For many people, the mention of Matilda instantly conjures images of a brave little girl with magical powers, an evil headmistress, and, of course, the legendary Matilda Chocolate Cake scene. This cake isn’t just any dessert—it’s a larger-than-life, rich, decadent chocolate cake that leaves a lasting impression.
In Roald Dahl’s Matilda, the unforgettable cake scene has captured the hearts of many dessert lovers, and over time, people have become inspired to recreate that indulgent, gooey, and moist chocolate cake. Whether you’re a fan of the book, the movie, or simply a chocolate enthusiast, this recipe is the perfect way to indulge in a cake that embodies pure chocolate bliss.
In this article, we will explore the origins of Matilda’s chocolate cake, share a step-by-step recipe for creating your own, and provide tips on how to make it extra special for any occasion.
The Famous Matilda Chocolate Cake Scene
One of the most iconic moments in the 1996 movie Matilda revolves around a rich, dark chocolate cake. In the scene, a character named Bruce Bogtrotter is punished by the tyrannical headmistress Miss Trunchbull. His punishment? He’s forced to eat an entire enormous chocolate cake in front of the whole school as Trunchbull watches in an attempt to humiliate him. But what happens next is surprising: Bruce not only eats the cake but also embraces the challenge, much to the delight of his classmates.
The scene is memorable not only for its drama but for the tantalizing chocolate cake that seems so delicious, it almost makes you wish you were in Bruce’s shoes.
What Makes Matilda’s Chocolate Cake So Special?
The Matilda chocolate cake is celebrated for its rich, moist, and fudgy texture. Unlike many chocolate cakes that can be light and fluffy, this one is intensely dense, packed with deep cocoa flavor, and topped with a velvety chocolate frosting. The cake is typically larger than life, evoking the indulgent, almost overwhelming, experience Bruce faced.
Now, let’s dive into how you can make this indulgent treat at home, creating a dessert that will make anyone feel like they’ve stepped into the world of Matilda.
The Ultimate Matilda Chocolate Cake Recipe
Making a Matilda chocolate cake at home requires a few simple ingredients, but the results are anything but ordinary. This cake recipe is designed to give you the rich, dense, moist texture that we all know and love from the movie.
Ingredients
For the cake:
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 2 ¾ cups granulated sugar
- 1 cup unsweetened cocoa powder (preferably Dutch-processed for a richer flavor)
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1 ½ teaspoons baking soda
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup vegetable oil
- 1 ½ cups buttermilk (room temperature)
- 1 ½ cups hot water (or hot coffee for a deeper chocolate flavor)
- 3 large eggs (room temperature)
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
For the frosting:
- 1 cup unsalted butter (room temperature)
- 4 ½ cups powdered sugar
- 1 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ cup heavy cream (adjust based on desired consistency)
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans, or line them with parchment paper for easy release.
Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, sift together the flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Whisk to combine, ensuring there are no lumps of cocoa or flour.
Step 3: Add Wet Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the oil, buttermilk, eggs, and vanilla extract. Slowly add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, mixing on low speed until combined. Be careful not to overmix.
Step 4: Add Hot Water or Coffee
Once the batter is well combined, slowly pour in the hot water (or hot coffee) while mixing. The batter will be thin, but don’t worry—this is what gives the cake its moist, rich texture.
Step 5: Bake the Cake
Divide the batter evenly between the two prepared cake pans. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cakes comes out clean. Allow the cakes to cool in their pans for 10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Step 6: Make the Frosting
While the cakes cool, prepare the frosting. In a large bowl, beat the butter until creamy. Gradually add the powdered sugar and cocoa powder, mixing on low speed to avoid a mess. Once the mixture begins to come together, add the vanilla extract and slowly pour in the heavy cream. Continue mixing until the frosting is smooth and fluffy, adjusting the cream for the desired consistency.
Step 7: Assemble the Cake
Once the cakes have cooled completely, place one cake layer on a serving plate or cake stand. Spread an even layer of frosting on top, then place the second cake layer on top. Frost the entire cake, covering the top and sides generously. For extra decoration, you can add chocolate shavings, sprinkles, or a drizzle of chocolate ganache.
