Easy Matilda's chocolate cake inspired by the Matilda chocolate cake scene! One of the best Matilda's chocolate cake recipes -- if you've ever been just a little jealous of the Matilda chocolate cake boy in the movie, this Matilda Cake is for you!
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And if you like this cake, you'll love my S'mores Brownies, my Peach Mango Pie, and my Triple Chocolate Brownies!
Jump to:
- Matilda's Chocolate Cake Recipe
- What is the famous Matilda cake?
- Why This is the BEST Matilda Cake
- What is special about Matilda cake?
- What is the chocolate cake from Matilda made of?
- Equipment
- Chocolate Fudge Cake Recipe Instructions
- How to Store Matilda's Chocolate Fudge Cake
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Top Tip
- Related
- Pairing
- 📖 Recipe
- 💬 Comments
Matilda's Chocolate Cake Recipe
Remember that Matilda chocolate cake? It's all about that perfect combo of cocoa, oil, and sugar – makes it crazy moist and packed with rich chocolatey flavor that's just unbeatable. Seriously, it's like a slice of heaven on a plate, no wonder everyone wants to eat the entire cake! If you're a chocolate lover, you'll adore this cake! And you've also got to try my Brownies with Cream Cheese Frosting!
What is the famous Matilda cake?
The "Matilda cake" comes from an unforgettable scene in the 1996 film Matilda, based on a classic children's book by Roald Dahl, where a young boy named Bruce Bogtrotter is forced to eat a whole fudgy chocolate cake in front of the whole school as a punishment from the antagonist, Miss Trunchbull.
While Bruce's task was a tough one, there is no denying that that chocolate fudge cake looked DELICIOUS! For those of us with a sweet tooth, it's not that far off to imagine eating a whole chocolate cake in one sitting.
And this Matilda chocolate fudge cake recipe is inspired by the Matilda cake scene -- layers of moist chocolate cake are draped in silky smooth fudge frosting, and it's truly the perfect chocolate cake! And if you're a chocolate lover, check out my Hot Chocolate Mug Cake or my Pinecone Brownie Recipe!
Why This is the BEST Matilda Cake
It took a lot of testing (and eating yummy cake), but I've finally perfected this incredible Matilda cake! So why is it the best?
- Rich chocolate flavor: This Matilda cake is rich and chocolatey, thanks to the addition of hot coffee, which accomplishes two things: it "blooms" the cocoa powder, bringing out richer chocolate flavor, and the coffee enhances the depth of the chocolate flavor.
- Perfect moist texture: We're using oil in this cake to preserve moisture, since butter can sometimes dry cakes out a bit. We're also using a version of the reverse creaming method, which coats the dry ingredients in oil, preventing too much gluten formation in the cake batter and ensuring a moist, light crumb.
- Easy to make: With its simple ingredients and no mixer required, this cake is super simple to make, even for beginner bakers!
These chocolate fudge cake layers are based on my Chocolate Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting and my Chocolate Blueberry Cake, and this recipe is also similar to my Chocolate Spice Cake and my Chocolate Orange Cake! It's the perfect birthday cake -- truly the chocolate cake of your dreams!
What is special about Matilda cake?
In Roald Dahl's book, the cake itself is described as being incredibly rich and indulgent, with layers of moist chocolate sponge and a decadent chocolate frosting or ganache. This chocolate fudge cake is the best recreation of that delicious cake, and it's truly the best chocolate cake ever!
But why is this Matilda cake so special? Well it's already gone viral all over TikTok and Instagram, with a total of over 16 MILLION views and counting! But most importantly, the taste testing results are in, and readers are LOVING this cake! Here are some of their reviews:
Hello thank you for sharing your recipe! I made it last night to surprise my girls. They loved it and I’m glad I made, It was very tasty and decadent. It will go on to my recipe folder for sure!
I made this today! And omg it was SO GOOD.
This is seriously the most delicious cake I've ever had. 10/10. Definitely will make again.
Now it's your turn! When you try this Matilda chocolate cake, be sure to let me know how you like it in the comments below!
What is the chocolate cake from Matilda made of?
While we don't know the exact ingredients of the cake Bruce ate, this Matilda chocolate cake is made from simple ingredients and it's so easy! Here's everything you'll need to make a Matilda chocolate cake recipe from scratch:
- cake release - use a cooking spray or baking spray, as well as parchment paper rounds, to prep your cake pans.
- white sugar - I like to use white granulated sugar in this Matilda chocolate cake recipe for a delicious sweetness!
