Name: Decadent Matilda Chocolate Cake for Ultimate Indulgence
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 65 min
Ingredients: 1 cup Dark chocolate (60-70% cocoa, chopped); 1 cup Dutch-processed cocoa powder; 2 cups All-purpose flour; 1 cup Granulated sugar; 1 cup Light brown sugar; 1 cup Unsalted butter (room temperature); 4 Large eggs (room temperature); 1 cup Buttermilk (room temperature); 1 tsp Baking soda; 1 tsp Baking powder; 1 tsp Espresso powder (optional); 1 tsp Pure vanilla extract; 1 tsp Salt; 1 cup Semi-sweet chocolate chips (sprinkled in); 1 cup Heavy cream; 2 tbsp Corn syrup (optional); 4 tbsp Unsalted butter (for ganache)

As I sift through the pantry, the last remnants of cocoa powder whisper promises of chocolate indulgence. Today, we’re elevating the art of baking with an ultra-moist Matilda Chocolate Cake. Inspired by the whimsical magic of the beloved movie, this cake captures the heart and soul of every gathering, transforming ordinary moments into extraordinary memories. With three types of rich chocolate woven into its fudgy texture, it’s not just dessert; it’s a celebration of flavors that bring families together. Plus, it’s straightforward enough for both novice and seasoned bakers, making it the perfect go-to cake for birthdays, movie nights, or simply satisfying a chocolate craving. Ready to dive into this delicious adventure? Let’s get baking!

Why is This Cake a Must-Try?

Decadent Delight: This Matilda Chocolate Cake is a chocolate lover’s dream, boasting a rich, fudgy interior that melts in your mouth.

Simplicity Unleashed: With easy-to-follow steps, both novice and experienced bakers can effortlessly create a show-stopping dessert.

Versatile Variations: Want to switch it up? Feel free to explore different chocolate types or even try a gluten-free spin with almond flour!

Crowd-Pleasing Treat: Perfect for birthdays or cozy movie nights, this cake guarantees smiles with every slice—a true family favorite!

Serving Suggestions: Pair it with fresh berries or a scoop of vanilla ice cream to elevate the experience!

For more indulgent treats, try my Chocolate Chip Snowball or explore the flavors of Raspberry Chocolate Truffles.

Matilda Chocolate Cake Ingredients

For the Cake

Dark chocolate – Use high-quality chocolate (60-70% cocoa) for a rich and delicious flavor.
Dutch-processed cocoa powder – This ingredient enhances the chocolate flavor and contributes to a moist texture.
All-purpose flour – Provides essential structure to the cake, ensuring it holds up beautifully.
Granulated sugar – Balances the chocolate’s richness with a touch of sweetness.
Light brown sugar – Brings moisture and a hint of caramel flavor for extra depth.
Unsalted butter – Crucial for achieving a rich and moist cake; ensure it’s at room temperature.
Large eggs – Adds structure and moisture; using room-temperature eggs helps with mixing.
Buttermilk – Imparts tanginess and moisture; again, room temperature works best for integration.
Baking soda and baking powder – These leavening agents ensure a perfect rise and fluffy texture.
Espresso powder – Optional, but intensifies the chocolate flavor beautifully.
Pure vanilla extract – Enhances the overall depth of flavor.
Salt – Balances the sweetness and amplifies all the delicious flavors.
Semi-sweet chocolate chips – Sprinkle in for delightful chocolatey bursts in every slice.

For the Ganache

Heavy cream – Essential for that luxurious, creamy richness that makes the ganache shine.
Corn syrup – Optional; it adds a gorgeous sheen to the ganache if desired.
Unsalted butter (for ganache) – Provides richness and helps achieve a smooth, velvety texture.

This rich, moist Matilda Chocolate Cake is the perfect indulgence for any occasion!

Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Matilda Chocolate Cake

Step 1: Preheat the Oven and Prepare Pans
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare two 9-inch round cake pans by lining the bottoms with parchment paper and lightly greasing the sides. This ensures the Matilda Chocolate Cake releases easily after baking, allowing you to achieve that perfect layer for stacking and decorating.

Step 2: Melt the Dark Chocolate
Chop the dark chocolate into small pieces and place it in a heatproof bowl. Gently melt the chocolate using a microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring in between until smooth. Allow the melted chocolate to cool for a few minutes while you move on to the next step, ensuring it remains silky and luscious.

Step 3: Cream the Sugars and Butter
In a large mixing bowl, combine the room-temperature unsalted butter, granulated sugar, and light brown sugar. Using an electric mixer, cream these together on medium speed for about 3 minutes until the mixture is light and fluffy. This step infuses air into the batter, giving your Matilda Chocolate Cake a delightful texture.

