Remember watching Matilda and wishing you could just grab that chocolate cake right out of the screen? I sure did! That scene with Bruce Bogtrotter? Iconic! Well, I’ve been on a mission to recreate that ridiculously rich, fudgy cake ever since, and guess what? I think I’ve finally nailed it! This Matilda Chocolate Cake recipe is seriously the real deal.
It’s intensely chocolatey, super moist, and has that perfect crumb that just melts in your mouth. Seriously, it’s like a chocolate dream come true. Growing up, my grandma used to bake with me, and the smell of chocolate cake always takes me right back to her kitchen. This Matilda Chocolate Cake brings back all those warm, fuzzy feelings, but with an extra dose of chocolate decadence. Trust me, one bite, and you’ll be hooked!

Why You’ll Love This Matilda Chocolate Cake
Okay, so why *this* chocolate cake? Let me tell you, it’s not just any cake. It’s got that “wow” factor, but without all the fuss. Think easy, delicious, and totally nostalgic. Here’s the lowdown:
Quick and Easy Matilda Chocolate Cake
Seriously, who has time for complicated recipes? Not me! This Matilda Chocolate Cake is simple. Mix it, bake it, frost it. Boom! You’ve got a showstopper. Prep time is minimal; you’ll be enjoying that first bite before you know it! I promise!
Decadent Chocolate Flavor
This isn’t your average chocolate cake, folks. We’re talking *intense* chocolate flavor. Rich, fudgy, and oh-so-satisfying. My favorite part is how the cocoa really shines. It’s chocolate heaven in every single bite. You’ll get that nostalgic chocolate cake flavor you grew up with!
Perfect for Any Occasion to have Matilda Chocolate Cake
Birthday bash? Check. Cozy night in? Check. Need a pick-me-up after a long day? Double-check! This Matilda Chocolate Cake is seriously perfect for *anything*. It’s a crowd-pleaser, a mood-booster, and always a good idea. Trust me on this one!
Ingredients for Matilda Chocolate Cake
Alright, let’s talk ingredients! This Matilda Chocolate Cake is all about simple stuff, done right. Here’s what you’ll need – and I mean really need – for that perfect chocolatey magic:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour (make sure it’s fresh!)
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder (I like using a good quality one for extra richness!)
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup milk (any kind works, even non-dairy!)
- ¼ cup vegetable oil
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (the real stuff, please!)
- 1 large egg
- ½ cup boiling water (this is key for a super moist cake!)
- Chocolate frosting (your favorite kind – go wild!)
See? Nothing too crazy. Just simple ingredients that, when combined, create pure chocolate bliss!

