Matilda Chocolate Cake

Few desserts have captured the imagination of chocolate lovers quite like the legendary Matilda Chocolate Cake. Inspired by the unforgettable oversized chocolate cake made famous on screen, this homemade version features incredibly moist chocolate layers, rich cocoa flavor, silky chocolate fudge frosting, and a simple chocolate coffee syrup that keeps every bite irresistibly tender.

Whether you’re celebrating a birthday, hosting a holiday gathering, or simply treating yourself to an indulgent dessert, this bakery-style chocolate cake is guaranteed to impress.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This chocolate cake is everything a chocolate lover could ask for.

Recipe Highlights

• Rich, deep chocolate flavor
• Ultra-moist cake layers
• Smooth chocolate fudge frosting
• Perfect for birthdays and celebrations
• Bakery-quality results at home
• Soft texture that stays fresh for days
• Easy to make ahead

The combination of cocoa powder, hot coffee, buttermilk, and chocolate syrup creates an exceptionally moist and flavorful cake.

Ingredients

For the Chocolate Cake

• 3 cups all-purpose flour, sifted
• 1 cup unsweetened cocoa powder (20–24% fat), sifted
• 2 tablespoons milk powder
• 2½ teaspoons baking soda
• 1½ teaspoons baking powder
• 1¼ teaspoons kosher salt
• 2 cups granulated sugar
• ½ cup brown sugar
• 1½ cups vegetable oil
• 3 large eggs
• 1½ tablespoons vanilla extract
• 1½ cups buttermilk
• 1½ cups hot brewed coffee

For the Chocolate Vanilla Syrup

• ¼ cup brewed coffee
• ¼ cup brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1 teaspoon vanilla bean paste or vanilla extract

For the Frosting

Prepare one batch of your favorite Chocolate Fudge Frosting before assembling the cake.

How to Make the Chocolate Cake

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