Step 4: Add in the Eggs and Vanilla
Once your mixture is fluffy, crack in the large eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Follow this by stirring in the pure vanilla extract, allowing the flavors to meld together beautifully. This step adds richness and a hint of warmth that will enhance your cake’s flavor.

Step 5: Incorporate the Melted Chocolate
Pour the slightly cooled, melted dark chocolate into the butter and sugar mixture. Mix on low speed until everything is well combined and smooth. The rich chocolate will create a decadent base for the Matilda Chocolate Cake, adding depth and indulgence to each bite.

Step 6: Whisk the Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, Dutch-processed cocoa powder, baking soda, baking powder, espresso powder, and salt. This step ensures that all the dry ingredients are well integrated, preventing any clumps and ensuring even rising in the cake when folded into the wet mixture.

Step 7: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
Gradually add the dry mixture to the chocolate batter, alternating with the buttermilk to create a smooth batter. Start with a third of the dry mixture, followed by half of the buttermilk, and repeat until all components are combined, ending with the dry ingredients. This helps maintain the cake’s moisture while blending the rich flavors thoroughly.

Step 8: Fold in the Chocolate Chips
Gently fold the semi-sweet chocolate chips into the batter using a spatula, ensuring they are evenly distributed throughout. This step introduces bursts of chocolate in each generous slice of your Matilda Chocolate Cake, creating an even more delightful experience.

Step 9: Bake the Cakes
Evenly divide the batter between the prepared cake pans and smooth the tops with a spatula. Place them in the preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with moist crumbs. Watch for a gently risen top as it bakes to perfection.

Step 10: Cool the Cakes
Once baked, allow the cakes to cool in the pans for about 10 minutes. Afterward, carefully transfer them to wire racks to cool completely. Proper cooling is essential before frosting to prevent melting the ganache later when layering the Matilda Chocolate Cake.

Step 11: Prepare the Ganache
While the cakes cool, heat the heavy cream in a saucepan over medium heat until it just begins to simmer. Pour the hot cream over the chopped chocolate in a mixing bowl, letting it sit for a few minutes before stirring until smooth. This decadent ganache will give your cake a luxurious finish.

Step 12: Assemble and Frost the Cake
Once the cakes are completely cool, layer them with a generous amount of ganache between each layer. Pour any remaining ganache over the top, allowing it to cascade down the sides. This final touch will create a beautifully smooth, glossy finish on your Matilda Chocolate Cake, making it irresistible to all!

Make Ahead Options

This Ultra-Moist Triple Chocolate Matilda Cake is perfect for busy home cooks looking to save time! You can prepare the cake layers up to 24 hours in advance by baking and fully cooling them, then wrapping them tightly in plastic wrap to keep them fresh. Additionally, the ganache can be made ahead and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to serve, simply rewarm the ganache gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, and spread it over the cooled cake. This way, you maintain that rich, velvety texture while saving yourself from last-minute stress, ensuring your Matilda Chocolate Cake is just as delicious when presented to your family or guests!

What to Serve with Ultra-Moist Triple Chocolate Matilda Cake

As you indulge in the rich flavors of this nostalgic cake, consider these delightful accompaniments that will elevate your dessert experience.

Vanilla Ice Cream: The creamy, cold goodness of vanilla ice cream beautifully contrasts the warm, rich chocolate, providing a perfect balance of flavors and temperatures.
Fresh Berries: A mix of raspberries, strawberries, or blueberries adds a refreshing tartness that cuts through the cake’s sweetness, enhancing every bite.
Whipped Cream: Light and airy whipped cream lends a delightful texture alongside the fudgy richness of the cake, making each mouthful even more indulgent.
Coffee or Espresso: A hot cup of coffee or a rich espresso complements the chocolate wonderfully, enhancing the flavors while providing a cozy warmth.
Chocolate Ganache Drizzle: For the true chocolate lover, an extra drizzle of chocolate ganache on top creates an unapologetic indulgence that takes the cake to decadent heights.
Caramel Sauce: Drizzling warm caramel sauce over a slice adds a buttery, sweet layer that contrasts nicely with the dark chocolate’s richness, creating layers of flavor.
Mint Leaves: A few fresh mint leaves as garnish not only add a splash of color but also infuse a refreshing element that makes the dessert feel lighter.

These pairing suggestions provide an enriching experience, transforming your Matilda Chocolate Cake into a star attraction at any gathering!