- all-purpose flour - Measure your all-purpose flour by weight with a kitchen scale to make sure you don't accidentally add too much.
- cocoa powder - for this easy Matildas chocolate cake recipe, we're going for unsweetened Dutch-process cocoa powder to give it a richer chocolate flavor.
- baking powder and baking soda - leavening agents like baking powder and baking soda add a nice lift to this cake!
- salt - adding just a bit of salt brings out the chocolatey flavors and offsets the sweetness in Matilda's chocolate cake recipes!
- oil - we're using vegetable oil instead of butter which makes our Matilda chocolate cake recipe easy and moist! It's a method I use in my Chai Spice Bundt Cake, and I love it!
- eggs - make sure your eggs are at room temperature before you mix them in. If they feel cold to the touch, submerge them in a bowl of lukewarm water for 15 minutes.
- vanilla - for the best flavor, I like to use pure vanilla extract. Or you can make your own!
- full-fat buttermilk - like your eggs, your buttermilk should be at room temperature.
- hot coffee - this is a trick to help bring out those chocolatey flavors even more!
Then, we're topping our cake with a super easy, glossy chocolate fudge frosting. Details and instructions are in my Chocolate Fudge Frosting post, but here's what you'll need:
- heavy cream - serves as the base for this glossy fudge frosting.
- unsweetened cocoa powder - it can be regular unsweetened cocoa powder or unsweetened Dutch process cocoa powder.
- bittersweet chocolate - about 60% cacao bittersweet chocolate will work. I use the Ghirardelli baking bars.
- salted butter - you can also use unsalted butter -- just add salt to taste at the end.
- powdered sugar - adds sweetness and gives this frosting its structure.
- espresso powder - deepens the chocolate flavor and adds a bit of complexity.
- vanilla extract - as above, be sure to use pure vanilla extract. Or you can make your own!
See recipe card below for quantities.
Equipment
We'll be making this moist cake in two 8-inch round cake pans. And since this Maltida chocolate cake recipe is an easy one-bowl recipe, you won't need a mixer at all!
I just recommend a large mixing bowl, a whisk, and a rubber spatula for mixing. You may also want to have a wire rack to help the cake cool more quickly. And of course, I always recommend a kitchen scale for measuring dry ingredients.
Chocolate Fudge Cake Recipe Instructions
The recipe card below will give you detailed step-by-step instructions for making this Matilda cake, as well as full ingredient measurements and a recipe video! But here's a quick look at how you'll make this Matilda chocolate fudge cake recipe!
In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
Add wet ingredients -- first stir in oil to coat dry ingredients, then mix in eggs and buttermilk, mixing well with a rubber spatula after each addition.
Pour in hot coffee and mix gently until mixture is just combined.
Pour cake batter evenly into prepared cake pans and bake!
Prepare chocolate fudge frosting and allow to cool to room temperature.
Spread frosting all over cooled chocolate fudge cake, on the sides of the cake and swirl frosting on the top of the cake!
Hint: Be sure to let the dark chocolate cake layers cool completely before adding frosting. I like to wrap them in plastic wrap while still warm, then let them cool in the fridge overnight. This makes sure they cool completely, and the plastic wrap retains moisture.
How to Store Matilda's Chocolate Fudge Cake
Store the cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days - I like to put cakes in my Libbey domed cake stand.
Also, this Matilda chocolate fudge cake recipe freezes very well -- it's best frozen in individual slices to make thawing easier. First, place slices in the freezer until frozen solid, then wrap in plastic wrap and then in heavy duty foil. Then freeze for up to two months and thaw, uncovered, at room temperature.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who eats the Matilda chocolate cake? The boy in the book and movie is named Bruce Bogtrotter, and he eats that entire chocolate cake in one sitting! To be honest, isn't there a bit of Bruce Bogtrotter inside all of us when those chocolate cravings hit?
Definitely as a reference to the movie Matilda where the famous scene with Bruce Bogtrotter took place! This moist chocolate fudge cake is the perfect nod to the Matilda chocolate cake scene!
This Matilda cake is a chocolate cake that is moist, fudgy, and dense, and then topped with a rich chocolate fudge frosting just like the cake in the movie Matilda! So essentially, there's no difference between a Matilda cake and a chocolate cake, but it's a special kind of chocolate cake that will have you wishing you could eat the whole thing!
