Matilda Chocolate Cake
Let me tell you about the Matilda Chocolate Cake, the chocolate cake Bruce Bogtrotter ate in one sitting, now the most recreated movie dessert online. The first time I saw it, I was curled up on the sofa late at night, scrolling through recipe videos with a cup of mint tea going cold beside me. One clip led to another, and by midnight I had watched at least thirty different people make it. I knew immediately that I had to try it in my own kitchen, with ingredients I could actually buy at my local shop.
My first attempt was, honestly, a little chaotic. I rushed, I skipped the details, and the result tasted fine but looked nothing like the photos. So I did what I always do: I tested it again, and again, adjusting one thing at a time. I played with temperatures, timings and the balance of all-purpose flour, sugar, cocoa powder, until every batch came out exactly the way I dreamed. This is the version I now make for birthdays, slow Sunday afternoons and every friend who asks, "Wait, you made this?"
What I love most about this recipe is that it looks like something from a high-end patisserie but relies on simple, honest techniques. Below I'll walk you through every step with photos and the small tips that make a real difference, so your matilda chocolate cake turns out perfect on the very first try. Grab your apron — this one is worth it.
Table of Contents
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- It tastes exactly like the viral Matilda Chocolate Cake you've seen everywhere — but homemade and fresher.
- Only 8 main ingredients, most of which you probably already have.
- Ready in about 65 minutes of active and cooking time.
- Picture-perfect results that look like they came from a luxury bakery.
- Easy to make ahead and perfect for parties, gifts or a cozy treat for yourself.
Ingredients
Cake
Frosting
Equipment
- •Two 20 cm cake pans
- •Stand mixer
- •Offset spatula
- •Cake turntable
- •Cooling racks
How To Make Matilda Chocolate Cake - Step By Step
Step 1
Prepare the pans
Heat the oven to 175°C and grease and line two cake pans.
Take your time here, because this first move sets the tone for everything that follows. Read through the whole method once before you start and have every ingredient weighed and waiting on the counter; professional pastry kitchens call this mise en place, and it is the single biggest difference between a calm bake and a frantic one.
For this matilda chocolate cake in particular, this step is what gives the final dessert its signature look and texture. Once you see the cue described above, move straight on to the next step.
Tip: If in doubt, lower the heat. You can always cook longer, but you can't undo burnt sugar or chocolate.
Step 2
Whisk dry ingredients
Whisk flour, sugar, cocoa, plus 1 tsp each baking soda and salt.
Pay attention to texture rather than the clock. Every kitchen, stove and oven behaves a little differently, so the timings are a guide while the visual cues are the rule. If something looks slightly off, pause, adjust the heat and give it another moment before moving on.
For this matilda chocolate cake in particular, this step is what gives the final dessert its signature look and texture. When it looks right, you are ready to continue.
Tip: Use a silicone spatula and fold from the bottom up to keep air and structure.
Step 3
Add wet ingredients
Add eggs and buttermilk and beat on medium for two minutes.
Work gently and deliberately. Rushing at this stage is where most home versions go wrong, and the internet-famous look of this dessert depends on keeping structure and texture intact. A silicone spatula and a light hand will serve you better than any fancy gadget.
For this matilda chocolate cake in particular, this step is what gives the final dessert its signature look and texture. Check once more, then carry on with confidence.
Tip: Taste as you go wherever it is safe — a pinch of salt can make sweetness pop.
Step 4
Add hot coffee
Stream in the hot coffee; the batter will be very thin — that's right.
This is the moment the flavour really starts to build. Notice the aroma changing, the colour deepening and the mixture coming together. Those signals tell you that the chemistry is happening exactly as it should, and that you are on track for a bakery-level result.
For this matilda chocolate cake in particular, this step is what gives the final dessert its signature look and texture. That's your signal to keep going.
Tip: Room-temperature ingredients blend smoother and faster than cold ones.
Step 5
Bake
Divide between pans and bake 30–35 minutes until a skewer has moist crumbs.
Keep everything at the right temperature. Ingredients that are too warm or too cold behave unpredictably, so if your kitchen is hot, chill your bowl for a few minutes, and if it is cold, let the dairy sit out a little longer. Small adjustments make a big difference.
For this matilda chocolate cake in particular, this step is what gives the final dessert its signature look and texture. Once you see the cue described above, move straight on to the next step.