Expert Tips for Matilda Chocolate Cake

Room Temperature Ingredients: Always use room-temperature ingredients for better emulsification and smoother batter, ensuring your Matilda Chocolate Cake turns out light and fluffy.
Quality Matters: Invest in high-quality chocolate and cocoa powder. The richer the chocolate, the deeper the flavor of your cake will be!
Mix with Care: Avoid overmixing once you add the dry ingredients. This prevents a tough texture and ensures your cake remains moist and airy.
Cool Before Frosting: Allow the cakes to cool completely before frosting with ganache; otherwise, you’ll end up with melted chocolate and a messy finish.
Test for Doneness: Insert a toothpick into the center of the cake. It should come out with moist crumbs—not wet batter—to ensure your Matilda Chocolate Cake is perfectly baked.

How to Store and Freeze Matilda Chocolate Cake

Room Temperature: Store the cake covered at room temperature for up to 3 days to maintain its moist and decadent texture.
Fridge: For longer freshness, place the cake in the refrigerator, covered, where it can last for about a week without losing its deliciousness.
Freezer: To freeze, wrap the cake tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months.
Reheating: If you’re enjoying a slice from the freezer, let it thaw in the fridge overnight before serving, or pop it in a preheated oven at 350°F for 10-15 minutes to refresh its fudgy goodness.

Matilda Chocolate Cake Variations

Feel free to get creative with this delightful cake, enhancing its flavors and textures just the way you love!

Milk Chocolate: Swap dark chocolate for milk chocolate to create a sweeter, creamier cake. The flavor profile will significantly change, offering a lighter taste for those who prefer less bitterness.
Gluten-Free: Use almond flour or a gluten-free all-purpose mix in place of regular flour. Just remember to adjust the baking time slightly, as gluten-free flours can behave differently!
Dairy-Free: For a dairy-free variation, replace buttermilk with plant-based milk mixed with a tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice. It’ll still yield a moist cake that everyone can enjoy.
Additional Flavor: Add a teaspoon of peppermint extract for a refreshing twist, making it a festive option for holiday gatherings. The hint of mint pairs wonderfully with the chocolate!
Spicy Kick: For those who like it spicy, consider adding a dash of cayenne pepper or chili powder into your dry ingredients. It can elevate the chocolate flavor and offer an unexpected, delightful kick.
Mocha Delight: Enhance the chocolate experience by incorporating espresso powder in the batter and ganache. This not only intensifies the chocolate flavor but adds a new layer of richness that coffee lovers will appreciate.
Fruity Layering: When assembling, add a layer of raspberry or cherry preserves between the cake layers. This adds a lovely tartness that complements the richness of the chocolate beautifully. Serve with Raspberry Chocolate Truffles for an extra indulgent pairing.
Nutty Crunch: Fold in some chopped walnuts or pecans to the batter for added texture and a nutty flavor. Toasting the nuts beforehand enhances their flavor, making each bite even more delicious!

With these variations, every bite of your Matilda Chocolate Cake can become a new delightful experience!

Matilda Chocolate Cake Recipe FAQs

What type of dark chocolate should I use for the cake?
Absolutely! It’s best to use high-quality dark chocolate with 60-70% cocoa content for richness and depth. This chocolate will provide that luscious, fudgy texture everyone craves in a Matilda Chocolate Cake.

How should I store my Matilda Chocolate Cake?
For optimal freshness, cover the cake and store it at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you need to keep it longer, refrigerate it for up to a week. Just make sure it’s well-covered to maintain its moisture!

Can I freeze the Matilda Chocolate Cake?
Absolutely! To freeze, wrap the cake in plastic wrap, then in aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn. It can be kept frozen for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, let it thaw in the fridge overnight for the best results.

What should I do if my cake sinks in the middle?
Very! A sinking cake could be due to a couple of factors. Overmixing the batter can create a dense cake that struggles to rise, or the oven temperature may have been too low. To prevent this in the future, ensure you use room temperature ingredients and give your oven an accurate reading with an oven thermometer.

Is this cake suitable for people with allergies?
While this Matilda Chocolate Cake is a rich indulgence, it contains common allergens like eggs and dairy. However, if you’re looking to make it more inclusive, I often recommend using dairy-free substitutes like almond milk and a plant-based butter to accommodate lactose intolerance!

How can I tell when the cake is done baking?
To ensure a perfectly baked Matilda Chocolate Cake, insert a toothpick into the center after 30 minutes. It should come out with moist crumbs but not wet batter. If it has wet batter attached, give it another 2-5 minutes in the oven!