If you’ve ever watched Matilda and found yourself hypnotized by that towering, glossy, intensely fudgy cake, you’re not alone. The chocolate cake from Matilda became legendary for a reason. It wasn’t just a dessert — it was dramatic, decadent, and unforgettable.
That rich, dense slice with the thick, shiny frosting still lives rent-free in the minds of chocolate lovers everywhere.
Today, we’re recreating that iconic cake at home — with the same deep cocoa flavor, ultra-moist crumb, and glossy ganache topping that made it famous.
Let’s bake the cake that Bruce conquered.
The Famous Chocolate Cake from Matilda — Full Recipe
This version stays true to the spirit of the original: dark, dense, super moist, and unapologetically chocolatey.
Ingredients
For the Cake:
- 2 cups (250g) all-purpose flour
- 2 cups (400g) granulated sugar
- ¾ cup (75g) unsweetened cocoa powder (high quality)
- 2 teaspoons baking soda
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup (240ml) buttermilk
- ½ cup (120ml) vegetable oil
- 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
- 1 cup (240ml) hot coffee (enhances chocolate flavor, not taste)
For the Fudge Frosting:
- 1 cup (225g) unsalted butter
- 1 cup (90g) cocoa powder
- 5 cups (600g) powdered sugar
- ½ cup (120ml) heavy cream
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prepare the Oven
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line two 9-inch round cake pans.
2. Mix Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking soda, baking powder, and salt.
3. Add Wet Ingredients
Add eggs, buttermilk, oil, and vanilla. Mix until smooth.
4. Stir in Hot Coffee
Slowly pour in hot coffee while mixing. The batter will be thin — that’s perfect. It creates the ultra-moist texture.
5. Bake
Divide batter evenly between pans. Bake 30–35 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out with moist crumbs.
Let cakes cool completely.
Make the Rich Fudge Frosting
1. Melt Butter
In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat.
2. Add Cocoa Powder
Whisk in cocoa powder until smooth.
3. Add Sugar and Cream
Alternate adding powdered sugar and heavy cream. Beat until thick and glossy.
4. Finish with Vanilla & Salt
Mix in vanilla and salt. Beat until smooth and spreadable.
Assemble the Chocolate Cake from Matilda
- Place first cake layer on a stand.
- Spread a thick layer of fudge frosting.
- Add second layer.
- Frost generously — this cake should look bold, dramatic, and slightly over-the-top.
For that authentic look, keep frosting smooth and glossy rather than piped or decorated.
Why the Chocolate Cake from Matilda Is So Iconic
This cake stands out because it’s:
- Darker than most chocolate cakes
- Moist but dense
- Intensely cocoa-forward
- Covered in thick, shiny frosting
Unlike lighter sponge cakes, this one is closer to a fudge cake — which gives it that unforgettable richness.
If you love deep chocolate flavor, you might also enjoy our guide to What Is Couverture Chocolate and Why Do Chefs Love It?, which explains how cocoa butter impacts texture and finish.
What Makes This Cake Extra Moist?
Three ingredients do the magic:
- Buttermilk – adds acidity and tenderness
- Oil – keeps crumb soft even after refrigeration
- Hot coffee – intensifies cocoa flavor
According to baking science principles , hot liquid helps bloom cocoa powder, unlocking deeper chocolate notes.
Can You Make It Even Richer?
Yes. Here are optional upgrades:
Add Chocolate Ganache
Pour warm ganache over the frosted cake for a glossy finish.
Use Dark Cocoa Powder
Dutch-processed cocoa creates a darker color and smoother flavor.
Add Chocolate Shavings
Not traditional — but beautiful.
How This Cake Compares to Other Chocolate Cakes
The chocolate cake from Matilda is:
- Denser than classic layer cake
- Less airy than chiffon cake
- More intense than milk chocolate cake
If you enjoy ultra-rich desserts, it’s closer to a fudge cake than a light sponge.
For comparison, see our post on Chocolate Crepe Cake vs Chocolate Matcha Cake: Which People Love More? to explore how different textures change the chocolate experience.
Storage & Serving Tips
- Store covered at room temperature for 2 days.
- Refrigerate up to 5 days.
- Let slices come to room temperature before serving for best flavor.
This cake freezes beautifully — wrap slices tightly.
People Also Ask
Is the chocolate cake from Matilda real?
Yes, it was a real cake baked for the film, made to look extremely rich and dramatic.
Why does the cake look so dark?
High cocoa content and lighting enhance its deep color.
Can I make this cake without coffee?
Yes — substitute hot water, but coffee deepens flavor.
Is this cake very sweet?
It’s rich and sweet, but balanced by cocoa bitterness.
Can I make it in one pan?
Yes — bake in a 9×13 pan and adjust baking time to 35–40 minutes.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Overbaking (dries the cake)
- Using low-quality cocoa
- Skipping hot liquid step
- Frosting while cake is warm
The Takeaway
The chocolate cake from Matilda isn’t just nostalgic — it’s genuinely delicious. Dense, moist, intensely chocolatey, and unapologetically indulgent.
It’s the kind of cake that commands attention, just like in the film.
If you love bold chocolate flavor and dramatic desserts, this cake deserves a place in your kitchen.
Would you attempt the full Bruce-style slice challenge — or savor it one rich bite at a time?
Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health – Cocoa composition overview