Discover how to bake the iconic Matilda Chocolate Cake and learn why this cake has become a beloved dessert across the world. Dive into the rich flavors and learn the secret to achieving its perfect, decadent texture.
Introduction
If you’ve ever watched the classic movie Matilda, there’s a good chance you remember the iconic chocolate cake scene. The “Matilda Chocolate Cake” has become a legend among dessert lovers, symbolizing the ultimate in chocolate indulgence. With its deep, fudgy flavor and incredibly moist texture, this cake is not just a treat—it’s an experience.
In this guide, we’ll provide a step-by-step recipe for making the Matilda Chocolate Cake at home. This cake is all about rich, intense chocolatey goodness, and it’s perfect for every occasion—from birthdays to cozy family gatherings. So, let’s dive in and make the perfect chocolate cake that would make Bruce Bogtrotter proud.
For a bit of background on the classic cake’s origins, check out this history of iconic movie desserts and this article on the power of food in film. These will help you understand how cakes like this became cultural icons.
What Makes the Matilda Chocolate Cake So Special?
The Story Behind the Cake
The Matilda Chocolate Cake gained popularity after it was featured in the 1996 movie Matilda, based on Roald Dahl’s beloved book. In the movie, young Bruce Bogtrotter is challenged to eat a gigantic chocolate cake in front of his classmates. This cake, with its glossy frosting and dense crumb, quickly became a symbol of rebellious pleasure and indulgence.
But what exactly is it that makes the Matilda Chocolate Cake so memorable? Here are some key features that make this cake special:
- Incredibly Moist Texture: The secret lies in the use of buttermilk and vegetable oil, which ensure every bite is as tender as possible.
- Intense Chocolate Flavor: The combination of Dutch-processed cocoa and melted dark chocolate gives the cake a deep, complex flavor.
- Glossy Ganache Frosting: The cake is generously covered with a shiny ganache, making it look as indulgent as it tastes.
Key Ingredients You Need
To recreate the iconic Matilda Chocolate Cake, gather these key ingredients:
- Flour: All-purpose flour works best.
- Dutch-processed cocoa powder: For that rich, chocolatey taste.
- Dark chocolate: Use a good quality, at least 70% cocoa.
- Buttermilk: This gives the cake its signature moistness.
- Vegetable oil: Helps create a tender crumb.
- Eggs: Essential for structure and richness.
- Vanilla extract: Enhances the chocolate flavor.
- Baking soda and baking powder: For the perfect rise.
- Sugar: Granulated sugar for sweetness, and brown sugar for moisture.
Step-by-Step Recipe for Matilda Chocolate Cake
Ingredients List
For the Cake
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup Dutch-processed cocoa powder
- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 3/4 cups granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
- 1 cup buttermilk, room temperature
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 2 large eggs, room temperature
- 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
- 1 cup boiling water
- 4 ounces dark chocolate, melted
For the Ganache Frosting
- 1 1/2 cups heavy cream
- 12 ounces dark chocolate, finely chopped
- 2 tablespoons butter, softened
Instructions
1. Prepare the Oven and Pans
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Grease two 9-inch round cake pans and line the bottoms with parchment paper.
2. Combine Dry Ingredients
- In a large bowl, sift together flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, baking powder, and salt.
3. Mix Wet Ingredients
- In another bowl, whisk together sugar, brown sugar, buttermilk, vegetable oil, eggs, and vanilla extract until well combined.
4. Bring It All Together
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until just combined.
- Stir in the boiling water and melted dark chocolate until the batter is smooth. The batter will be thin, which is perfect for a moist cake.
5. Bake the Cake
- Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Allow the cakes to cool in the pans for 10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
6. Make the Ganache Frosting
- Heat the heavy cream in a small saucepan over medium heat until it just begins to simmer. Do not let it boil.
- Pour the hot cream over the chopped dark chocolate in a heatproof bowl. Let it sit for 2-3 minutes.
- Stir until smooth, then add the butter and stir until glossy.
- Let the ganache cool until it thickens to a spreadable consistency.
7. Assemble the Cake
- Place one layer of cake on a serving platter. Spread a generous amount of ganache over the top.
- Place the second layer on top and cover the entire cake with the remaining ganache.
- Let the cake sit at room temperature for at least 1 hour before serving to allow the ganache to set.
Tips for the Perfect Matilda Chocolate Cake
- Use Room Temperature Ingredients: This helps the ingredients mix together more evenly, resulting in a smoother batter.
- Don’t Overmix: Overmixing can make the cake dense. Mix until the ingredients are just combined.
- Chill the Cake Before Frosting: For cleaner layers, chill the cake for about 20 minutes before frosting.
Decorating Ideas for Matilda Chocolate Cake
Classic Ganache Finish
The classic way to finish a Matilda Chocolate Cake is with a thick layer of glossy ganache. To achieve this, ensure your ganache is at the perfect consistency—not too runny and not too thick. For a beautiful shine, use a spatula to smooth the ganache over the entire cake, allowing it to gently drip down the sides.
