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Best Matilda Chocolate Cake

Zoha Malik

by Zoha Malik

Updated:

Rated 4.80 out of 5

386 Comments
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Whether you call it the best Matilda chocolate cake or the fudgiest chocolate cake is up to you, but what I can tell you is that you’ll never have a more scrumptious chocolate cake than this. It is rich, moist, fudgy and chocolatey, and what makes it extra special is my delectable and shiny dark chocolate fudge frosting. Bruce would have had no trouble finishing this up 😉

A rich Matilda style chocolate cake with chocolate frosting sits on a marble surface. A large slice has been cut out, revealing moist, dark cake layers and thick frosting inside. Crumbs are scattered near the cut section.

This Matilda chocolate cake will blow your mind

As a proud chocoholic and chocolate cake connoisseur, I’ve shared some incredible recipes already, including my Chocolate Malt Cake with an Ovaltine cream cheese frosting, and Easy Chocolate Cake with a ganache frosting that comes together in 15 minutes.

But I wanted to take it one step further and create the *ultimate* chocolate cake – especially inspired by the Matilda Chocolate Cake that has stuck with our whole generation. After a lot of testing, especially on the frosting, this cake made my (and your) Matilda dreams come true:

  • It tastes like chocolate. Not sugar, not cocoa powder, not anything else
  • It is rich, moist and fudgy without being heavy. It is a hard balance to strike – getting a rich texture without making the cake muddy or dense, and this cake gets it right. You’ll be able to eat a slice (or two) with no problem
  • The frosting is just pure perfection. It tastes like chocolate, not sugar, and has the perfect consistency which is spreadable but remains shiny and soft
  • Most importantly, this is a fuss-free recipe. You get all of the above without any complicated steps or unnecessary hassle. In fact, I’d venture to say less experienced bakers can get this cake right too!

This chocolate cake is to die for. Usually the icing layer can be cloyingly sweet – but in this one it is not. I don’t think I’ve ever had this chocolate flavor profile before!
– Momina, ★★★★★

Tried it as soon as I saw the recipe and oh my god! It is the BEST chocolate cake I’ve ever made and tasted. 100/10. Honestly, you’re a magician!
– Marium, ★★★★★

This cake tastes like luxury. Exactly what a chocolate cake should be. And that frosting – I could eat a whole bowl.
– Sarah, ★★★★★

A slice of rich, moist chocolate cake with chocolate frosting between three layers, served on a white scalloped plate.

A few secrets make the cake special

I know there are countless versions of chocolate cakes online, but here’s what I believe makes this specific recipe work so well:

  • A combination of white and brown sugar. The brown sugar adds depth of flavor and moisture
  • Dutch Processed cocoa powder and an optional hint of black cocoa. Dutch cocoa powder does not taste acidic and has a much more rich chocolate flavor. My favorite is the Rodelle Dutch processed cocoa powder from Walmart! For an even darker color, I love adding a small amount of black cocoa powder
  • A combination of buttermilk and sour cream. Both ingredients react with baking soda to give the cake a wonderful rise and add richness to the cake
  • Bloomed cocoa powder in hot water. The cocoa powder is mixed with boiling water and then folded into the batter. The direct contact with hot water blooms the cocoa powder very effectively, uncovering its bold chocolate flavor and aroma
  • Hint of coffee. You’ve heard it before: it enhances the chocolate flavor. Don’t skip it!

The frosting is to DIE for

Just like the Matilda chocolate cake, the star of this cake is the frosting! My Dark Chocolate Fudge Frosting is a hybrid of cream cheese frosting and chocolate ganache, and an absolute dream to work with. A generous amount of dark chocolate gives it a rich and chocolatey flavor, while the cream cheese and heavy cream keep it soft, spreadable and shiny. I’ve also updated the recipe to make it simpler, removing the corn syrup some people were having trouble finding.

A note on the frosting’s consistency

Because melted chocolate is a main ingredient in this frosting, its consistency will change with temperature. I find it best to use after resting for 20-30 minutes at room temperature. If it feels too soft or runny, chill it (usually just 10 minutes in the fridge will do the trick!). If it feels too firm (especially if you refrigerated it, which I don’t recommend), either let it warm up at room temperature, or remove about 1 cup, microwave for 20 seconds until runny and carefully fold through the rest of the frosting to make it softer.

Step by step photos

The detailed recipe is given in the recipe card below, but let’s go over the steps with photos to help you visualize everything.

1. Make the cake

A glass bowl containing flour, white granulated sugar, brown sugar, and flour sitting on a light countertop.

