Matilda’s Chocolate Cake Recipe

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This chocolate cake recipe is not only incredibly delicious, but it’s also quick and easy to make. It’s perfect for anyone craving a homemade dessert that delivers a chocolate fix without requiring too much time or effort. The cake is soft, moist, and packed with rich chocolate flavor, while the frosting is silky smooth and complements the cake beautifully. Whether you're making it for a special event or just to enjoy at home, this cake will never disappoint.

Ingredients

• 1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour

• 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder

• ¼ teaspoon baking soda

• ½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder

• 1 cup granulated sugar

• 2 large eggs

• 1 cup whole milk

• ½ cup vegetable oil

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

• ¾ cup boiling water

(Tip: You'll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line two 8-inch round cake pans.

2. In a large bowl, sift together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, cocoa powder, and sugar.

3. Add the eggs, milk, oil, and vanilla extract to the dry ingredients. Mix until the batter is smooth.

4. Slowly add the boiling water to the batter, mixing until it’s well combined. The batter will be thin, but that’s perfectly fine.

5. Pour the batter evenly into the prepared cake pans.

6. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cakes comes out clean.

7. Allow the cakes to cool in the pans for 10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 8-10

• Preparation Time: 20 minutes

• Baking Time: 25-30 minutes

• Cooling Time: 1 hour

Variations

• Frosting: If you’re looking for something a bit different, you can try a cream cheese frosting or a ganache topping instead of the traditional buttercream.

• Add-ins: Feel free to add chocolate chips, chopped nuts, or even some coffee for an extra depth of flavor in the cake.

• Flavor Twist: Experiment with a splash of orange zest or a dash of cinnamon in the cake for a unique twist.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.

• Freezing: You can freeze the cake by wrapping it tightly in plastic wrap and then placing it in a freezer-safe bag for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.

• Reheating: If you want to serve the cake warm, microwave individual slices for 10-15 seconds.

FAQs

1. Can I make Matilda’s Chocolate Cake ahead of time?

Yes, you can bake the cake a day in advance and store it in an airtight container. Frost just before serving.

2. Can I use non-dairy milk in this recipe?

Yes, you can substitute whole milk with almond milk, oat milk, or any other non-dairy milk.

3. How do I know when the cake is fully baked?

Insert a toothpick into the center of the cake; if it comes out clean, the cake is ready. If it has batter on it, bake for a few more minutes.

4. Can I double the recipe to make a larger cake?

Yes, simply double the ingredients and use larger cake pans. Adjust the baking time as needed.

5. Can I use a different type of cocoa powder?

You can use Dutch-processed cocoa powder, which will give the cake a slightly richer flavor.

6. How long does the cake need to cool before frosting?

Let the cake cool completely before frosting, which should take about 1 hour.

7. Can I make this recipe as cupcakes instead of a cake?

Yes, you can bake the batter in cupcake liners at 350°F for about 18-20 minutes.

8. Can I use cake flour instead of all-purpose flour?

Yes, you can use cake flour for a softer, lighter texture, but the cake will still turn out great with all-purpose flour.

9. How should I frost the cake?

You can use a classic buttercream frosting or a chocolate ganache. Spread it evenly on top and on the sides of the cooled cakes.

10. Is this cake suitable for someone with food allergies?

This cake contains eggs and dairy, so it may not be suitable for those with allergies to these ingredients. You can look for egg and dairy-free substitutes if needed.

Conclusion

Matilda’s Chocolate Cake is a delightful dessert that combines rich chocolate flavors with a moist, tender texture. It’s an easy recipe that’s perfect for chocolate lovers, whether for special occasions or a cozy treat at home. The flexibility of the cake allows for endless variations, and with just 20 minutes of prep time, it’s a perfect recipe for busy bakers. Enjoy every bite of this delectable, indulgent cake!