Add a Sprinkle of Sea Salt
For a modern twist, consider adding a light sprinkle of flaky sea salt over the ganache. The contrast of sweet and salty takes this cake to a whole new level of indulgence.
Fresh Berries for Color and Flavor
Adding fresh berries like raspberries or strawberries not only provides a pop of color but also balances the cake’s richness with their natural tartness. Arrange the berries in clusters around the top edge or create a beautiful centerpiece.
Whipped Cream Dollops
For an extra creamy touch, add whipped cream dollops around the cake’s edge. You can use a piping bag fitted with a star tip to give them a fancy look. Whipped cream complements the chocolate flavor perfectly and makes for an elegant presentation.
Chocolate Shavings or Curls
For a show-stopping effect, decorate the cake with chocolate shavings or curls. Use a vegetable peeler to create curls from a bar of dark chocolate, and sprinkle them over the top of the cake for a dramatic finish.
Variations of Matilda Chocolate Cake
Gluten-Free Version
To make a gluten-free version of the Matilda Chocolate Cake, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend that is specifically designed for baking. Ensure that all other ingredients are also certified gluten-free, and you will have a cake that is just as moist and flavorful as the original.
Vegan Matilda Chocolate Cake
For a vegan version, replace the buttermilk with a plant-based milk (such as almond milk or soy milk) mixed with a tablespoon of vinegar. Use flaxseed meal mixed with water as an egg replacement. Substitute the heavy cream with coconut cream when making the ganache, and ensure the dark chocolate you use is dairy-free.
Espresso-Infused Chocolate Cake
For those who love the combination of coffee and chocolate, add 2 teaspoons of instant espresso powder to the boiling water before mixing it into the batter. The espresso enhances the chocolate flavor, making the cake even more intense and delicious.
Peanut Butter Chocolate Cake
If you’re a fan of the chocolate-peanut butter combo, add a layer of peanut butter frosting between the cake layers before adding the ganache. You can make the frosting by mixing together peanut butter, powdered sugar, and a bit of milk until smooth. This adds a wonderful salty-sweet element to the cake.
Serving Suggestions for Matilda Chocolate Cake
With a Scoop of Ice Cream
Serve a slice of Matilda Chocolate Cake with a generous scoop of vanilla ice cream. The cold creaminess of the ice cream contrasts beautifully with the rich, warm cake, making for a classic dessert pairing.
Paired with Fresh Fruit
For a lighter touch, pair your cake slice with fresh fruit. Berries like raspberries, strawberries, or even sliced bananas work well with the intense chocolate flavor of the cake.
Drizzle with Caramel or Raspberry Sauce
For added indulgence, drizzle some caramel sauce or raspberry sauce over each slice before serving. The caramel adds sweetness, while the raspberry provides a tart contrast that balances the richness of the cake.
A Dash of Whipped Cream
Serve each slice with a dollop of whipped cream on top. Whipped cream lightens up the richness of the cake and makes each bite even more decadent.
Espresso Shot on the Side
If you’re serving this cake to adults, consider pairing it with a shot of espresso. The bitter notes of the coffee complement the chocolate, enhancing the overall flavor experience.
The Science Behind the Perfect Chocolate Cake
Understanding the Role of Ingredients
Each ingredient in the Matilda Chocolate Cake plays a crucial role in creating the perfect texture and flavor. Let’s break down why these ingredients are used and what they do:
- Flour: Provides structure to the cake. The protein in flour forms gluten, which gives the cake its shape.
- Dutch-processed Cocoa Powder: Dutch-processed cocoa is treated to neutralize its acidity, resulting in a milder flavor and darker color, which is perfect for this cake.
- Buttermilk: The acidity in buttermilk reacts with the baking soda, creating a tender crumb and helping the cake rise.
- Vegetable Oil: Unlike butter, which solidifies at room temperature, vegetable oil remains liquid, ensuring the cake stays moist even after it cools.
- Baking Soda and Baking Powder: These leavening agents work together to give the cake its lift, making it light and fluffy.
- Eggs: Eggs provide moisture, richness, and structure. They help bind the ingredients and add stability to the cake.
- Boiling Water: Adding boiling water helps to bloom the cocoa powder, enhancing its flavor and ensuring it’s evenly distributed throughout the batter.
How to Achieve the Perfect Texture
The texture of a cake can be influenced by a number of factors, including how the ingredients are mixed, the temperature of the ingredients, and even how the batter is handled.
- Mixing Technique: It’s important not to overmix the batter once you add the flour. Overmixing can cause the gluten to overdevelop, resulting in a dense and tough cake.
- Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensuring that your ingredients are at room temperature allows them to mix together more smoothly. Cold ingredients can cause the batter to curdle or lead to uneven baking.
- Sifting Dry Ingredients: Sifting the flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and baking powder helps to aerate these ingredients, resulting in a lighter cake.
Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
Even the most experienced bakers can make mistakes. Here are some common issues that can arise when making a chocolate cake and how to avoid them:
- Dry Cake: If your cake turns out dry, it could be due to overbaking or using too much flour. Make sure to measure your flour correctly using the spoon-and-level method, and keep a close eye on your baking time.
