Glaze
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Combine the ingredients: In a microwave-safe bowl, add 100 g of milk chocolate and 150 g of dark chocolate in pieces. Add a pinch of salt, 20 g of starch syrup, 50 g of butter, and 200 g of sweetened whipped cream.
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Microwave to melt: Place the bowl in the microwave and heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval, until the chocolate and butter are fully melted and the mixture is smooth.
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Mix well: Once the mixture is smooth and homogeneous, mix again to ensure all ingredients are well incorporated.
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Cool down: Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and place it in the refrigerator. Let it sit for 2 to 3 hours until the glaze thickens to a creamy consistency, perfect for spreading over the cake.
Assembly Instructions
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Whip the cream: Using a mixer, whip the sweetened whipped cream until it reaches about 50% firmness, creating a soft, airy texture. Be careful not to overwhip at this stage.
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Sift the cocoa powder: Sift the cocoa powder once to remove any lumps, and gently fold it into the partially whipped cream.
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Adjust the consistency: If the cream becomes too stiff or dry while mixing, add a small amount of additional whipped cream little by little, folding gently until the desired consistency is reached—light and spreadable.
Layering the Cake
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Cut the cake: Take your cooled cake and carefully cut it horizontally into 3 to 4 even layers, depending on the height of your cake. Use a long serrated knife for an even cut.
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Spread the whipped cocoa cream: Place the first layer of cake on your serving plate. Spread a generous layer of whipped cocoa cream evenly over the surface, using a spatula to smooth it out. Repeat with each layer, stacking them gently on top of each other.
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Cover the entire cake: Use the remaining whipped cocoa cream to lightly coat the top layer of the cake. Then, spread a very thin layer of cream over the surface and sides of the entire cake for a smooth base.
Final Decoration and Softening the Cream
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Soften the refrigerated cream: If the cream has become too firm from refrigeration, take it out and stir it gently with a spatula to soften it until it is easily spreadable again.
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Roughly coat the cake: Apply the softened cream to the cake, spreading it in a rustic manner, especially on the sides, to create a "naked cake" effect. This doesn’t have to be perfect—roughly spreading it gives a charming homemade look.
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Enjoy the texture: This cake has a sticky and moist texture that makes it irresistible. It’s best to dive in and enjoy it without overthinking the presentation—just savor the rich, chocolatey goodness!