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A two-layer chocolate fudge cake with rich frosting on a white plate, with one slice cut out to show the moist crumb inside.

The Ultimate Matilda-Style Chocolate Fudge Cake

Indulge in a truly decadent, rich, and intensely chocolatey fudge cake, inspired by the iconic dessert from 'Matilda'. This moist, dense, and deeply satisfying cake is generously slathered with a luscious, glossy chocolate fudge frosting, guaranteed to satisfy the most profound chocolate cravings.
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Prep Time 40 minutes
Cook Time 35 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 45 minutes
Servings: 16 slices
Course: Cake, Dessert
Cuisine: American
Calories: 550
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Moist Chocolate Cake
  • 2 cups All-purpose flour
  • 2 cups Granulated sugar
  • 3/4 cup Unsweetened cocoa powder Dutch-processed for deeper color and flavor
  • 2 tsp Baking soda
  • 1 tsp Baking powder
  • 1 tsp Salt
  • 2 Large eggs room temperature
  • 1 cup Buttermilk room temperature
  • 1/2 cup Vegetable oil
  • 2 tsp Vanilla extract
  • 1 cup Hot strong brewed coffee or 1 cup hot water + 2 tsp instant espresso powder
For the Rich Chocolate Fudge Frosting
  • 1/2 cup Unsalted butter 1 stick, room temperature
  • 1/2 cup Unsweetened cocoa powder Dutch-processed recommended
  • 4 cups Powdered sugar confectioners' sugar, sifted
  • 1/2 cup Milk whole milk preferred
  • 1 tsp Vanilla extract
  • 1/4 tsp Salt

Equipment

  • 9x13 inch baking pan
  • Large mixing bowls
  • Electric mixer (stand or hand)
  • Whisk
  • Rubber spatula
  • Medium saucepan
  • Measuring Cups and Spoons
  • Wire cooling rack

Method
 

Prepare the Cake
  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease and flour a 9x13 inch baking pan, or spray with baking spray with flour. Set aside.
  2. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, granulated sugar, cocoa powder, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. Ensure there are no lumps.
  3. In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the eggs, buttermilk, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract until well combined.
  4. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients. Mix on low speed with an electric mixer until just combined. Do not overmix.
  5. Carefully and slowly pour the hot brewed coffee (or hot water with espresso powder) into the batter, mixing on low speed until the batter is smooth and thin. The batter will be quite liquidy; this is normal and contributes to the cake's moistness.
  6. Pour the batter evenly into the prepared 9x13 inch baking pan.
  7. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a wooden skewer or toothpick inserted into the center comes out with moist crumbs, but not wet batter. Be careful not to overbake.
  8. Remove the cake from the oven and let it cool completely in the pan on a wire rack before frosting. This is crucial for the frosting not to melt.
Prepare the Chocolate Fudge Frosting
  1. In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over low heat. Once melted, add the cocoa powder and whisk until smooth. Remove from heat.
  2. Gradually add the sifted powdered sugar, alternating with the milk, mixing well after each addition. Start with about half the powdered sugar, then half the milk, and repeat. You can use an electric mixer on low speed for this.
  3. Once all the powdered sugar and milk are incorporated, add the vanilla extract and salt. Beat on medium speed for 2-3 minutes until the frosting is smooth, thick, and glossy. If it's too thick, add a tiny bit more milk (1 tsp at a time); if too thin, add a bit more sifted powdered sugar.
Assemble the Cake
  1. Once the cake is completely cool, spread the chocolate fudge frosting evenly over the top of the cake using an offset spatula or the back of a spoon.
  2. Slice and serve this rich Matilda-style chocolate cake immediately, or cover and refrigerate for later enjoyment.

Notes

For the best results, ensure your eggs and buttermilk are at room temperature as this helps them emulsify better and creates a smoother batter. Do not rush the cooling process for the cake; a warm cake will cause the frosting to melt and slide off. The coffee enhances the chocolate flavor without making the cake taste like coffee, so it's highly recommended. For an extra touch of decadence, garnish with chocolate shavings or sprinkles.