Tip: Don't overfill — leaving a little space gives a cleaner, more professional finish.
Step 6
Cool completely
Cool 10 minutes in the pans, then fully on racks.
Be generous but precise. It is tempting to eyeball quantities, yet sweet recipes reward accuracy. A digital scale removes the guesswork and lets you repeat the exact same result every time you make it for friends and family.
For this matilda chocolate cake in particular, this step is what gives the final dessert its signature look and texture. When it looks right, you are ready to continue.
Tip: Rotate your pan halfway through for even colour on every side.
Step 7
Make the frosting
Melt the chocolate, cool slightly, and beat into the softened butter until glossy.
Look closely at the edges and the surface. These are the areas that change first and they show you what the centre will do next. Rotate your tray or pan if one side is browning faster, and trust your eyes as much as the timer.
For this matilda chocolate cake in particular, this step is what gives the final dessert its signature look and texture. Check once more, then carry on with confidence.
Tip: Patience pays off: proper chilling or resting gives the cleanest slices and best texture.
Step 8
Frost generously
Stack the layers with frosting and swoop the rest over the top and sides.
Finally, give it the patience it deserves. Resting, setting and cooling are not optional extras; they are the step that turns a good homemade dessert into the one everyone photographs before the first bite. Clean up while you wait and enjoy the anticipation.
For this matilda chocolate cake in particular, this step is what gives the final dessert its signature look and texture. That's your signal to keep going.
Tip: Weigh everything before you start — a digital scale is the cheapest upgrade for better desserts.
Pro Tips
- Read the full recipe before starting — the Matilda Chocolate Cake moves quickly once you begin.
- Use the best quality chocolate, butter and dairy you can find; they carry the flavour.
- An instant-read thermometer takes the guesswork out of sugar, chocolate and custard work.
- Make it the day before when possible — most of these desserts taste even better after resting.
- Garnish just before serving so toppings stay crisp, glossy and camera-ready.
Storage
Store covered at room temperature 2 days or refrigerated 5 days. Bring to room temperature before serving.
Matilda Chocolate Cake
The ultra-moist, fudge-frosted chocolate cake straight from the movie.
Prep
30 min
Cook
35 min
Servings
12
Calories
690
Ingredients
- • 250 g All-purpose flour
- • 400 g Sugar
- • 100 g Cocoa powder
- • 2 Eggs
- • 240 ml Buttermilk
- • 240 ml Hot coffee
- • 200 g Dark chocolate
- • 250 g Butter
Instructions
- 1Heat the oven to 175°C and grease and line two cake pans.
- 2Whisk flour, sugar, cocoa, plus 1 tsp each baking soda and salt.
- 3Add eggs and buttermilk and beat on medium for two minutes.
- 4Stream in the hot coffee; the batter will be very thin — that's right.
- 5Divide between pans and bake 30–35 minutes until a skewer has moist crumbs.
- 6Cool 10 minutes in the pans, then fully on racks.
- 7Melt the chocolate, cool slightly, and beat into the softened butter until glossy.
- 8Stack the layers with frosting and swoop the rest over the top and sides.
Nutrition (per serving)
| Calories | 690 kcal |
| Carbohydrates | 83 g |
| Protein | 14 g |
| Fat | 35 g |
| Saturated fat | 17 g |
| Sugar | 55 g |
| Sodium | 173 mg |
| Fiber | 3 g |
FAQ
Conclusion
And there you have it — a matilda chocolate cake that lives up to every bit of the hype. Once you've made it once, you'll realise that the viral magic isn't a secret trick at all; it's simply good ingredients handled with care, the right temperatures and a little patience. I hope this recipe becomes one you return to again and again, whether it's for a celebration, a gift for someone you love, or just a quiet evening treat you make for yourself.
If you try it, I would truly love to hear how it went. Leave a comment and a star rating below, tell me about any twists you added, and tag Flavorfa when you share your photos. Your notes help other readers, and seeing your creations is honestly my favourite part of this whole adventure. Happy baking, friend — with love, Farah.
Comments (2)
Sofia
Made this for my sister's birthday and everyone asked for the recipe. The step photos helped so much!
Yassine
Followed every tip exactly — turned out just like the viral videos. 5 stars.