The chocolate cake in the Matilda cake scene was a three layer cake, topped with a glossy fudge icing. To recreate the Matilda cake in this recipe, we're using a two layer cake to make it extra simple!
Jimmy Karz, the actor who played Bruce Bogtrotter in Matilda, appeared in a few projects before retiring from acting in 1998.
You can most likely get lots of cakes inspired by the Matilda chocolate cake boy, Bruce, but this Matilda chocolate cake recipe is easy to make yourself, and SO delicious! Give it a try and let me know what you think!
If you love the glossy frosting on this chocolate fudge cake, you'll have to check out my Samoas Cookie Pie or my Peanut Buster Parfait Ice Cream Pie for their amazing chocolate ganache topping! Or try my Protein Mug Cake for another easy single-serve high protein treat!
My 2 Bite Brownies are another delicious chocolatey treat! And gluten free folks will love my Gluten Free Olive Oil Cake!
Top Tip
Don't forget to measure your flour by weight with a kitchen scale! It'll help ensure accurate measurements and prevent a dry cake!
Related
Looking for other recipes like this one? Try these:
Pairing
These are my favorite dishes to serve with this recipe:
If you try this recipe, I would love it if you could leave a star review rating and comment below! It’s so wonderful hearing your feedback! And don’t forget to share your creations with me by tagging @chenee_today on Instagram!
📖 Recipe
Equipment you may need
Ingredients
- baking spray
- 2 cups (400 g) granulated sugar
- 2 cups (250 g) all-purpose flour
- ¾ cup (85 g) unsweetened Dutch-process cocoa powder
- 1 ½ teaspoon (6 g) baking powder
- ½ teaspoon (2 g) baking soda
- ¾ teaspoon (5 g) salt
- ¾ cup (177 ml) vegetable oil
- 2 large eggs - room temperature
- 2 teaspoon (10 ml) pure vanilla extract
- 1 cup (237 ml) buttermilk - room temperature
- 1 cup (237 ml) hot brewed coffee
- Chocolate Fudge Frosting
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F. Line two 8-inch round cake pans with parchment paper and spray with baking spray.baking spray
- In a large bowl, whisk together flour, cocoa powder, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.2 cups all-purpose flour, ¾ cup unsweetened Dutch-process cocoa powder, 1 ½ teaspoon baking powder, ½ teaspoon baking soda, ¾ teaspoon salt, 2 cups granulated sugar
- Stir in vegetable oil until dry ingredients are well coated, followed by eggs and vanilla.¾ cup vegetable oil, 2 large eggs, 2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- Stir in buttermilk until combined, then carefully pour in hot coffee and stir until smooth.1 cup buttermilk, 1 cup hot brewed coffee
- Add batter evenly to prepared cake pans and bake in preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick entered into the center of the cakes comes out smooth or with moist crumbs.
- Cool cake layers slightly in cake pans, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before adding Chocolate Fudge Frosting.
- Prepare frosting as detailed in Chocolate Fudge Frosting post.Chocolate Fudge Frosting
- Spread frosting over cooled cake layers.
Video
Notes
- Buttermilk Substitute - Measure out 1 cup of whole milk and replace 1 tablespoon of it with lemon juice or vinegar. Then let it sit a few minutes and add it in to your chocolate cake batter!
Nutrition
Last Updated on March 29, 2025 by Chenée Lewis
Nikki says
Husband loves this chocolate cake. Thank you for sharing this amazing recipe.
Chenée Lewis says
I'm so glad to hear that Nikki! It's a hit in our house too!
Lorraine says
Easy directions and delicious !! I want to thank you for being incredibly considerate with writing the measurements/ingredients with the directions!! Makes life easier when reading on a screen.
Chenée Lewis says
You're welcome Lorraine! I always find it easier 🙂
Gigi says
Thank you for sharing this recipe!
Chenée Lewis says
You're very welcome!
April says
Made this cake today with the chocolate fudge frosting. Made a double batch and had enough for a 3-layer 8” cake and 16 cupcakes. I tripled the frosting and had plenty. It did take a while to thicken tho because I made so much, but worth the wait! This is the most delicious, moist chocolate cake. It is very rich and you must really love chocolate to appreciate it. I will make this and use this for my chocolate cakes! Thank you so much for the recipe. So, so good!