Add the dry ingredients except cocoa powder and coffee to a bowl.

A glass bowl filled with white dry ingredients sits on a light brown countertop. Some finger marks are visible on the surface of the flour.

Whisk to combine and break down any lumps.

A glass bowl with three raw eggs, a dollop of sour cream, and other creamy ingredients on a beige countertop, ready for mixing.

Add the wet ingredients except the hot water to a separate bowl.

A glass bowl filled with pale yellow mixture of eggs and wet ingredients sits on a light brown countertop. The batter is smooth with a few small bubbles on the surface.

Whisk until smooth and combined.

A glass bowl with flour and dry ingredients on top of yellow batter, and a whisk resting inside, ready for mixing on a light countertop.

Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients.

A glass bowl filled with smooth, yellow cake batter and a metal whisk resting inside, on a light-colored countertop.

Whisk slowly and gently until just combined, and no lumps are visible.

A glass bowl filled with a mound of finely ground dark brown cocoa powder sits on a light beige textured surface.

In a separate bowl, add the cocoa powder and instant coffee, and pour over the boiling water.

A clear glass bowl filled with glossy, dark chocolate mixture sits on a light-colored countertop. Some chocolate residue is visible on the rim and side of the bowl.

Mix until smooth and shiny. This step blooms the cocoa powder!

A hand holding a whisk stirs chocolate and vanilla batters together in a glass bowl, creating a marbled effect on a light countertop.

Add the bloomed cocoa mixture to the remaining batter.

A glass bowl filled with chocolate cake batter sits on a light countertop, with a wooden spoon resting inside the bowl.

Whisk gently until just combined; taking care not to over-mix.

Three round cake pans filled with chocolate cake batter are arranged on a light-colored countertop, ready to be baked.

Divide the batter evenly between 3 8″ or 9″ pans.

Three round chocolate cakes in white pans are arranged close together on a light, textured surface. The cakes have a smooth, dark surface and appear freshly baked.

Bake until just cooked; avoid over-baking as it can result in a dry texture!

2. Make the frosting

A glass bowl filled with smooth chocolate ganache with a metal spoon resting inside. The bowl is placed on a wooden surface.

For the frosting, start by microwaving the heavy cream and dark chocolate until they form a smooth ganache.

A glass bowl contains a pile of cocoa powder mixed with powdered sugar and a sprinkle of salt, sitting on a wooden surface

In a large bowl, add the cream cheese, powdered sugar, cocoa powder and salt.

A glass bowl filled with thick, creamy chocolate frosting sits on a wooden surface

Whisk until the mixture is smooth and creamy with no lumps.

A glass bowl with chocolate frosting being mixed, while more chocolate ganache is being poured in from another container on a wooden surface.

Add the warm (NOT hot!) ganache into the frosting.

A glass bowl filled with smooth, glossy chocolate frosting is being mixed with a pink spatula on a wooden surface.

Whisk for ~60 seconds or until the ganache is fully mixed in. The frosting will be soft and runny at this point.

A glass bowl filled with smooth, rich chocolate frosting being mixed with a pink spatula on a dark wooden surface.

Let the frosting rest at room temperature for 30 minutes and it will become spreadable.

3. Assemble

A round chocolate cake layer on a marble surface with a large dollop of chocolate ganache in the center, ready to be spread

When the cake and frosting have cooled, trim the domes from the cakes and layer them generously with the frosting.

A round chocolate cake covered smoothly with glossy chocolate ganache, sits on a white marble surface.

Cover the whole cake with the frosting. You can use a spatula to create a rustic look like pictured below!

Serve & enjoy!

A round chocolate cake with glossy chocolate fudge frosting sits on a marble and wood cake stand, with chocolate crumbs scattered around.

Pro tips before you make it

A few important tips:

  • Weigh the dry ingredients, especially the flour, for the best results. I love this inexpensive scale from Amazon
  • Use Dutch Processed cocoa powder
  • Never overmix the cake batter. Always whisk slowly and only until the ingredients are combined and you don’t see big lumps
  • Don’t overbake the cakes. Check with a toothpick around the 20 minute mark, you want it to have light, moist crumbs on it. Overbaking will cause the cake to become dry and crumbly
  • Let the cakes fully cool down before you handle and frost them. They are quite soft and delicate. I like to keep them in the fridge for 1 hour before I work with them
  • Use high quality dark chocolate for the frosting. I have the best results with Callebaut 55% dark chocolate!
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side picture of matilda chocolate cake on a marble cake stand with a few slices taken out revealing what the cake looks like inside. it has 3 layers of moist and rich chocolate cake and shiny fudge frosting

