Best Matilda’s Chocolate Cake
This Best Matilda’s Chocolate Cake is a delightful treat that brings joy to any occasion. With its rich, moist layers and creamy chocolate fudge frosting, it’s perfect for birthdays, celebrations, or just a sweet indulgence. What sets this cake apart is its combination of flavors and textures, making each bite a memorable experience.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Decadent Flavor: The rich chocolate taste combined with the fudgy frosting creates an irresistible dessert.
- Easy to Follow: The step-by-step instructions ensure that even novice bakers can create this masterpiece.
- Versatile Occasion Fit: Perfect for birthdays, celebrations, or simply as a sweet treat on a cozy evening.
- Impressive Presentation: The glossy frosting and layered design make it a stunning centerpiece for any table.
- Make Ahead Option: You can prepare the cake layers in advance and frost them just before serving.
Tools and Preparation
Before you start baking the Best Matilda’s Chocolate Cake, gather your essential tools. Having everything ready will help streamline the process.
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Essential Tools and Equipment
Importance of Each Tool
- 8-inch baking pans: These pans provide the perfect size for even baking of cake layers.
- Mixing bowls: A good set of mixing bowls helps in combining ingredients easily without spills.
- Whisk: Essential for thoroughly mixing dry ingredients and ensuring a well-blended batter.
Ingredients
This Matilda’s chocolate cake is made with moist chocolate cake layers that are topped and filled with a glossy chocolate fudge frosting.
- 2 1/2 cups Flour
- 1 3/4 cups Granulated sugar
- 2 tsp Baking powder
- 1 tsp Baking soda
- 1/2 tsp Kosher salt
- 1/2 cup Cocoa powder
- 2/3 cup Vegetable oil
- 1 tsp Vanilla extract
- 3 Eggs
- 2/3 cup Buttermilk
- 1 cup Coffee (hot)
- 11.11 oz Butter (unsalted)
- 14.1 oz Dark chocolate (about 60%-70%)
- 1/3 cup Cocoa powder
- 1 1/3 cups Heavy cream
- 1 1/3 cups Powdered sugar
- 1/2 tsp Kosher salt
- 1 tsp Vanilla extract
How to Make Best Matilda’s Chocolate Cake
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F) and prep two 8-inch baking pans with parchment paper.
Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl:
Add the flour, granulated sugar, kosher salt, baking powder, baking soda.
Sift in the cocoa powder.
Mix everything together with a whisk until well combined.
Step 3: Combine Wet Ingredients
Add the following to your dry mixture:
Buttermilk
Vegetable oil
Vanilla extract
Eggs
Mix until almost combined.
Step 4: Add Coffee
Pour in the hot coffee:
Mix until just combined. Ensure there are no lumps of flour visible; the batter should be runny and smooth.
Step 5: Bake the Cake Layers
Divide the mixture evenly into two prepared baking pans:
For better results, use cake strips for even baking.
Bake in the preheated oven for 25–30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
Step 6: Cool Completely
Let the cakes cool completely before frosting to prevent melting.
Step 7: Make Chocolate Fudge Frosting
In a saucepan over medium-high heat:
Add butter, heavy cream, dark chocolate, sifted cocoa powder, powdered sugar, and kosher salt.
Constantly mix until smooth and melted.
Step 8: Cool the Frosting
Strain the mixture into a large bowl:
Cover with plastic wrap directly touching the surface to avoid skin formation.
Let it cool at room temperature for about 30 minutes then transfer to fridge for another hour or two.
Step 9: Assemble Your Cake
Once chilled, remove frosting from fridge:
Pipe a small dollop of frosting on your serving plate.
Lay down one cake layer on top of it.
Step 10: Frosting Layers
Spread about one-third of frosting on top of the first layer using a spatula. Place the second layer on top.
Step 11: Final Frosting Touches
Frost the entire cake with remaining frosting:
Use an offset spatula to create waves; if there’s too much frosting, save some for next time!
Now you have your Best Matilda’s Chocolate Cake, ready to impress everyone! Enjoy!
How to Serve Best Matilda’s Chocolate Cake
This decadent cake is perfect for any occasion, from birthdays to family gatherings. With its rich chocolate flavor and smooth frosting, it’s sure to impress your guests.
Classic Presentation
- Slice – Cut into generous slices and serve on individual dessert plates.
- Garnish – Add a sprinkle of cocoa powder or chocolate shavings on top for an elegant touch.
Pairing with Ice Cream
- Vanilla Ice Cream – The creaminess of vanilla ice cream complements the rich chocolate cake perfectly.
- Chocolate Ice Cream – For true chocolate lovers, serve with a scoop of chocolate ice cream for double the decadence.
Adding Fresh Berries
- Raspberries – The tartness of fresh raspberries offers a delightful contrast to the sweetness of the cake.
- Strawberries – Sliced strawberries can add a pop of color and freshness when placed on top or alongside the cake.
Coffee or Tea
- Coffee – A warm cup of coffee enhances the deep flavors of the chocolate cake.
- Herbal Tea – A soothing herbal tea can be a great non-caffeinated option that pairs well with dessert.
How to Perfect Best Matilda’s Chocolate Cake
To achieve the best results when making this beloved dessert, follow these helpful tips that ensure your cake turns out moist and delicious every time.
- Use Room Temperature Ingredients – Ensure eggs and buttermilk are at room temperature for better mixing and fluffier batter.
- Don’t Overmix Batter – Mix until ingredients are just combined to avoid dense texture; lumps are okay!
