If you have been dreaming of the ultimate chocolate indulgence, then this Dreamy Moist Matilda Chocolate Cake Recipe is exactly what you need to bake next. It effortlessly combines rich cocoa flavors with a signature moist texture that melts in your mouth, making each bite absolutely heavenly. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or simply craving a decadent treat, this cake offers that perfect balance of fluffy softness and luscious frosting, guaranteed to become a cherished favorite in your kitchen repertoire.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Dreamy Moist Matilda Chocolate Cake Recipe begins with a thoughtfully curated lineup of simple, pantry-friendly ingredients. Each one plays a crucial role, whether it’s the tender crumb from the flour, the sweet depth from cocoa and sugar, or the moist crumb provided by boiling water and oil. Here’s everything you’ll gather before the baking adventure starts:
- 1 and 3/4 cups all-purpose flour: Creates the sturdy, yet tender base of the cake’s texture.
- 1 and 1/2 cups granulated sugar: Sweetens the batter and helps with caramelization.
- 3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder: Packs a rich chocolate punch without overpowering.
- 1 and 1/2 tsp baking powder: Ensures a perfect rise and light crumb.
- 1 and 1/2 tsp baking soda: Works alongside baking powder to give the cake lift and softness.
- 1/2 tsp salt: Enhances all the other flavors beautifully.
- 2 large eggs: Binds the cake together and adds richness.
- 1 cup whole milk (or buttermilk for extra richness): Adds creaminess and tenderizes the crumb.
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil: Keeps the cake delightfully moist and tender.
- 2 tsp vanilla extract: Brings a warm, aromatic sweetness that deepens the taste.
- 1 cup boiling water: Key for that signature moist texture, it melds all dry ingredients perfectly.
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened: For homemade frosting that’s creamy and indulgent.
- 2/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder (for frosting): Creates a luscious chocolate coating.
- 3 cups powdered sugar: Sweetens and thickens the frosting.
- 1/2 cup whole milk (for frosting): Balances sweetness and smooths out the frosting.
- 1 tsp vanilla extract (for frosting): Adds a lovely vanilla warmth to complement the chocolate.
- A pinch of salt (for frosting): Elevates the chocolate flavor and balances sweetness.
How to Make Dreamy Moist Matilda Chocolate Cake Recipe
Step 1: Preheat & Prepare Pans
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans or line them with parchment paper for easy release later. This step ensures your cakes bake evenly and lift out effortlessly, setting the scene for perfectly shaped layers.
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Combining these dry ingredients thoroughly ensures that the rising agents and flavors are evenly distributed, resulting in a cake that is beautifully consistent through every bite.
Step 3: Add the Wet Ingredients
Next, crack in the eggs, pour in the whole milk, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract. Mix everything until just combined, taking care not to overmix to keep the crumb tender. These wet ingredients provide richness, moisture, and flavor depth that every slice of the Dreamy Moist Matilda Chocolate Cake Recipe embodies.
Step 4: Incorporate Boiling Water
Slowly pour the boiling water into the batter while stirring continuously. While the batter thins out significantly, this is what makes the cake irresistibly moist and light—an essential trick in this Dreamy Moist Matilda Chocolate Cake Recipe that makes all the difference.
Step 5: Bake Your Cake Layers
Divide the batter evenly between your prepared pans and pop them into the oven. Bake for about 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center emerges clean. Resist opening the oven frequently during baking to keep the heat steady and the cake rising perfectly.
Step 6: Cool Before Frosting
Allow the cakes to cool in their pans for 10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This step is crucial—frosting a warm cake may cause it to melt and slide, so patience here pays off in the final presentation.
Step 7: Create the Luscious Frosting
For the frosting, melt the softened butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Add the cocoa powder and whisk until smooth, building a rich base flavor. Then gradually add powdered sugar, milk, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt, stirring continuously until silky and spreadable. This frosting is the perfect complement with a deep chocolatey richness that doesn’t overpower.
Step 8: Layer and Frost the Cake
Place one cake layer on your serving platter and spread a generous amount of frosting evenly over the top. Gently place the second layer on top and cover the entire cake with the remaining frosting, smoothing it over the sides too. Let it rest for a few minutes, allowing the frosting to set just enough for clean slicing.
How to Serve Dreamy Moist Matilda Chocolate Cake Recipe
Garnishes
To elevate the look, sprinkle a dusting of cocoa powder or chocolate shavings on top. Fresh berries like raspberries or strawberries can add a pop of color and a pleasant tart contrast to the rich chocolate, making each slice picture-perfect and extra inviting.