Best Matilda Chocolate Cake Recipe

by Zoha Malik

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 4.80 stars from 108 reviews

The best Matilda chocolate cake you’ll ever have: rich, fudgy, moist and chocolatey with a silky and delectable chocolate fudge frosting

Yield:12 servings

Prep Time:
45 mins
Cook Time:
22 mins
Chilling Time:
30 mins
Total Time:
1 hr, 40 mins

Video Tutorial

Ingredients

Chocolate Cake:

  • 2 cups all purpose flour (260g), sifted
  • 1 1/2 tsp baking powder
  • 1 1/2 tsp baking soda
  • 1 cup granulated sugar (200g)
  • 2/3 cup light brown sugar (135g)
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 3 large eggs
  • ⅔ cup vegetable oil (133g)
  • 1/3 cup buttermilk (80g) – mix 1/3 cup whole milk (80g) + 1 tsp vinegar to make your own
  • 1 cup sour cream (240g)
  • 3/4 cup cocoa powder, Dutch Processed preferred (75g)  
  • 2 tsp instant coffee
  • 3/4 cup boiling water (180g)

Dark Chocolate Fudge Frosting:

  • 300g dark chocolate, chopped – I recommend 55-60% like this one
  • 1 1/4 cup heavy cream (300g)
  • 8 oz cream cheese, room temperature (226g)
  • 1/3 cup cocoa powder (33g)
  • 1 cup powdered sugar (100g)
  • 1/4 tsp salt

Instructions

Chocolate Cake:

  1. Preheat oven to 350F (no fan) and prepare 3 8″ pans with parchment paper and butter
  2. In a bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, baking soda, granulated sugar, light brown sugar and salt. Whisk together until no lumps remain
  3. In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs, vegetable oil, buttermilk and sour cream until smooth
  4. Add the dry ingredients to the wet in 2 additions, and gently whisk and fold until they are just combined and no big lumps remain. Do not over-mix
  5. In a separate small bowl, add the cocoa powder and instant coffee. Pour over the boiling water and whisk until a smooth shiny mixture forms
  6. Pour the cocoa mixture onto the remaining batter, and gently fold until a chocolate cake batter forms
  7. Divide the batter evenly between the 3 prepared cake pans
  8. Bake for ~22-24 minutes until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with light moist crumbs attached
  9. Let the cakes cool in the pans for 20 minutes, then carefully remove them and place on a wire rack. Let them cool completely (I recommend at least 1 hour)

Dark Chocolate Fudge Frosting:

  1. While the cakes cool, make the frosting. Add the dark chocolate and heavy cream to a microwave safe bowl. Microwave in 20 second increments, stirring in between, until the chocolate melts and a smooth, shiny ganache forms. Make sure there are no chocolate lumps in it. The ganache should be warm, not hot. Let it cool down for 5-10 minutes
  2. To a separate bowl, add the room temperature cream cheese and sift in the cocoa powder, powdered sugar and salt. Whisk on medium speed until the mixture becomes smooth and creamy (1-2 minutes). Scrape the bowl once or twice as you do this
  3. Pour in the warm ganache, and whisk on low speed for about 60-90 seconds until a smooth mixture forms. Scrape the bowl in the middle to ensure everything is well combined. Do not over-mix
  4. At this point, the frosting will be very soft and runny. Just cover the bowl and let it rest at room temperature for 20-30 minutes, and it should reach a firmer, spreadable consistency. I don’t recommend chilling this frosting in the fridge as it can easily become too firm. If that happens, remove about 1 cup and microwave it for 20 seconds or until runny, then slowly fold through the rest to make it softer

Assembly:

  1. Once the cakes and frosting have cooled down, it’s time to assemble
  2. Use a large serrated knife to carefully trim off the domes from the cakes
  3. Layer them on top of each other with a generous layer of the frosting in between (don’t be stingy!). Cover the cake with a thin layer of frosting (crumb coat) and refrigerate for 20 minutes. Then slather on the remaining frosting all over
  4. Serve & enjoy! This cake is best eaten at room temperature

