Matilda’s Chocolate Cake

Name: Matilda's Chocolate Cake
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 55 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour; 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar; 3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder; 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder; 1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda; 1 teaspoon salt; 2 large eggs; 1 cup whole milk; 1/2 cup vegetable oil; 2 teaspoons vanilla extract; 1 cup boiling water; For the Frosting:; 1 cup unsweetened cocoa powder; 1/2 cup butter (softened); 2 cups powdered sugar; 1/3 cup milk; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Indulge in the rich, velvety delight of Matilda’s Chocolate Cake, a treat that radiates warmth and joy with every slice. This cake features a moist and tender crumb infused with intense chocolate flavor, creating a heavenly experience for your taste buds. As the aroma fills your kitchen, you can almost hear the sweet whispers of childhood memories, making it an ideal dessert for special occasions, celebrations, or simply when you need a little pick-me-up. The chocolate frosting adds an extra layer of decadence, perfectly complementing the moist cake beneath it. Trust me, whether you are a novice baker or a seasoned pro, everyone will adore this enchanting cake.

Ingredients

1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour: Provides structure and texture to the cake.
1 1/2 cups granulated sugar: Sweetens the cake and helps create a moist crumb.
3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder: Adds rich chocolate flavor without extra sweetness.
1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder: Acts as a leavening agent to help the cake rise.
1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda: Works with the acidic ingredients to ensure a light, fluffy texture.
1 teaspoon salt: Enhances the overall flavor of the cake.
2 large eggs: Binds the ingredients together for a cohesive batter.
1 cup whole milk: Contributes to the moisture and richness of the cake.
1/2 cup vegetable oil: Keeps the cake tender and moist without overwhelming flavors.
2 teaspoons vanilla extract: Adds a warm, fragrant layer of flavor.
1 cup boiling water: Helps to intensify the chocolate flavor and creates a lighter batter.

For the Frosting:

1 cup unsweetened cocoa powder: Forms the base of the chocolate frosting with rich flavor.
1/2 cup butter (softened): Provides creaminess and helps achieve the ideal frosting texture.
2 cups powdered sugar: Sweetens the frosting while ensuring a smooth finish.
1/3 cup milk: Adjusts the consistency to achieve a spreadable frosting.
1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Enhances the sweetness and depth of the frosting.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans.
In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt until fully combined.
Add the eggs, milk, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract to the dry ingredients. Mix gently until all the components are just combined and the batter is smooth.
Carefully stir in the boiling water, ensuring that you mix until the batter is completely smooth.
Divide the cake batter evenly between the prepared cake pans.
Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Allow the cakes to cool in the pans for 10 minutes. Then, remove the cakes from the pans and transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
For the frosting, beat the softened butter with cocoa powder in a mixing bowl until well combined.
Gradually add powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract while mixing to create a smooth and creamy frosting.
Once the cakes are completely cooled, place one layer on a serving plate. Spread a layer of frosting on top before adding the second layer.
Frost the top and sides of the cake with the remaining frosting, creating beautiful swirls. Serve and enjoy!

Recipe Details

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Total Time: 55 minutes
Servings: 12 pieces
Calories: Approximately 450 per slice

Tips, Storage & Variations

Tip: Ensure your ingredients are at room temperature for the best batter consistency and cake rise.
Storage: Store any leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days.
Freezing: You can freeze the un-frosted cake layers for up to three months. Wrap them well in plastic wrap and foil.
Variations: For a mocha twist, add 1 tablespoon of brewed coffee to the boiling water. You can also fold in chocolate chips to the batter for added texture.

FAQ Section

1. Can I make this cake in advance?
Yes, you can bake the cake layers a day ahead. Store them wrapped at room temperature and frost just before serving.

2. How do I know when the cake is done?
Insert a toothpick into the center; it should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs.

3. Can I use a different frosting?
Absolutely! Cream cheese frosting or whipped cream would also pair beautifully with this cake.

4. Is this recipe suitable for beginners?
Yes, the steps are straightforward, making it a great choice for novice bakers.

5. How can I make the cake more chocolatey?
Add chocolate chips to the batter or increase the amount of cocoa powder slightly.

6. What size pans can I use for this recipe?
This recipe is designed for two 9-inch round pans, but you can also use one 9×13-inch pan if needed. Adjust the baking time accordingly.

Conclusion

Matilda’s Chocolate Cake is not just a dessert; it’s an experience filled with rich flavor, warmth, and delightful memories. I encourage you to try this recipe in your kitchen and share it with loved ones. No matter the occasion, this cake is sure to bring joy and smiles all around. Happy baking!

Matilda’s Chocolate Cake

Print Recipe

Indulge in the rich, velvety delight of Matilda’s Chocolate Cake, a moist and tender cake infused with intense chocolate flavor. Perfect for special occasions or a sweet pick-me-up.

Author: hannah-reed
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Total Time: 55 minutes
Yield: 12 servings 1x
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American
Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Scale

1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda
1 teaspoon salt
2 large eggs
1 cup whole milk
1/2 cup vegetable oil
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1 cup boiling water
For the Frosting:
1 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
1/2 cup butter (softened)
2 cups powdered sugar
1/3 cup milk
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans.
In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt until fully combined.
Add the eggs, milk, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract to the dry ingredients. Mix gently until all the components are just combined and the batter is smooth.
Carefully stir in the boiling water, ensuring that you mix until the batter is completely smooth.
Divide the cake batter evenly between the prepared cake pans.
Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Allow the cakes to cool in the pans for 10 minutes. Then, remove the cakes from the pans and transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
For the frosting, beat the softened butter with cocoa powder in a mixing bowl until well combined.
Gradually add powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract while mixing to create a smooth and creamy frosting.
Once the cakes are completely cooled, place one layer on a serving plate. Spread a layer of frosting on top before adding the second layer.
Frost the top and sides of the cake with the remaining frosting, creating beautiful swirls. Serve and enjoy!