Introduction to Matilda Cake
The Legend Behind Matilda Cake
Few cakes have captured the imagination of dessert lovers quite like the Matilda Cake. Made famous by the 1996 film adaptation of Roald Dahl’s Matilda, the legendary Bruce Bogtrotter scene has become an unforgettable moment in cinematic history. In this iconic scene, Bruce is forced to eat an entire, towering chocolate cake in front of the entire school, a punishment that unexpectedly turns into an act of sweet rebellion and triumph.
What started as a fictional moment has since become a real-life baking phenomenon. Fans of the movie, and chocolate enthusiasts alike, have tried to recreate the rich, glossy, utterly indulgent cake seen on screen.
What Makes Matilda Cake Special?
The Matilda Cake stands out not just because of its pop culture roots but because of its extraordinary texture and flavor. It’s a cake designed to impress — moist, dense, and layered with rich chocolate flavor. The glossy, fudge-like frosting is as much a part of its allure as the cake itself.
Its nostalgic appeal and over-the-top decadence make it a favorite for birthdays, celebrations, and even as a baking challenge for home bakers. Whether you’re revisiting a childhood favorite or discovering it for the first time, the Matilda Cake promises an unforgettable chocolate experience.
Essential Ingredients for the Perfect Matilda Cake
Key Ingredients for the Cake Layers
To achieve the perfect Matilda Cake, it all begins with the right ingredients:
- High-quality cocoa powder: Dutch-processed cocoa is preferred for its deep color and smooth flavor. It enhances the cake’s richness without being too bitter.
- Buttermilk and sour cream: These two ingredients are key to a moist, tender crumb. The acidity in buttermilk reacts with baking soda for a fluffy texture, while sour cream adds a slight tang and extra moisture.
- Coffee: A touch of brewed coffee or espresso amplifies the chocolate flavor. Don’t worry — it won’t make the cake taste like coffee, but it will bring out the depth in the cocoa.
Must-Have Ingredients for the Frosting
The Matilda Cake’s frosting is thick, smooth, and gloriously glossy. Here’s what you’ll need:
- Dark chocolate vs. semi-sweet chocolate: Use a blend for the best balance of richness and sweetness. Dark chocolate brings intensity, while semi-sweet keeps it palatable.
- Butter, powdered sugar, and heavy cream: Butter gives the frosting body, powdered sugar provides sweetness, and heavy cream ensures a luscious consistency.
- Vanilla extract and a pinch of salt: These small additions round out the flavor, enhancing the chocolate even more.
Step-by-Step Matilda Cake Recipe
Preparing the Chocolate Cake Layers
- Preheat and prep: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line two 8-inch or 9-inch round cake pans with parchment paper.
- Mix dry ingredients: In a bowl, whisk together flour, Dutch-processed cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt.
- Combine wet ingredients: In a separate bowl, beat eggs and sugar until light and fluffy. Add buttermilk, sour cream, oil, vanilla extract, and coffee.
- Mix everything: Slowly add the dry mixture to the wet ingredients. Stir just until combined to avoid overmixing.
- Bake: Divide the batter evenly between pans and bake for 30–35 minutes. Check with a toothpick — it should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs.
- Cool: Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then transfer to wire racks to cool completely.
Making the Signature Chocolate Frosting
- Melt the chocolate: Use a double boiler or microwave in short bursts, stirring frequently, to avoid burning the chocolate.
- Cream the butter: In a large bowl, beat softened butter until smooth. Slowly add the melted chocolate and mix until well incorporated.
- Add powdered sugar and cream: Alternate between adding powdered sugar and heavy cream, mixing well after each addition.
- Finish with flavor: Stir in vanilla extract and a pinch of salt. Beat until the frosting is fluffy and glossy.
Assembling and Decorating the Cake
- Level the layers: If needed, trim the domed tops of your cakes to make them flat.
- Layer and frost: Place one cake layer on your serving plate. Spread a thick layer of frosting on top, then place the second layer over it. Apply a crumb coat and chill for 20 minutes.
- Final coat and decorate: Finish frosting the cake smoothly. Decorate with chocolate shavings, ganache drizzle, or keep it true to the movie’s simple, rich finish.