Notes

  • Cocoa powder: If you can’t find Dutch processed cocoa powder, you may use natural, 100% unsweetened cocoa powder. If you want a deep, dark chocolate cake, you can also substitute 10g of the Dutch processed cocoa powder with 10g of Black cocoa powder
  • Sour cream: If you can’t find sour cream, you can try making it at home with my homemade sour cream recipe. Some readers have also had success with full fat yogurt
  • Chocolate for the frosting: This frosting recipe has been especially developed for dark chocolate and has a beautiful flavor which complements the cake. I recommend anywhere between 50-60% for the perfect sweetness and consistency. If you use a higher dark chocolate (e.g., 70-80%) for flavor preference, I recommend increasing the heavy cream to 1 1/2 cups (360g) – this will definitely be a dark frosting! On the flip-side, I do not recommend using milk chocolate as the frosting will not firm up properly. If you still want to use milk chocolate, reduce the heavy cream to 1 cup (240g)
  • Shiny frosting: As the chocolate in the frosting sets, it might start to look dull. Before serving, use a blow dryer at the lowest setting and gently wave it 1 foot away from the cake. This will warm up the frosting enough for it to become shiny!
  • Coffee: I do not recommend skipping the coffee as it enhances the chocolate flavor. You won’t taste it! However, if you have an intolerance, you may skip it
  • Storage: This cake is best eaten at room temperature, or even slightly warmed up in the microwave (by the slice). You can keep it in an airtight container in a cool place for 2-3 days. Any longer and transfer to the fridge for up to 1 week combined. If refrigerating, I recommend microwaving for 10-20 seconds before eating
  • Make ahead: You can prepare this cake in advance and keep it at room temperature (~70F) for 1-2 days! Just make sure it is properly covered. I let it chill for 15-20 minutes so the frosting sets, then wrap in cling wrap and keep at room temperature

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Comments

  1. San

    Hello. Planning to try this but I have only two 8 inch pans. Can I leave the third part of the batter and bake it after the 2 parts are done. Will this affect the texture, or rising of the third part of the cake? Alternatively can I make a 2 layer cake after adjustment of the quantities?

    1. Zoha Malik

      Hi San! It’s not ideal but it is also not that big of a deal. Yes, you can make the third cake as soon as the first batch is done 🙂

  2. sofi

    Hi, how to turn this recipe into cupcakes? Would reallyy appreciate it if you could make a cupcake version of this cake because it is INCREDIBLE

    1. Zoha Malik

      Thank you Sofi!! You can turn this into cupcakes without any modifications – just adjust the baking time! most cupcakes bake in 15-18 minutes!

  3. Fatima Ali

    I used this recipe as a first-time baker (literally my first time baking EVER!!), and I have to say, it was SUPER easy to follow, with really helpful instructions. The cake turned out soooo good, and I’m definitely going to try more of your recipes <333 You've genuinely motivated me to bake more :))

    I didn't have a whisk or hand mixer, so that part was a little tricky, but I managed to figure it out! Maybe you could also include some tips for people who don't have all the equipment?

    One more suggestion from someone who's never baked before: I think the only instruction I felt was missing was to line the cake pan with parchment paper and grease the sides before pouring in the batter. I ended up looking this up myself, but I think it would be vv helpful to include it somewhere in the recipe, especially for complete beginners! Otherwise, someone might struggle to get their cake out of the pan without it sticking or breaking.

    But overall, SUCH a great recipe, and I'm so happy with how my first cake turned out!! Thank youuu <333

    1. Zoha Malik

      hi Fatima! Thank you for the helpful feedback and so glad your cake turned out good!! I do have an instruction to line pans with parchment in step 1. Do you mean providing more details on how to do it?

  4. Masira

    Love this recipe thanks for sharing ❤️

  5. Sam s

    Hi there do the cold ingredients need to be room temp before baking? Also if I’m filling cupcakes instead, should I fill halfway or 2/3?

    1. Zoha Malik

      Hi Sam! For the cake I don’t use room temperature ingredients. For the frosting the cream cheese needs to be room temp. I fill cupcakes 3/4 of the way for the right height!

  6. Zarina

    Love the recipe Zoha!

    I want to make a birthday cake with this, however I have 9 inch pans. Can I use the same quantities listed in the recipe card without sacrificing the height of the cake?

    If I wanted to make the cake the night before, can I cool and cling wrap each layer or is it better to assemble the layers together with frosting and then cling wrap the cake and store at room temp until ready to crumb coat and frost? 🙂

    1. Zoha Malik

      Hi Zarina! 9″ pans will work – will be slightly less tall but still a good size, and stick to the lower end of the baking time. Both ways to cool work fine, but just keep in mind that the frosting becomes firm the longer it sits. If it has set up too firm by the time you’re assembling, remove some of it, microwave to melt it (just ~20 seconds or so) and slowly mix into the rest.

  7. Ankita

    Hey zoha!! Absolutely love all your recipes and I try them out without batting an eyelid! Question: can i make this frosting ahead of time and freeze it ? If so, how long does it stay good ?