How to Prepare Matilda Chocolate Cake: Step-by-Step Instructions
Okay, ready to get baking? This Matilda Chocolate Cake is easier than you think! Just follow these super simple steps, and you’ll be diving into chocolatey goodness in no time. Don’t worry; I’ll walk you through it!
- First things first: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This is important! While it’s heating up, grease and flour a 9-inch round cake pan. Trust me, you don’t want your cake sticking! I usually use a little butter and then dust it with flour. Works like a charm!
- Now, grab a large bowl – the biggest one you’ve got! Whisk together 1 cup of all-purpose flour, 1 cup of granulated sugar, ½ cup of unsweetened cocoa powder, 1 teaspoon of baking powder, ½ teaspoon of baking soda, and ¼ teaspoon of salt. Make sure everything’s nicely combined. No one wants a clump of baking soda in their cake!
- Next, add ½ cup of milk, ¼ cup of vegetable oil, 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract, and 1 large egg. Beat it all together until it’s well combined. Don’t overmix, though! Just until it’s smooth.
- Here comes the magic ingredient: boiling water! Gradually add ½ cup of boiling water, mixing until the batter is smooth. Don’t be alarmed if it looks a little thin – that’s totally normal!
- Pour that beautiful batter into your prepared pan and pop it in the oven for 30-35 minutes. Now, this is important: start checking it around 30 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when a wooden skewer inserted into the center comes out clean. No gooey batter on the skewer!
- Let the cake cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. This helps it set a bit. Then, invert it onto a wire rack to cool completely. I know, it’s tempting to frost it right away, but trust me, you gotta let it cool!
- Finally, the best part: frost that baby up with your favorite chocolate frosting! Go wild! I love a rich, fudgy frosting, but hey, you do you!
And there you have it! Your very own Matilda Chocolate Cake, ready to be devoured! Enjoy!
Tips for the Perfect Matilda Chocolate Cake
Want to make sure your Matilda Chocolate Cake is a total showstopper? Of course, you do! Here are a few little secrets and tips I’ve learned along the way to guarantee chocolatey perfection every single time!
First, oven temperature is key! Make sure your oven is *really* preheated. An oven thermometer can be a lifesaver here! Also, don’t overmix the batter! Overmixing develops the gluten and can make the cake tough. Mix until just combined, and then stop!
Cooling the cake completely before frosting is also super important. I know it’s tempting to dive right in, but trust me, a warm cake will just melt the frosting and make a mess. Patience, my friend! You’ll thank me later. And hey, if you’re feeling extra fancy, try adding a pinch of espresso powder to the batter for an even richer chocolate flavor. You won’t regret it!
Ingredient Notes and Matilda Chocolate Cake Substitutions
Okay, let’s talk swaps! Gotta say, this Matilda Chocolate Cake is pretty flexible. Don’t have regular milk? No prob! Almond, soy, or even oat milk works great. Just make sure it’s unsweetened. And if you’re out of vegetable oil, melted coconut oil is a fab substitute. Careful though, it can add a *slight* coconutty taste (which I personally love!).
Got a gluten thing going on? No sweat! Use a good quality gluten-free all-purpose flour blend. I’ve had great luck with Bob’s Red Mill. Just follow the package instructions. Easy peasy!
Matilda Chocolate Cake Variations
Alright, so you’ve mastered the basic Matilda Chocolate Cake? Awesome! Now, let’s get a little crazy and try some fun variations! My favorite is adding a teaspoon of peppermint extract to the frosting for a chocolate mint dream. So good!
Or, how about sprinkling some chopped walnuts or pecans on top for a little crunch? Ooh, and for a real showstopper, try layering the cake with chocolate ganache and fresh raspberries. Seriously, the possibilities are endless! Don’t be afraid to experiment and make it your own! It’s all about having fun, right?
Frequently Asked Questions About Matilda Chocolate Cake
Got questions about making the ultimate Matilda Chocolate Cake? Don’t worry, I’ve got answers! Here are a few of the most common questions I get asked, so you can bake with confidence!
Can I make Matilda Chocolate Cake ahead of time?
Absolutely! This cake is actually even better the next day! Just wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or store it in an airtight container at room temperature. The flavors meld together beautifully!
What kind of frosting is best for Matilda Chocolate Cake?
Honestly, anything goes! But my personal fave is a rich, fudgy chocolate frosting. Cream cheese frosting is also amazing, or even just a simple chocolate ganache. It’s all about what you love!
Can I use a different size pan for Matilda Chocolate Cake?
Sure thing! If you’re using a different size pan, just keep an eye on the baking time. Smaller pans might need a little longer, and larger pans might need a little less. Just use the toothpick test to check for doneness!
Estimated Nutritional Information for Matilda Chocolate Cake
Okay, so you wanna know the nitty-gritty, right? Here’s a *rough* estimate of the nutritional info for one slice of this Matilda Chocolate Cake. Keep in mind, it can vary depending on the frosting and ingredients you use! We’re looking at around 350 calories, 15g of fat, 4g of protein, and about 50g of carbs. Enjoy responsibly! (But let’s be real, it’s hard to resist!)
Enjoy Your Matilda Chocolate Cake
Alright, chocolate lovers, go bake this cake! Then, come back and tell me what you think! Rate the recipe, leave a comment, and don’t forget to share your masterpiece on social media! I can’t wait to see your Matilda Chocolate Cake creations!

Matilda Chocolate Cake: Shockingly Easy, Terribly Good
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A rich and decadent chocolate cake inspired by Matilda.
Ingredients
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1/4 cup vegetable oil
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 egg
- 1/2 cup boiling water
- Chocolate frosting
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9-inch round cake pan.
- In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- Add milk, oil, vanilla extract, and egg. Beat until well combined.
- Gradually add boiling water, mixing until batter is smooth.
- Pour batter into prepared pan and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a wooden skewer inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Let cake cool in pan for 10 minutes before inverting onto a wire rack to cool completely.
- Frost with your favorite chocolate frosting.
Notes
- For a richer flavor, use dark cocoa powder.
- Add chocolate chips to the batter for extra chocolate.
- Serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 30g
- Sodium: 200mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 30mg