Best Matilda’s Chocolate Cake: 5 Reasons to Indulge Today

Baking has always been my happy place, a delightful escape where I can lose myself in the rhythm of mixing and measuring. There’s something magical about transforming simple ingredients into a glorious creation that brings smiles and joy. And let me tell you, the Best Matilda’s Chocolate Cake is a true showstopper! It’s rich, decadent, and oh-so-moist, with layers of chocolate cake that practically melt in your mouth, paired with a creamy chocolate fudge frosting that’s simply irresistible. I first stumbled upon this recipe during a cozy afternoon baking session, and ever since, it has become my go-to for every special occasion. Just the smell of it baking brings back memories of laughter and love shared around the table with family and friends. Trust me, once you take a bite, you’ll understand why this cake has a special place in my heart and why it will in yours too!

Ingredients List

To make the Best Matilda’s Chocolate Cake, you’ll need the following ingredients:

• 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 ¾ cups granulated sugar
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• ½ teaspoon kosher salt
• ½ cup cocoa powder
• ⅔ cup vegetable oil
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 3 large eggs
• ⅔ cup buttermilk
• 1 cup hot coffee

For the chocolate fudge frosting, gather these ingredients:

• 11.11 oz unsalted butter
• 14.1 oz dark chocolate (about 60%-70% cocoa)
• ⅓ cup cocoa powder
• 1 ⅓ cups heavy cream
• 1 ⅓ cups powdered sugar
• ½ teaspoon kosher salt
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

How to Prepare Best Matilda’s Chocolate Cake

Now, let’s get our hands dirty and dive into the delicious process of creating the Best Matilda’s Chocolate Cake. This cake is all about rich flavors and incredible textures, so let’s take it step by step!

Prepping the Cake Batter

First things first, let’s get our ingredients ready! Make sure your eggs, buttermilk, and butter are at room temperature. This helps everything mix together beautifully. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, baking soda, kosher salt, and cocoa powder until everything is well combined. This is your dry mix. Next, add the buttermilk, vegetable oil, vanilla extract, and eggs into the bowl. Mix it all together until it’s almost combined; don’t worry if there are a few flour streaks. Now, here’s the fun part—pour in that hot coffee! It might seem odd, but trust me, it intensifies the chocolate flavor. Mix gently until the batter is smooth. This rich, velvety mixture is going to bake into something heavenly!

Baking the Cake

Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C) and prep two 8-inch baking pans with parchment paper. Divide the batter evenly between the two pans and pop them in the oven. Bake for about 25-30 minutes. You can check for doneness by inserting a toothpick in the center; it should come out clean or with just a few moist crumbs. Once done, let the cakes cool in the pans for about 10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This cooling step is crucial, so be patient!

Making the Chocolate Fudge Frosting

Now, for the crowning glory—the chocolate fudge frosting! In a saucepan, combine the unsalted butter, heavy cream, dark chocolate, sifted cocoa powder, powdered sugar, and kosher salt. Heat over medium-high heat, stirring constantly until everything is melted and smooth. Be careful not to let it boil! Once you have that luscious mixture, strain it into a bowl to remove any lumps and let it cool. Cover it with plastic wrap, touching the surface to avoid a skin forming. Let it cool for 30 minutes at room temperature, then refrigerate it for about 1-2 hours. This chilling time is key to achieving that perfect spreadable consistency!

Assembling the Cake

Once your cakes are completely cool and your frosting is ready, it’s time to assemble! Place one cake layer on a serving plate, and pipe a dollop of frosting on top to help the next layer stick. Carefully place the second layer on top. Now comes the fun part—spread about a third of your frosting on the top and sides of the cake. Use an offset spatula to create a smooth finish or a fun wave pattern. If you have extra frosting, feel free to add more on top or even pipe some decorative swirls around the base!