Chenée Lewis says
I'm so glad you liked the cake! I love this recipe too 🙂
Diane says
This cake recipe bar none is the best cake recipe I have every tried. Baking cakes for over 60 years this recipe is a big keeper. The chocolate frosting is heavenly as well. Easiest cake I ever made. I will make this chocolate cake recipe only for chocolate cake. My whole family loved it. Even my husband who is not big on chocolate loved the cake. I did do a mix of half bittersweet and have semisweet excellent chocolate. Taste was excellent.
My granddaughter who I baked the cake for thought Grammy's cake was the best chocolate cake she ever ate.
Chenée Lewis says
Thank you so much Diane!! What a wonderful thing that your family loved it!
Sam Salem says
This is not an ordinary recipe at all. It is a legendary recipe that deserves to be tried. An unforgettable recipe.
Chenée Lewis says
Thank you so much Sam!
April N says
I made this cake for my daughter’s birthday. We decorated it with fresh raspberries, as she loves the contrasting flavors. It was a wonderful cake - the perfect end to a celebratory meal.
Chenée Lewis says
I'm so glad to hear that! Thanks for using my recipe for such a special celebration!
Donald says
This is absolutely delicious. Everyone wanted seconds.
Chenée Lewis says
Thanks!! It's definitely a crowd pleaser!
Adrianna D says
Would I need to alter measurements if I’m at an high altitude. I live in Colorado
Chenée Lewis says
I'm not sure unfortunately, I don't have experience with altitude cooking.
Casey says
Could I use melted butter or melted refined coconut oil instead of vegetable oil?
Chenée Lewis says
You could -- the cake may not be quite as moist, but butter would add lots of yummy flavor!
RC says
Just the cake by itself is perfect! Not to much of a chocolate flavor so my husband could enjoy it since he hates cake.
Chenée Lewis says
That's wonderful! I'm glad you both liked it!
kè_eŕ says
i used both drinking chocolate and cocoa and reduce amount of sugar, the cake is perfect 🥰, maa shaa allah may ALLAH bless you ♥️
Chenée Lewis says
Thank you!! So glad you liked it!
Ruby king says
Your chocolate cake recipe is absolutely delicious, moist, mouthwatering. This is the best chocolate cake recipe ever! My family loves it. I will always use this recipe. Thank you so much 😊
Chenée Lewis says
You're so welcome! Thank you!
Laurette Moore says
I want to make this chocolate cake for my son's birthday but is there a time or temperature difference to bake if I am make a 9x13 cake?
Chenée Lewis says
It should be about the same, but I would check it a few minutes early just in case.
Jade says
This Is Hands Down, 100% The Best Chocolate Cake Recipe Ever!!
Thank You So Much For Sharing. 😁
Chenée Lewis says
You're so welcome! Thank you!!
jenni dagley says
I made this for my son's 17th birthday, he loved it so much that the next week when he had friends stay he asked me to make it again- even breaking his strict work out nutrition diet ! This cake and the frosting was beyond any I have every made, it will be the all time favorite for ever !
Chenée Lewis says
Wow that's truly a stellar endorsement! Thank you so much!
Stef says
New Favorite. For someone that doesn't bake and is not very good in the kitchen this chocolate cake is easy to make and delicious!! I followed instructions and it was very easy to assemble along with the chocolate frosting recipe.
Chenée Lewis says
I'm so glad you liked it! Thanks Stef!
Jw says
'You're Simply The Best'!!
Chenée Lewis says
Aww thank you!!
Lyn Joubert says
Absolutely decadent and delicious!
Chenée Lewis says
I'm so glad to hear that you liked it 😊😊
Hirum says
Amazing recipe
Chenée Lewis says
Thank you so much! I'm so happy that you liked it!
Olga says
Had trouble finding the listed cocoa powder where I live. Instead, I used a local brand and still came out really good and moist. Love how simple was to prepare.
Any specific cocoa brand recommendations??
Thanks🌻🌻
Chenée Lewis says
I'm glad you liked it Olga! I like the Rodelle Baking Cocoa, but any Dutch-process baking cocoa powder should work 🙂
Luyanda Khumalo says
The best recipe!!!!!
Thank you so much
Chenée Lewis says
You're so welcome!
Nazanin says
It’s the best recipe in the world 🩷🩷
Chenée Lewis says
Aww thank you so much!
Kristin M King says
This is the best chocolate cake ever! My kids said they never want another cake for their birthdays. I bookmarked this recipe and will be back again and again, I have no doubt!
Chenée Lewis says
That's so great to hear! Thank you!
Isabela says
Very good. Continue with your work.
Chenée Lewis says
Thank you so much! I'm glad you like it!