Matilda Chocolate Cake (Printable version)

Rich chocolate cake with moist crumb and creamy frosting, inspired by the classic Matilda film.

# Ingredient list:

01 - 2 cups all-purpose flour

02 - 2 cups granulated sugar

03 - 2/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder

04 - 1½ teaspoons baking powder

05 - 1½ teaspoons baking soda

06 - 1 teaspoon salt

07 - 2 large eggs, at room temperature

08 - 1 cup whole milk

09 - 1/2 cup vegetable oil

10 - 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract

11 - 1 cup boiling water

12 - 1 cup unsalted butter, softened

13 - 3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder

14 - 3½ cups powdered sugar

15 - 1/4 cup whole milk, plus extra if needed

16 - 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract

17 - Pinch of salt

01 - Preheat the oven to 350°F. Grease and line two 9-inch round cake pans with parchment paper.

02 - In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt until well combined.

03 - Add eggs, milk, oil, and vanilla to the dry mixture. Beat on medium speed until fully incorporated.

04 - Carefully mix in the boiling water until incorporated. The batter will be thin.

05 - Divide batter evenly between prepared pans. Bake for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

06 - Let cakes cool in pans for 10 minutes, then turn out onto wire racks to cool completely.

07 - Beat softened butter until creamy. Sift in cocoa powder and mix until fully incorporated.

08 - Gradually add powdered sugar, alternating with milk, until smooth and spreadable. Mix in vanilla and salt.

09 - Place one cooled cake layer on a serving plate. Spread frosting evenly on top. Stack second layer and frost top and sides.

10 - Use an offset spatula to create signature swoops and swirls for the classic Matilda appearance.

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The boiling water trick creates the most tender crumb you have ever experienced
This frosting is thick enough to hide any imperfections but tastes like pure indulgence

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