    1. Zoha Malik

      Hi Ankita! You can save frostings, but they get deflated as they defrost. You will need to let it thaw in the fridge, then also let it come to room temperature and re-whip it (not too long!). In my opinion it’s easier to just make it fresh 🙂

  8. Gillian

    Hi Zoha,

    Huge fan of your recipes!
    For this cake unfortunately I m not able to source the Rodelle cocoa powder , Callebaut or Ghiradelli chocolate chips.
    Not a huge fan of the Lindt 70% , any other alternatives? If its Valrhorna which one should I use ?

    1. Zoha Malik

      Hi Gillian! I’ve used valrhona caraibe chocolate for the frosting and it works great! Valrhona dutch cocoa is also great.

  9. Lutchmi Emrit

    Why is my frosting runny

    1. Zoha Malik

      Hi there! That’s ok – just let it rest and it will set up as the chocolate in it solidifies 🙂

  10. Mary

    I love this recipe! So moist & delicious.
    Have baked it a couple of times & shall be making it again for my son’s birthday I”A

    1. Zoha Malik

      Thank you so much! I am honored 🙂

  11. Aneeqa Arshad

    Hey Zoha your recipes are sooo good. Can you tell me that in your sponge if we use mayyonaise instead of sour cream?

    1. Zoha Malik

      Not in this recipe! You should use sour cream, home made sour cream, or more buttermilk.

  12. Lacy Webster

    Can you use espresso powder instead of coffee?

    1. Zoha Malik

      That’s what I use!

  13. S

    Can you make this into cupcakes and use the same frosting?

    1. Zoha Malik

      Yes absolutely!

  14. Ellen

    Hi Zoha, this is the second time I try to make this cake. The frosting is delicious but I have a problem with the cake itself. Mine stays very flat, it doesn’t rise and it isn’t fluffy. I don’t know what I do wrong! Do you add the cocoa-coffee water when it’s still hot or do you let it cool down? This is the only thing I can think off.
    Thank you!

    1. Zoha Malik

      The water is added while it’s still hot! I wonder if there’s an issue with your baking powder/soda? Are they newly purchased or old? And when you say the cake doesn’t rise, is it dense?

      1. Ellen

        I now use self-rising flower, that’s a mixture of flower and baking powder already in it. Maybe this isn’t strong enough. Next time I’ll try to add seperate baking powder and soda.
        Yes, the cake is dense. People said it was delicious but very heavy to eat. I’ve got a picture on Instagram: ellenszoetigheden 😊.
        Thank you for your reply! I love your recipes and your blog.

        1. Zoha Malik

          Just saw your IG – you are SO talented!!! 🙂

        2. Zoha Malik

          Hi Ellen! You cannot substitute self-raising flour in this recipe. Self raising flour has only baking powder in it, while my recipe has both baking powder and baking soda, and both in higher quantities. That’s why the cake didn’t rise properly. I am glad everyone still liked the flavor, though! Thanks for sharing 🙂

          1. Ellen

            Will definetely try again with baking soda. Didn’t know it could make such a difference.
            And thank you so much! That means a lot to me!! 🥰

  15. Swaliha

    LOVED IT!! Right amount of sweetness. Perfectly moist and fudgy. The best chocolate cake I’ve made so far

    1. Zoha Malik

      Yay!!!

  16. Phuti Mathobela

    L=oved this receipts and try to do but unfortunate it didn’t come the way😒please help me wanna surprise my kids

    1. Zoha Malik

      What can I help with? 🙂

  17. Samer Ali

    Hey can i try this fudge cake but with whipped and mascarpone cream frosting??

    1. Zoha Malik

      Hi! Yes that should work!

  18. Tania

    Everyone who tried it absolutely loved it. The sponge was moist and the whole cake was so light and not overly sweet. I do think i ended up with a lot more frosting than i needed for the cake. I made brownies after that and heated up the frosting a bit to put on warm brownies and ice cream on top. Everyone loved that too. The remaining frosting i used to make your easy bake chocolate cake single layer only and used the remaining frosting on it.

    1. Zoha Malik

      You’re so kind, thank you for the lovely review!

  19. Elle Oh

    Hello! Any advice for turning this into a sheet cake? Thank you

    1. Zoha Malik

      It will work as a thick 9×13” sheet cake! Will take slightly longer to bake though, and will have a thick layer of frosting on top.

  20. Fatima

    Made this for my daughter’s birthday this weekend and it turned out excellent! Cake is sooo soft and spongy. The frosting is heavenly. Will be making again!

    1. Zoha Malik

      Yay!

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