Tips for Success

To ensure your Best Matilda’s Chocolate Cake turns out perfectly every time, here are some handy tips! First, always use room temperature ingredients; this helps create a smooth batter and results in a light, fluffy cake. When measuring flour, spoon it into your measuring cup instead of scooping to avoid packing it down—this keeps your cake from becoming dense.

Also, don’t overmix your batter after adding the coffee; just mix until you see no flour streaks. This maintains that moist texture we all love! And be sure to check your baking powder and baking soda for freshness; they’re crucial for that perfect rise. If your frosting feels too soft, refrigerate it a bit longer before spreading. Trust me, waiting for the cake to cool completely before frosting is worth it—your slices will come out beautifully! Lastly, serve at room temperature for the best flavor experience. Enjoy!

Nutritional Information

Keep in mind that the nutritional values can vary based on the specific ingredients and brands used, so these numbers are estimates. For each slice of the Best Matilda’s Chocolate Cake, you can expect approximately:

• Calories: 713 kcal
• Total Fat: 51 g
• Protein: 8 g
• Carbohydrates: 71 g
• Sugar: 33 g
• Sodium: 489 mg
• Fiber: 6 g

Remember, these figures might change depending on how you prepare the cake and any substitutions you make. Enjoy every delicious bite!

FAQ Section

Can I make this cake ahead of time?

Absolutely! The Best Matilda’s Chocolate Cake is perfect for making ahead. You can bake the cake layers a day or two in advance. Just let them cool completely, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap, and store them in the fridge. This helps maintain their moisture. You can also prepare the chocolate fudge frosting ahead of time. Once it’s cooled and chilled, store it in an airtight container in the fridge. Just be sure to give it a good stir before spreading when you’re ready to assemble the cake.

How do I store leftovers?

If you have any delicious leftovers (which is rare!), store the cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. If you want to keep it longer, refrigerate it! Just remember, cold cake can lose some of its flavor, so let it sit out for about 30 minutes before serving. If you have leftover frosting, keep it in the fridge too, and you can use it to freshen up the cake later or enjoy it straight from the bowl—no judgment here!

Can I use different types of chocolate?

Sure thing! While I recommend a good quality dark chocolate (about 60%-70% cocoa) for the frosting, you can absolutely experiment with different types. Semi-sweet chocolate is a great alternative if you prefer a slightly sweeter frosting. For a richer taste, go for bittersweet chocolate. If you’re feeling adventurous, try a combination of chocolates to find your perfect balance. Just keep in mind that the flavor profile will change slightly with each variation, but that’s half the fun of baking!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Rich Flavor: The combination of dark chocolate and cocoa powder creates an incredibly deep and satisfying chocolate experience.
• Moist Texture: Thanks to the buttermilk and hot coffee, each bite is perfectly moist and tender.
• Decadent Frosting: The chocolate fudge frosting adds an irresistible creaminess that complements the cake beautifully.
• Perfect for Celebrations: This cake is a showstopper for birthdays, holidays, or any special occasion you want to make memorable.
• Easy to Make: With simple steps and accessible ingredients, this recipe is perfect for both beginner and experienced bakers!

Serving Suggestions

To elevate your Best Matilda’s Chocolate Cake experience, consider pairing it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of freshly whipped cream. The creamy textures complement the rich chocolate perfectly! For beverages, a hot cup of coffee or a glass of cold milk balances the cake’s sweetness beautifully. If you’re feeling fancy, a glass of red wine, like a Cabernet Sauvignon, can enhance the chocolate flavors in a delightful way. And don’t forget fresh berries on the side—they add a bright, tart contrast that cuts through the richness of the cake!

Storage & Reheating Instructions

To keep your Best Matilda’s Chocolate Cake fresh and delicious, store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. If you need to keep it longer, refrigerate it, but let it sit out for about 30 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to come back to life.

If you want to reheat a slice, pop it in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds. Just enough to take the chill off and make it warm and inviting again! Enjoy every decadent bite!

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