- Baking Time Awareness – Keep an eye on your cakes as they bake; start checking at 25 minutes to prevent overbaking.
- Cool Completely Before Frosting – Allow cakes to cool completely to avoid melting your frosting during assembly.
- Proper Frosting Consistency – Adjust cooling time of frosting based on desired thickness; it should spread easily but hold shape.
- Decorate Creatively – Use additional toppings like nuts or sprinkles for added texture and visual appeal.
Best Side Dishes for Best Matilda’s Chocolate Cake
Serving Best Matilda’s Chocolate Cake can be even more delightful with some tasty side dishes. Here are some delicious options that complement this rich dessert beautifully.
- Fresh Fruit Salad – A light mix of seasonal fruits provides refreshing contrast to the chocolate richness.
- Whipped Cream – Fluffy whipped cream adds lightness and a creamy texture that pairs well with the dense cake.
- Chocolate Mousse – Enhance the chocolate experience with a silky chocolate mousse served alongside each slice.
- Cheesecake Bites – Mini cheesecake bites add a tangy twist that balances the sweetness of the cake.
- Nutty Biscotti – Crunchy biscotti offers a delightful texture difference when enjoyed with slices of cake.
- Pecan Pie Bars – These sweet bars introduce another layer of flavor while remaining within dessert territory.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Baking the Best Matilda’s Chocolate Cake can be a delightful experience, but certain mistakes can lead to less than perfect results. Here are some common pitfalls to avoid:
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Skipping ingredient measurements: Always measure your ingredients accurately. This ensures consistent results every time you bake.
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Using cold eggs: Make sure your eggs are at room temperature. Cold eggs can affect the batter’s texture and lead to uneven baking.
-
Overmixing the batter: Mix until just combined. Overmixing can result in a tough cake rather than a light and fluffy one.
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Not cooling the cake properly: Allow the cake to cool completely before frosting. If it’s too warm, the frosting may melt off.
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Ignoring oven temperature: Preheat your oven adequately. An underheated or overheated oven can lead to uneven baking and texture issues.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store the Best Matilda’s Chocolate Cake in an airtight container.
- It will last for up to 5 days in the refrigerator.
- Keep it away from strong-smelling foods to prevent absorbing odors.
Freezing Best Matilda’s Chocolate Cake
- Wrap individual slices or whole cakes tightly in plastic wrap.
- Place wrapped cake in a freezer-safe container.
- It can be frozen for up to 3 months for best quality.
Reheating Best Matilda’s Chocolate Cake
-
Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C). Cover cake with foil and heat for about 10-15 minutes.
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Microwave: Heat a slice on a microwave-safe plate for 10-15 seconds at a time until warm.
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Stovetop: Warm slices in a skillet over low heat, covered, for about 5 minutes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about making the Best Matilda’s Chocolate Cake:
Can I use different types of chocolate?
Yes! You can experiment with milk or white chocolate for unique flavors, although dark chocolate provides a richer taste.
How do I make this cake gluten-free?
Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free baking blend. Ensure that other ingredients are also gluten-free.
What makes the Best Matilda’s Chocolate Cake so moist?
The combination of buttermilk and coffee contributes significantly to its moisture level, creating a rich texture.
Can I add flavors to the frosting?
Absolutely! You can add extracts like almond or mint for extra flavor in your chocolate fudge frosting.
How do I prevent my cake from sinking?
Make sure your baking powder and soda are fresh, and avoid overmixing the batter which can cause sinking.
Final Thoughts
The Best Matilda’s Chocolate Cake is not only delicious but also versatile. You can customize it with various flavors or toppings to suit different occasions. Whether it’s a birthday celebration or just a treat for yourself, this cake is sure to impress. Try it out and enjoy every chocolaty bite!
Best Matilda’s Chocolate Cake
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: Serves approximately 12 slices 1x
Description
Indulge in the Best Matilda’s Chocolate Cake, a rich and decadent dessert perfect for any occasion. This delightful cake features moist chocolate layers enveloped in a creamy chocolate fudge frosting, creating an irresistible treat that will satisfy your sweet cravings. Whether it’s a birthday celebration or a cozy evening at home, this cake is sure to impress with its beautiful presentation and unforgettable flavors. Easy to follow for bakers of all skill levels, it’s a recipe you’ll want to return to time and again.
Ingredients
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 3/4 cups granulated sugar
- 2 tsp baking powder
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1/2 tsp kosher salt
- 1/2 cup cocoa powder
- 2/3 cup vegetable oil
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 3 large eggs
- 2/3 cup buttermilk
- 1 cup hot coffee
- 11.11 oz unsalted butter
- 14.1 oz dark chocolate (about 60%-70%)
- 1/3 cup cocoa powder
- 1 1/3 cups heavy cream
- 1 1/3 cups powdered sugar
- 1/2 tsp kosher salt
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C) and prepare two 8-inch baking pans with parchment paper.
- In a mixing bowl, combine flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and sifted cocoa powder.
- Mix in buttermilk, vegetable oil, vanilla extract, and eggs until just combined.
- Stir in hot coffee until batter is smooth.
- Divide batter between prepared pans and bake for 25–30 minutes until a toothpick comes out clean.
- Allow cakes to cool completely before frosting with chocolate fudge icing made by melting butter, dark chocolate, cream, and cocoa together.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (100g)
- Calories: 400
- Sugar: 40g
- Sodium: 250mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
