This delightful Matilda’s Chocolate Cake comes together in about 35 minutes and is baked in three layers for a dessert that your family will love! You can even switch up the ingredients to suit your taste or use whatever you have on hand. It’s the perfect excuse for a “clean out the fridge” day, as you can add in those leftover bits of chocolate or cream you’ve been saving!
Ingredient Breakdown
- All-Purpose Flour
- Granulated Sugar
- Cocoa Powder
- Baking Powder and Baking Soda
- Salt
- Eggs
- Whole Milk
- Vegetable Oil
- Vanilla Extract
- Boiling Water
- Unsalted Butter
- Powdered Sugar
- Heavy Cream
How to Make Matilda’s Chocolate Cake
Okay, here’s where the magic happens! Let’s get to baking this quick and easy chocolate cake that’s going to take your family’s dessert game to a whole new level.
Preheat the Oven : Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour three 9-inch round cake pans. I like to use a bit of parchment paper at the bottom of each for easy removal!
Mix the Dry Ingredients : In a large bowl, combine 1¾ cups of all-purpose flour, 2 cups of granulated sugar, ¾ cup of cocoa powder, 1½ teaspoons of baking powder, 1½ teaspoons of baking soda, and 1 teaspoon of salt. Just whisk it all together until it’s blended!
Add the Wet Ingredients : Now, add in 2 large eggs, 1 cup of whole milk, ½ cup of vegetable oil, and 2 teaspoons of vanilla extract to the dry mixture. Mix until everything is well combined! You want to see the batter come together beautifully, it should be velvety!
Stir in Boiling Water : Carefully stir in 1 cup of boiling water. Now, the batter will be thin, but that’s a good thing! It’s going to be super moist once baked. Stir until everything is just combined, remember, no mixing too much here!
Divide the Batter : Divide the batter evenly among the three prepared cake pans. It’s okay if they don’t look perfect trust me, they’ll bake into these beautiful layers of chocolate goodness!
Bake : Bake in your preheated oven for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. The smell wafting through your kitchen will be amazing, like a big chocolate hug!
Cool : Allow the cakes to cool in the pans for about 10 minutes before you transfer them to wire racks to cool completely. Just be careful! Hot cakes have a way of breaking if you’re too rough.
Make the Frosting : For the frosting, beat 1 cup of softened unsalted butter until it’s creamy. Gradually add 4 cups of powdered sugar and ½ cup of cocoa powder, alternating with ¼ cup of heavy cream, until your frosting reaches that perfect spreading consistency.
Assemble the Cake : Once the cakes are completely cool, frost the top of one layer, add the next layer on top, and repeat until all layers are stacked. Then finish off by frosting the top and the sides of your beautiful cake.
Why This Recipe Works
Quick & Easy
This Matilda’s Chocolate Cake comes together in under 40 minutes and includes minimal cleanup with the use of just a few mixing bowls and a couple of pans. Talk about a win-win!
Crowd-Pleaser
With rich chocolate flavor and moist cake, this recipe is a guaranteed hit at any gathering. Birthdays, family dinners, or just a weekday pick-me-up, all occasions are perfect for this cake!
Comfort Food
Trust me, there’s nothing quite like a slice of this soft, fluffy chocolate cake paired with a glass of milk to bring back memories of childhood. It’s comfort food at its finest!
Customizable
You can mix in chocolate chips, add nuts, or even incorporate a different flavor extract, think mint or almond, for a fun twist! Use whatever ingredients you have lurking around; it’s all about being creative!
Make-Ahead Friendly
You can bake the layers ahead of time during those busy weekdays and frost them just on the day you plan to serve. The cake stays yummy for days after, so it’s a lifesaver for busy families!
Serving and Storage Tips
How to Serve This Cake
This cake is amazing on its own, but imagine it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or dollop of whipped cream on the side! Serve it with fresh berries for a pop of color, your family will love this presentation!
Storage
Store your leftover cake (if there is any!) in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. It actually gets better as it sits, if you can believe it!
Reheating Instructions
If you prefer a warm slice, simply pop it in the microwave for about 15-20 seconds. Or go old-school and have it heated in an oven at 350°F for about 5-10 minutes.
Freezer Friendly
Yes! You can definitely freeze the layers. Simply wrap each layer tightly in plastic wrap, then foil, and store them in the freezer for up to 3 months. Just let them thaw at room temperature before frosting!
A Personal Connection
This Matilda’s Chocolate Cake is truly my go-to recipe when I need a sweet treat that everyone loves. It’s my comfort food, and I’m a real sucker for that rich, chocolatey goodness. My family fights over the last piece, and the best part is how versatile it is. I can use whatever I have on hand, and it always turns out delicious!
If you loved this chocolate cake recipe, be sure to check out my easy Chocolate Confetti Squares, my classic Blackberry Velvet Gothic Cake, or my favorite Japanese Sweet Potato Crème Brûlée!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Secrets to the Best Chocolate Cake
The secret to a delicious chocolate cake is the balance of flavors and the right moisture. By adding boiling water, the cocoa really shines through, making it taste luscious and rich!
One Bowl Wonder
Mix all your dry ingredients right in one bowl. It makes cleanup easier, and you can blend everything without needing too many dishes piling up in your sink.
Perfect for Any Occasion
This cake is ideal for birthdays, family gatherings, or just a Monday night treat! It’s versatile enough to decorate with festive sprinkles or serve plain at a casual dinner!
Loaded with Tons of Flavor
With layers of decadent chocolate cake and rich frosting, each bite is absolutely loaded with flavor. You’re going to want seconds, trust me!
Ease of Customization
Got some leftover candies or even fruit? Toss it in! This cake is so forgiving, and you’ll be amazed at how delicious different variations can be!
So, go ahead, gather those ingredients, and let’s make some magic happen with this Matilda’s Chocolate Cake! Happy baking! Follow us on Pinterest for daily baking inspiration that brings warmth to your table!
Matilda’s Chocolate Cake
Ingredients
Method
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour three 9-inch round cake pans.
- In a large bowl, combine all the dry ingredients: All-purpose flour, granulated sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Whisk until blended.
- Add the wet ingredients: eggs, whole milk, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract. Mix until well combined until the batter is velvety.
- Carefully stir in the boiling water until just combined; the batter will be thin.
- Divide the batter evenly among the three prepared cake pans.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Allow the cakes to cool in the pans for about 10 minutes before transferring to wire racks to cool completely.
- Beat the softened unsalted butter until creamy.
- Gradually add the powdered sugar and cocoa powder, alternating with heavy cream, until you achieve the desired spreading consistency.
- Once the cakes are completely cool, frost the top of one layer, add the next layer on top, and repeat until all layers are stacked.
- Finish off by frosting the top and the sides of your cake.