- Dense Cake: A dense cake can be the result of overmixing or using old leavening agents. Always check the expiration dates on your baking soda and baking powder, and mix the batter until just combined.
- Sinking in the Middle: This can happen if the oven temperature is too high or if the cake is underbaked. Use an oven thermometer to ensure your oven is at the correct temperature, and test the cake with a toothpick before removing it from the oven.
Chocolate Cake Around the World
Chocolate cake is beloved across the globe, but different cultures put their own unique spin on it. Here are some popular variations of chocolate cake from around the world:
German Chocolate Cake
Despite its name, German Chocolate Cake is actually an American creation. It features layers of chocolate cake filled and topped with a rich coconut-pecan frosting. The cake is named after Sam German, who developed a type of sweet baking chocolate for the Baker’s Chocolate Company.
Sachertorte
Sachertorte is a famous Austrian chocolate cake that was invented in 1832 by Franz Sacher. It’s a dense, chocolate sponge cake with a layer of apricot jam in the middle and a smooth chocolate glaze on top. It’s traditionally served with unsweetened whipped cream to balance the richness of the cake.
Black Forest Cake
Originating from Germany, Black Forest Cake (or Schwarzwälder Kirschtorte) is a chocolate layer cake filled with whipped cream and cherries. It’s often decorated with additional cream, cherries, and chocolate shavings. The cake gets its name from the specialty liquor, Kirschwasser, which is made from sour cherries and gives the cake its distinctive flavor.
Flourless Chocolate Cake
Flourless Chocolate Cake is a dense, rich cake that’s popular in many countries, particularly in France and Italy. Because it doesn’t contain flour, it has an intense chocolate flavor and a fudgy texture. It’s often served with a dusting of powdered sugar or a dollop of whipped cream.
Mexican Chocolate Cake
Mexican Chocolate Cake is known for its unique flavor profile, which includes spices like cinnamon and cayenne pepper. These spices give the cake a warm, slightly spicy kick that pairs beautifully with the sweetness of the chocolate.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is the chocolate cake in Matilda made of?
The Matilda Chocolate Cake is made with basic cake ingredients like flour, cocoa powder, sugar, and eggs. What makes it unique is the addition of buttermilk and dark chocolate, which give it a moist, rich texture.
What’s so special about Matilda Cake?
The Matilda Cake is special because of its rich, chocolatey flavor and its role in the beloved movie Matilda. It’s not just a dessert—it’s a symbol of indulgence and defiance.
Why is it called a Matilda cake?
The cake is named after the movie Matilda, where it played a key role in one of the most memorable scenes. It’s become iconic thanks to its association with the movie’s themes of resilience and joy.
What is the most expensive chocolate cake ever?
The most expensive chocolate cake ever created was the Pirate’s Fantasy cake, which was decorated with diamonds and cost around $35 million. While the Matilda Chocolate Cake isn’t quite as luxurious, it’s certainly priceless in terms of flavor and nostalgia.
Can I make Matilda Chocolate Cake ahead of time?
Yes, you can make the Matilda Chocolate Cake ahead of time. Wrap the cake layers tightly in plastic wrap and store them at room temperature for up to 2 days. You can also freeze the layers for up to 3 months. Frost the cake with ganache once it has thawed to room temperature.
How do I store Matilda Chocolate Cake?
To store Matilda Chocolate Cake, keep it covered in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you prefer to refrigerate it, cover it well to prevent it from drying out, and let it come to room temperature before serving for the best texture and flavor.
Can I use milk chocolate instead of dark chocolate?
While you can use milk chocolate, it will make the cake and ganache sweeter and less intense. For the signature Matilda Chocolate Cake flavor, it’s best to use dark chocolate with at least 70% cocoa.
Can I add other flavors to the cake?
Absolutely! You can add flavors like orange zest, mint extract, or even hazelnut liqueur to the batter for a unique twist on the classic recipe. Just make sure to adjust the quantities so that the flavors complement rather than overpower the chocolate.
Why is my ganache too runny?
If your ganache is too runny, it may be due to the cream being too hot or the chocolate not having enough time to set. Let the ganache sit at room temperature until it reaches a spreadable consistency. If it’s still too runny, you can add more chopped chocolate and stir until it thickens.
Can I use this recipe for cupcakes?
Yes, you can use the Matilda Chocolate Cake batter to make cupcakes. Simply divide the batter evenly between cupcake liners and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 18-20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
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Conclusion
The Matilda Chocolate Cake is more than just a dessert—it’s a nostalgic indulgence that has captured the hearts of many. With its intense chocolate flavor and moist texture, this cake is sure to be a crowd-pleaser at any gathering. Follow the steps above to create your own piece of movie magic right in your kitchen. Whether you’re baking it for a special occasion or just because, this cake is sure to make any day feel a little more special.
Take your time to experiment with variations, try different decorating styles, and most importantly, share the joy of this cake with friends and family. The Matilda Chocolate Cake isn’t just a treat—it’s an experience, and one that deserves to be savored.