Side Dishes
Pair your Dreamy Moist Matilda Chocolate Cake Recipe with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream to balance the richness. A fresh cup of hot coffee or a creamy latte makes the ideal companion, enhancing the chocolate notes and rounding out the dessert experience.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving individual slices with a drizzle of warm caramel sauce or a sprinkle of toasted nuts for a delightful twist. For parties, consider turning slices into mini cake parfaits layered with mousse or fruit compotes for a fancy, crowd-pleasing presentation.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once your Dreamy Moist Matilda Chocolate Cake Recipe is frosted, store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature if serving within two days. For longer storage, refrigeration is best – just bring slices back to room temperature before eating for the best texture and flavor.
Freezing
This cake freezes beautifully. Wrap fully cooled, unfrosted cake layers tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. You can freeze frosting separately or decorate the cake after thawing for the freshest taste and texture.
Reheating
For thawed cake slices, warming briefly in the microwave (about 10-15 seconds) helps revive the moist, soft texture and enhances the chocolate aroma. Avoid overheating to keep the cake from drying out.
FAQs
Can I use buttermilk instead of whole milk in the Dreamy Moist Matilda Chocolate Cake Recipe?
Absolutely! Buttermilk adds a slightly tangy richness that enhances the cake’s flavor and makes the crumb even more tender. It’s a wonderful substitution if you want an extra moist cake.
Is the boiling water necessary for this cake?
Yes, the boiling water is key to achieving the signature moist texture in the Dreamy Moist Matilda Chocolate Cake Recipe. It helps bloom the cocoa powder and ensures the batter is perfectly blended for ultimate softness.
Can I make this cake gluten-free?
You can experiment with gluten-free flour blends, but the texture might slightly differ. Choosing a blend designed for cakes will yield the closest results to the original recipe.
How long does this cake stay fresh?
When stored properly at room temperature, the cake stays fresh for about two days. If refrigerated, it can last up to five days, making it easy to plan ahead for celebrations or treats.
What type of cocoa powder works best?
Use a good-quality unsweetened cocoa powder for the best chocolate flavor. Dutch-processed cocoa offers a smoother, more mellow taste, while natural cocoa powder gives a sharper, more robust chocolate note.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly special about this Dreamy Moist Matilda Chocolate Cake Recipe that just warms your heart and pleases every chocolate lover’s soul. It’s a wonderful treat to make for yourself or share with friends and family, and once you try it, you’ll want to make it again and again. Trust me, your kitchen is about to become the coziest place filled with the irresistible scent of baked chocolaty goodness.
Print
Dreamy Moist Matilda Chocolate Cake Recipe
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
Description
This Dreamy Moist Matilda Chocolate Cake is a rich, ultra-moist chocolate cake layered with a smooth, creamy cocoa butter frosting. Made with boiling water added to the batter for extra moisture and a perfectly tender crumb, this classic cake is ideal for celebrations or indulgent everyday treats. The recipe yields two 9-inch layers, generously frosted and ready to impress with deep chocolate flavor and a luscious texture.
Ingredients
Cake Ingredients
- 1 and 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 and 1/2 cups granulated sugar
- 3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 and 1/2 tsp baking powder
- 1 and 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup whole milk (or buttermilk for extra richness)
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup boiling water
Frosting Ingredients
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 3 cups powdered sugar
- 1/2 cup whole milk
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- A pinch of salt
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans or line them with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, unsweetened cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt until fully combined.
- Add Wet Ingredients: To the dry ingredients, add eggs, whole milk, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract. Mix thoroughly until you have a smooth batter.
- Incorporate Boiling Water: Slowly pour the boiling water into the batter while stirring continuously. The batter will be quite thin, which is key to achieving a moist cake texture.
- Bake: Divide the batter evenly between the prepared cake pans. Place them in the preheated oven and bake for 30 to 35 minutes. Check doneness by inserting a toothpick in the center; it should come out clean.
- Cool: Allow the cakes to cool in their pans for about 10 minutes, then carefully remove and transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely before frosting.
- Make the Frosting: In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt the softened butter. Whisk in the unsweetened cocoa powder until smooth and well blended.
- Combine: Gradually sift in the powdered sugar, then add the milk, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt. Stir continuously until the frosting is smooth and creamy.
- Cool Slightly: Let the frosting cool for a few minutes so it thickens slightly and becomes easier to spread without melting the cake.
- Layer the Cake: Place one cake layer on a serving plate and spread a generous amount of frosting evenly over the top.
- Top with Second Layer: Carefully place the second cake layer on top. Use the remaining frosting to cover the top and all sides of the cake evenly.
- Serve: Allow the frosted cake to set for several minutes at room temperature before slicing and serving. Enjoy this rich, moist chocolate treat!
Notes
- For extra richness, substitute the whole milk with buttermilk.
- Ensure the boiling water is added slowly to avoid cooking the eggs.
- You can prepare the cake layers a day ahead and wrap them tightly in plastic wrap to maintain freshness.
- Store left-over cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerated for up to a week.
- For a dairy-free version, use a plant-based milk and vegan butter substitutes.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
