If you’re a chocolate lover, you’re about to meet your new best friend. This Dreamy Moist Matilda Chocolate Cake is everything you could ever want in a dessert—rich, decadent, and utterly irresistible. Inspired by the famous cake from Matilda, this cake is an indulgent masterpiece with layers of moist chocolatey goodness, topped with a silky, creamy frosting that will have you reaching for seconds (and maybe thirds). Imagine cutting into it and the tender crumbs practically melting in your mouth, while the smooth chocolate frosting gives you that perfect balance of sweetness and richness. Trust me, this cake is a game-changer for any celebration, or honestly, just because you deserve it.
Why You’ll Love Dreamy Moist Matilda Chocolate Cake
Let’s talk about why this cake is worth every single bite:
Super Moist and Tender
This cake has that melt-in-your-mouth quality that comes from the perfect balance of ingredients. It’s not dry or crumbly—each bite is soft, moist, and pure chocolate bliss.
Perfect for Any Occasion
Whether it’s a birthday, a casual get-together, or just a moment where you need a sweet escape, this cake fits the bill. It’s a crowd-pleaser and always gets rave reviews. Just one slice and everyone will be asking for the recipe.
Easy to Make
No need for fancy techniques—this cake comes together in a few simple steps. You can bake it with confidence, even if you’re a beginner in the kitchen. It’s totally foolproof!
Rich, Dreamy Chocolate Flavor
If you love chocolate, this cake is a dream come true. With cocoa powder in both the cake and the frosting, the flavor is deep, rich, and pure. It’s chocolatey without being overwhelming, making it perfect for any sweet tooth.
Frosted to Perfection
The frosting is silky and smooth, giving the cake just the right amount of creaminess and sweetness. It’s thick enough to spread beautifully but light enough to let the cake’s flavor shine through.

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Ingredients
This cake is made with simple ingredients that come together to create something extraordinary:
Cake Ingredients:
- All-purpose flour
- Unsweetened cocoa powder
- Baking soda
- Salt
- Granulated sugar
- Eggs
- Whole milk
- Vegetable oil
- Boiling water
- Vanilla extract
Frosting Ingredients:
- Unsweetened cocoa powder
- Butter
- Powdered sugar
- Milk
- Vanilla extract
- A pinch of salt
Instructions
Ready to bake this dreamy chocolate cake? Let’s get started:
Preheat and Prep
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans, or line them with parchment paper. This ensures the cake comes out perfectly without sticking.
Make the Cake Batter
In a large bowl, sift together your dry ingredients: flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt. Then, add in the sugar and mix everything together.
In another bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract until smooth. Gradually pour this wet mixture into your dry ingredients and mix until combined. Finally, carefully add in the boiling water (yes, it will seem watery, but that’s what makes the cake so moist!) and stir until the batter is smooth and well-blended.
Bake the Cake
Divide the batter evenly between the two prepared cake pans. Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Once done, let the cakes cool in the pans for about 10 minutes before transferring them to wire racks to cool completely.
Make the Frosting
While the cakes cool, it’s time to make the frosting. In a saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Once melted, whisk in the cocoa powder until it’s smooth and combined. Add the milk and bring the mixture to a simmer for about 2 minutes.
Remove from the heat and slowly add the powdered sugar, stirring constantly until the frosting is smooth. Stir in the vanilla extract and a pinch of salt, and continue mixing until the frosting reaches your desired consistency. If it’s too thick, add a bit more milk; if it’s too thin, add a little more powdered sugar.
Frost the Cake
Once the cakes are completely cool, place one layer on a serving plate and spread a generous amount of frosting on top. Place the second layer of cake on top and frost the top and sides, making sure to coat it evenly. You can use a spatula to create a smooth finish or get creative with texture.
Serve and Enjoy!
Cut yourself a slice (or two, no judgment) and dig in. The combination of that moist chocolate cake with the rich, creamy frosting is pure bliss. You’ll want to savor every single bite.
Nutrition Facts
Servings: 12
Calories per serving: 410
Total Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
Cholesterol: 45mg
Sodium: 240mg
Total Carbohydrates: 53g - Dietary Fiber: 3g
- Sugars: 40g
Protein: 4g
Vitamin A: 6%
Vitamin C: 0%
Calcium: 2%
Iron: 12%
Preparation Time
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30-35 minutes
Total Time: 45-50 minutes
How to Serve Dreamy Moist Matilda Chocolate Cake
This cake is a showstopper on its own, but here are a few ways to make it even more special:
With a Scoop of Ice Cream
A classic pairing with chocolate cake—try it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, or even a decadent chocolate or coffee-flavored ice cream for extra indulgence.
Fresh Berries
Add some fresh berries on the side, like raspberries or strawberries, to cut through the richness of the cake and add a little tangy sweetness.
With a Cup of Coffee or Milk
For the ultimate treat, enjoy a slice of this cake with a warm cup of coffee or a cold glass of milk. It’s the perfect way to balance the richness of the cake with a comforting beverage.
For Special Occasions
Serve this cake at birthdays, holidays, or any time you want to wow your guests. You can even decorate the top with sprinkles, chocolate shavings, or a drizzle of caramel for added flair.