Expert Tips for the Best Matilda Cake
Avoiding Common Baking Mistakes
- Don’t overmix the batter: Stirring too much can develop the gluten in flour, resulting in a dense cake.
- Watch your frosting texture: If it’s too runny, chill it briefly. If it’s too stiff, add a splash of cream.
Pro Tips for Moist & Fluffy Cake
- Use cake strips: Wrap damp cake strips around your pans to ensure even baking without domed tops.
- Cool completely before frosting: Warm cakes will melt the frosting and ruin the texture.
Variations & Dietary Adaptations
Gluten-Free & Dairy-Free Matilda Cake
- Flour substitute: Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend designed for baking.
- Dairy-free options: Replace buttermilk with dairy-free milk + vinegar, and use plant-based sour cream and butter.
Eggless & Vegan Options
- Egg replacement: Use unsweetened applesauce (1/4 cup per egg) or flax eggs (1 tbsp flaxseed meal + 3 tbsp water per egg).
- Frosting alternative: Swap dairy for vegan butter and coconut cream.
Storing & Serving Matilda Cake
Best Ways to Store Leftovers
- Room temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
- Refrigeration: Keeps well for 4–5 days, though the frosting may firm up — allow to come to room temp before serving.
Freezing & Reheating Tips
- Freezing: Wrap individual slices in plastic wrap and foil. Store in an airtight container in the freezer for up to 3 months.
- Reheating: Let slices thaw at room temperature or warm briefly in the microwave for a gooey texture.
Matilda Cake: The Ultimate Chocolate Cake Recipe
Equipment
- 2 x 8-inch cake pans
- Hand Mixer or Stand Mixer
- Measuring spoons and cups
- Whisk
- Spatula
Ingredients
- 1 ½ cups All-purpose flour
- 1 ½ cups Sugar
- ¾ cup Dutch-processed cocoa powder
- 1 tsp Baking soda
- ½ tsp Salt
- 2 Large eggs
- 1 cup Buttermilk
- ½ cup Sour cream
- ½ cup Vegetable oil
- 1 tsp Vanilla extract
- 1 cup Coffee hot brewed
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Set to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line two 8-inch cake pans with parchment paper.
- Mix dry ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt.
- Combine wet ingredients: In another bowl, beat eggs and sugar until light and fluffy. Add buttermilk, sour cream, oil, and vanilla extract. Stir in the hot coffee.
- Combine wet and dry mixtures: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until smooth.
- Bake: Pour the batter into the prepared pans. Bake for 30–35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Cool: Allow the cakes to cool in their pans for 10 minutes before transferring to wire racks to cool completely.
- Make frosting: Melt dark chocolate and blend it with butter, powdered sugar, and heavy cream until smooth and glossy.
- Assemble: Once the cakes are cooled, spread frosting between the layers and on top of the cake. Decorate with optional chocolate shavings or ganache drizzle.
Notes
- For a richer flavor, use semi-sweet chocolate in the frosting.
- Cake can be stored at room temperature for 2 days or in the fridge for up to 5 days.
FAQs About Matilda Cake
C’est un riche gâteau au chocolat à étages avec un glaçage brillant, inspiré du film Matilda (1996).
Il est devenu iconique grâce à la scène mémorable où Bruce Bogtrotter mange un gâteau entier en guise de punition.
Il évoque la nostalgie, la gourmandise et l’amour du chocolat dans sa forme la plus décadente.
Un layer cake est composé de plusieurs étages superposés, tandis qu’un molly cake est un gâteau moelleux à une seule couche, souvent plus aéré.
Conclusion & Final Thoughts
Why This Cake is a Must-Try
The Matilda Cake isn’t just a dessert — it’s an experience. Perfect for birthdays, movie nights, or anytime you need to impress a chocoholic crowd. Its bold, chocolate-forward flavor and glossy finish make it a showstopper.
Encouragement to Bake & Share
Ready to bake the ultimate chocolate cake? Share your delicious creations and tag #MatildaCake on social media to join a community of fellow chocolate lovers. Whether you’re baking for the nostalgia or the decadence, this cake is sure to become a new favorite.