Matilda Chocolate Cake (Printable Version)

Rich layers of moist chocolate cake topped with creamy frosting for an unforgettable dessert experience.

# What You'll Need:

→ For the Cake

01 - 2 cups all-purpose flour
02 - 2 cups granulated sugar
03 - ¾ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
04 - 1½ teaspoons baking powder
05 - 1½ teaspoons baking soda
06 - 1 teaspoon salt
07 - 2 large eggs, at room temperature
08 - 1 cup whole milk
09 - ½ cup vegetable oil
10 - 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
11 - 1 cup boiling water

→ For the Chocolate Frosting

12 - 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
13 - ¾ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
14 - 4 cups powdered sugar
15 - ¼ cup whole milk, plus extra if needed
16 - 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
17 - Pinch of salt

# How To Make It:

01 - Preheat the oven to 350°F. Grease and line two 9-inch round cake pans with parchment paper.
02 - In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
03 - Add eggs, milk, oil, and vanilla to the dry mixture. Beat on medium speed until well combined.
04 - Carefully mix in the boiling water. The batter will be thin, which is normal.
05 - Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans.
06 - Bake for 30 to 35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
07 - Let cakes cool in pans for 10 minutes, then turn out onto wire racks to cool completely.
08 - Beat butter until creamy. Sift in cocoa powder and mix well.
09 - Gradually add powdered sugar, alternating with milk, until smooth and spreadable.
10 - Add vanilla and a pinch of salt. Beat until fully combined.
11 - Place one cake layer on a serving plate. Spread a layer of frosting on top.
12 - Stack the second cake layer and cover the top and sides with the remaining frosting.
13 - For the classic Matilda look, use an offset spatula to create swoops and swirls in the frosting.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • The cake stays incredibly moist for days, thanks to that secret ingredient of boiling water
  • The frosting is rich enough to satisfy serious chocolate cravings but somehow still feels light and airy
02 -
  • The batter will be shockingly thin after adding boiling water, but this is exactly what creates that moist texture we want
  • Completely cool cakes before frosting, or the butter in your frosting will melt and slide right off
03 -
  • Sifting the cocoa powder twice prevents those frustrating little lumps in your frosting
  • Chill your frosted cake for 15 minutes before serving to get those picture-perfect slices

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