There’s something absolutely magical about baking, isn’t there? I remember the first time I made this Matilda chocolate cake for my niece’s birthday. The kitchen filled with rich, chocolaty aromas, and the anticipation was just as sweet as the cake itself! As I poured the batter into the pans, I could already picture her face lighting up when she took that first bite. This cake is not only rich and moist but also incredibly forgiving, making it perfect for bakers of all levels. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or a curious beginner, you’ll find joy in every step of the process. The best part? It’s a recipe that brings people together, creating a cozy atmosphere filled with laughter and love. So, let’s dive into this delightful adventure of whipping up the best Matilda chocolate cake you’ve ever tasted. Trust me, your loved ones will thank you for it!
Ingredients List
To create your delicious Matilda chocolate cake, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 3/4 cups granulated sugar
- 3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup whole milk
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 cup boiling water
Feel free to make adjustments as needed. For a gluten-free version, just swap the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. If you’re looking for a dairy-free option, almond milk or soy milk works beautifully in this recipe!
How to Prepare Instructions
Now, let’s get started on making your Matilda chocolate cake! I promise you, this process is straightforward and enjoyable. Just follow these steps, and soon you’ll have a delightful cake to share with family and friends.
Prepping the Oven and Pans
First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). It’s important to let it warm up fully so your cake bakes evenly. While that’s heating up, grab your two 9-inch round cake pans. Grease them generously with butter or vegetable oil, making sure to cover all the corners. Then, sprinkle a bit of flour into each pan, turning and tapping until the flour coats the greased surface. This helps prevent any sticky surprises when you try to remove the cakes later!
Mixing the Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, combine the dry ingredients: flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Whisk them together until well blended. This is a crucial step because it ensures that the leavening agents are evenly distributed, leading to a light and fluffy cake. Now, add your eggs, milk, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract to the bowl. Beat everything together on medium speed for about 2 minutes. Don’t worry if the batter seems a bit thick; that’s perfectly normal!
Next, carefully stir in the boiling water. The batter will become thin, but that’s exactly what we want. This extra moisture is what makes the cake so rich and moist. Just give it a gentle stir until everything is combined.
Baking the Cake
Now it’s time to pour that luscious batter evenly into your prepared pans. Place them in the preheated oven and set a timer for 30 to 35 minutes. Keep an eye on them! To check for doneness, insert a toothpick into the center of the cakes. If it comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs, they’re ready! If you see wet batter, give them a few more minutes.
Cooling the Cakes
Once your cakes are baked, remove them from the oven and let them cool in the pans for about 10 minutes. This will help them firm up a bit. After that, carefully turn them out onto a wire rack to cool completely. Cooling on a wire rack is key because it prevents the bottoms from getting soggy. And trust me, you want that perfect texture for your Matilda chocolate cake! Enjoy the sweet aroma filling your kitchen while you wait!
Nutritional Information
Now, let’s take a moment to appreciate the nutritional side of your delicious Matilda chocolate cake. While it’s a treat meant for enjoyment, it’s good to be aware of what you’re indulging in. Here’s an estimated breakdown per slice:
- Calories: 350
- Fat: 15g
- Protein: 4g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Sugar: 28g
- Sodium: 300mg
- Fiber: 2g
Keep in mind that these values are approximations and can vary based on the specific ingredients you choose. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or simply enjoying a slice with your afternoon tea, this cake is sure to bring joy!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Making this Matilda chocolate cake is an experience that everyone will treasure. Here’s why this recipe will quickly become a favorite:
- Rich Chocolate Flavor: Each bite is packed with deep, luscious chocolate goodness that satisfies any sweet tooth.
- Moist and Tender: Thanks to the secret ingredient of boiling water, this cake stays incredibly moist, making it irresistible.
- Easy to Prepare: With straightforward steps, even novice bakers can whip up this cake without a hitch.
- Versatile for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a birthday, holiday, or just a cozy evening at home, this cake fits perfectly in any setting.
Trust me, once you bake this cake, you’ll find it hard to resist making it again and again!
Tips for Success
When it comes to baking the perfect Matilda chocolate cake, a few pro tips can really make a difference. First, always measure your ingredients accurately. Use a kitchen scale if you have one; it ensures consistency in your baking. If you’re using measuring cups, be sure to spoon the flour into the cup and level it off with a knife—this prevents packing, which can lead to a dense cake.
Next, room temperature ingredients mix better, so let your eggs and milk sit out for about 30 minutes before you start. This helps create that light, fluffy texture we all love! And remember, when you’re mixing the batter, don’t overmix it once you add the wet ingredients. Just mix until combined to avoid developing too much gluten.
Lastly, keep an eye on your cakes while they bake! Ovens can vary, so checking a few minutes early can save you from overbaking. Your Matilda chocolate cake deserves to be perfect, and these simple tips will help you achieve just that!
Variations
If you’re feeling adventurous, there are plenty of ways to mix up your Matilda chocolate cake! Here are a few simple ideas to inspire you:
- Mint Chocolate Cake: Add a teaspoon of peppermint extract to the batter for a refreshing twist.
- Chocolate Chip Delight: Fold in a cup of semi-sweet chocolate chips before baking for extra gooeyness.
- Nutty Flavor: Incorporate chopped walnuts or pecans into the batter for a delightful crunch.
- Fruity Finish: Top the cake with fresh raspberries or strawberries for a beautiful and tasty garnish.
- Frosting Variations: Try a rich chocolate ganache or a light whipped cream frosting to give your cake a unique finish.
Feel free to get creative; the possibilities are endless! Each variation adds a personal touch to this beloved cake.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
To keep your Matilda chocolate cake fresh and delicious, store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. If you want to keep it for longer, wrap the cake tightly in plastic wrap and place it in the refrigerator for up to a week. It’s best to let it come to room temperature before serving again.
If you need to reheat, simply slice a piece and warm it in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds. This will bring back that lovely, moist texture without drying it out. Enjoy every bite!
Your Turn to Share
Now that you’ve baked your very own Matilda chocolate cake, I’d love to hear about your experience! Did you try any fun variations or tips? Please leave a comment below to share your thoughts, rate the recipe, or tell us how it turned out. Happy baking!
For more baking tips and tricks, check out this baking resource for expert advice.
Additionally, if you’re interested in the science behind baking, you can read more about it here.
Print
Irresistible Matilda Chocolate Cake: 7 Comforting Steps
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Matilda chocolate cake is rich, moist, and perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
- 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 3/4 cups granulated sugar
- 3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup whole milk
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 cup boiling water
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans.
- In a large bowl, mix flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- Add eggs, milk, oil, and vanilla to the dry ingredients. Beat on medium speed for 2 minutes.
- Stir in boiling water until well combined. The batter will be thin.
- Pour the batter evenly into the prepared pans.
- Bake for 30 to 35 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
- Cool the cakes in the pans for 10 minutes, then remove from pans to cool completely on a wire rack.
Notes
- For a gluten-free option, substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend.
- You can use almond milk or soy milk as a dairy-free alternative.
- For a less sweet cake, reduce the sugar to 1 1/2 cups.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 28g
- Sodium: 300mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
Keywords: matilda chocolate cake, chocolate cake recipe, easy chocolate cake