Step 8: Serve and Enjoy
Now comes the best part—serving your Matilda chocolate cake. Slice into the cake to reveal its rich, moist layers, and watch as the chocolate frosting oozes slightly. Serve with a glass of milk or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra indulgent experience.
Tips for Making the Perfect Matilda Chocolate Cake
To ensure your Matilda chocolate cake comes out perfect every time, here are a few tips and tricks to keep in mind:
1. Use Good Quality Cocoa Powder
The cocoa powder you use will have a significant impact on the final flavor of your cake. For the deepest, richest chocolate flavor, opt for a high-quality Dutch-processed cocoa powder. This will give your cake a smoother, more intense chocolate taste compared to regular cocoa powder.
2. Don’t Overmix the Batter
Once you’ve combined the wet and dry ingredients, be careful not to overmix the batter. Overmixing can result in a denser, tougher cake. Mix just until the ingredients are incorporated for the best texture.
3. Add Coffee for Extra Depth
If you want to intensify the chocolate flavor, substitute hot coffee for the hot water in the recipe. The coffee won’t make the cake taste like coffee, but it will enhance the chocolate flavor, making it even more decadent.
4. Use Room Temperature Ingredients
Bringing your eggs, buttermilk, and butter to room temperature before using them will help the ingredients mix together more smoothly and result in a more even batter.
5. Frosting Consistency
If you find that your frosting is too thick, add a little more heavy cream, one tablespoon at a time, until you reach the desired consistency. For a richer frosting, you can also use half-and-half or milk instead of heavy cream.
Variations of Matilda Chocolate Cake
While the traditional Matilda chocolate cake is already indulgent enough, there are several ways you can modify the recipe to suit your preferences or create an even more special version of the cake. Here are a few fun variations to try:
1. Matilda Chocolate Fudge Cake
For those who love an extra gooey texture, turn this cake into a Matilda Chocolate Fudge Cake. Add a layer of chocolate ganache between the layers of cake, as well as on top of the frosting, for a truly fudgy experience. To make chocolate ganache, heat equal parts heavy cream and chopped chocolate until melted and smooth, then pour it over the cake.
2. Matilda Triple Chocolate Cake
If you’re a serious chocolate lover, turn the original recipe into a Triple Chocolate Cake by adding chocolate chips to the batter and using a chocolate cream filling between the layers. You can also drizzle melted chocolate over the frosting for an over-the-top chocolate experience.
3. Gluten-Free Matilda Chocolate Cake
For those who need a gluten-free option, you can make this cake using a gluten-free flour blend. Make sure to choose a blend that’s designed for baking and includes xanthan gum for structure. The cake will still be moist, rich, and decadent, without any gluten.
4. Vegan Matilda Chocolate Cake
To make a vegan version of this cake, substitute the eggs with flaxseed eggs (1 tablespoon of ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoons of water per egg). Use a plant-based milk like almond milk instead of buttermilk, and choose vegan butter for the frosting.
How to Serve and Store Matilda Chocolate Cake
Once you’ve made your Matilda chocolate cake, it’s important to store it properly to keep it fresh and moist. Here’s how to serve and store your cake:
Serving Suggestions
- Serve the cake at room temperature for the best flavor and texture.
- Pair it with a cold glass of milk, a dollop of whipped cream, or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for extra indulgence.
- If you want to go all out, drizzle chocolate syrup or ganache over the top of the cake just before serving.
Storing the Cake
- The cake can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
- If you live in a warm climate, store the cake in the refrigerator to prevent the frosting from melting. Be sure to allow the cake to come to room temperature before serving.
- The cake can also be frozen for up to 3 months. Wrap the cake tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil before freezing. Thaw the cake in the refrigerator overnight before serving.
The Enduring Appeal of Matilda Chocolate Cake
The Matilda chocolate cake has become more than just a movie prop—it’s a symbol of indulgence, courage, and resilience, much like Bruce Bogtrotter himself. The scene in Matilda is not only beloved for its humor and drama but also for its depiction of the ultimate chocolate lover’s dream.
Recreating this cake at home allows you to tap into that same sense of fun and celebration, while also enjoying one of the richest and most decadent chocolate cakes you’ll ever make. Whether you’re baking for a birthday, a special event, or just because you crave something truly chocolatey, this Matilda-inspired cake is sure to become a favorite.