Additional Tips
Here are a few extra tips to make sure your cake is a total success:
Make Sure Your Ingredients Are Room Temperature
For a smoother batter, make sure your eggs, milk, and oil are at room temperature before mixing them together. This ensures a fluffier, more even cake.
Don’t Overmix the Batter
When combining the dry and wet ingredients, mix just until incorporated. Overmixing can cause the cake to be dense, and we want it to be light and airy!
Use High-Quality Cocoa Powder
The cocoa powder you use can really make a difference in the flavor. Choose a good quality, unsweetened cocoa powder for the richest taste.
Let the Cakes Cool Completely
Before frosting, make sure the cakes are completely cool to avoid melting the frosting. If you’re in a hurry, you can pop them in the fridge for a few minutes.
Storing Leftovers
If you have any cake leftover (though I’m guessing you won’t), store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. It also freezes well if you want to save some for later—just wrap it tightly in plastic wrap.
FAQ Section
Q1: Can I make this cake ahead of time?
A1: Yes! You can bake the cake ahead of time, store it in an airtight container, and frost it the next day.
Q2: Can I use a different type of frosting?
A2: Absolutely! You can use cream cheese frosting, whipped cream, or any frosting of your choice. Just be sure to adjust for sweetness to complement the cake.
Q3: Can I make this cake gluten-free?
A3: Yes, you can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Just make sure to add a bit of xanthan gum to help with texture.
Q4: Can I add chocolate chips to the cake batter?
A4: Absolutely! Chocolate chips would add a little extra chocolatey goodness. Just fold them in gently at the end of mixing the batter.
Q5: Can I make this cake with a single layer?
A5: Yes, you can bake it in one 9-inch pan. Just reduce the baking time to about 25-30 minutes and slice the cake horizontally to frost.
Q6: How can I make the frosting thicker?
A6: If the frosting is too thin, add a little more powdered sugar, a tablespoon at a time, until you reach the desired thickness.
Q7: Can I use margarine instead of butter in the frosting?
A7: Yes, margarine can be used as a substitute, though butter gives the frosting a richer flavor.
Q8: Can I use a different sweetener in the frosting?
A8: Yes, you can use maple syrup, agave, or stevia, but keep in mind it will slightly alter the taste and texture.
Q9: Can I freeze this cake?
A9: Yes! You can freeze the cake layers before frosting, or you can freeze the whole frosted cake. Just wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil.
Q10: Can I add coffee to the cake for more depth of flavor?
A10: Yes, coffee pairs beautifully with chocolate. Just substitute some of the boiling water with brewed coffee for a deeper, richer flavor.
Conclusion
This Dreamy Moist Matilda Chocolate Cake is a must-try for anyone who loves a rich, indulgent chocolate treat. Whether you’re baking it for a special occasion or just because you deserve it, this cake will never disappoint. With its moist texture and decadent frosting, it’s bound to become a favorite in your baking repertoire. Enjoy every bite—you’ve earned it!
Print
Dreamy Moist Matilda Chocolate Cake
- Total Time: 0 hours
- Yield: 12–16 servings 1x
Description
Inspired by the classic Matilda chocolate cake, this dreamy and moist chocolate cake is rich, decadent, and perfect for any occasion. With a tender crumb, deep chocolate flavor, and a luscious chocolate frosting, it’s the ultimate indulgence for chocolate lovers!
Ingredients
For the Cake:
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1 and 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
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1 and 1/2 cups granulated sugar
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3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
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1 and 1/2 tsp baking powder
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1 and 1/2 tsp baking soda
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1/2 tsp salt
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2 large eggs
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1 cup whole milk (or buttermilk for extra richness)
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1/2 cup vegetable oil
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2 tsp vanilla extract
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1 cup boiling water (for a super moist texture)
For the Chocolate Frosting:
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1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
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2/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
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3 cups powdered sugar
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1/2 cup whole milk
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1 tsp vanilla extract
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A pinch of salt
Instructions
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For the Cake:
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Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans or line them with parchment paper.
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Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
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Add Wet Ingredients: Add the eggs, milk, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract to the dry ingredients. Mix until well combined.
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Incorporate Boiling Water: Slowly add the boiling water to the batter, stirring until smooth. The batter will be thin, but this will give the cake its moist texture.
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Bake: Divide the batter evenly between the prepared cake pans. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
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Cool: Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely before frosting.
For the Frosting:
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Make the Frosting: In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the cocoa powder and whisk until smooth.
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Combine: Gradually add the powdered sugar, milk, vanilla extract, and salt to the cocoa mixture. Stir until smooth and well combined.
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Cool Slightly: Allow the frosting to cool for a few minutes before spreading it on the cooled cake.
Assemble the Cake:
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Layer the Cake: Place one layer of the cooled cake on a serving platter. Spread a generous amount of frosting over the top.
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Top with Second Layer: Place the second cake layer on top, and spread the remaining frosting evenly over the top and sides of the cake.
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Serve: Let the frosting set for a few minutes before slicing and serving. Enjoy!
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Notes
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For extra richness, you can use buttermilk instead of regular milk in the cake batter.
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If you want to make the cake even more indulgent, add a layer of chocolate ganache between the cake layers.
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This cake can be stored at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerated for longer freshness.
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Feel free to add sprinkles, shaved chocolate, or fresh berries as a garnish for an extra touch.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30-35 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Sugar: 35g
- Sodium: 120mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 45mg