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Matilda's Legendary Chocolate Cake: The Ultimate Moist Chocolate Cake Recipe

Recreate the famous chocolate cake from the movie Matilda with this rich, moist recipe that's perfect for celebrations or chocolate cravings. This easy-to-follow recipe yields a decadent two-layer chocolate cake with creamy frosting, capturing the nostalgic treat that Bruce Bogtrotter famously devoured.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 35 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 50 minutes
Servings: 12 servings
Calories: 450
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Ingredients
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 2 cups granulated sugar
  • ¾ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 2 teaspoons baking soda
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 cup buttermilk
  • 1 cup vegetable oil
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • 1 cup boiling water
  • 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 1½ cups powdered sugar
  • ¾ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • 3-4 tablespoons milk or cream
  • Pinch of salt

Method
 

Instructions
  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans, or line with parchment paper.
  2. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking soda, baking powder, and salt.
  3. In a separate bowl, beat the eggs, then add buttermilk, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract. Mix until smooth.
  4. Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, mixing on low speed until just combined.
  5. Slowly stir in the boiling water. The batter will be thin.
  6. Pour the batter evenly into your prepared pans. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
  7. Allow cakes to cool in pans for 10 minutes, then transfer to wire racks to cool completely before frosting.
  8. Beat butter until creamy. Gradually add powdered sugar and cocoa powder, then vanilla, milk, and salt. Beat until light and fluffy.
  9. Once cakes are completely cool, frost between layers and over the entire cake.

Notes

Room temperature ingredients ensure better incorporation; Don't overmix to avoid tough cake; Never frost a warm cake; Boiling water 'blooms' cocoa powder for enhanced flavor; Store covered at room temperature for up to 3 days