Best Matilda’s Chocolate Cake

This Best Matilda’s Chocolate Cake is a delightful treat that will impress any chocolate lover. With its moist layers and rich chocolate fudge frosting, it stands out as the perfect dessert for birthdays, celebrations, or just an indulgent night in. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a beginner, this cake is simple to prepare and offers incredible flavor that will leave everyone asking for seconds.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Decadent Flavor: The combination of dark chocolate and cocoa powder creates a rich and satisfying taste.
• Moist Texture: The addition of buttermilk and hot coffee ensures the cake stays moist and delicious.
• Versatile Occasion: Perfect for birthdays, holidays, or any special celebration where you want to impress your guests.
• Simple Steps: The recipe is easy to follow, making it accessible for bakers of all skill levels.
• Impressive Presentation: The glossy chocolate fudge frosting adds an elegant touch to this already stunning cake.

Tools and Preparation

To create the Best Matilda’s Chocolate Cake, having the right tools makes all the difference. Here’s what you’ll need:

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Mixing bowls
• Whisk
• Measuring cups and spoons
• 8-inch baking pans
• Parchment paper
• Offset spatula

Importance of Each Tool

• Mixing bowls: Essential for combining ingredients without mess.
• Whisk: Helps incorporate air into the batter for a light texture.
• Offset spatula: Ideal for spreading frosting evenly across the cake layers.

Ingredients

This Matilda’s chocolate cake is made with moist chocolate cake layers that are topped and filled with a glossy chocolate fudge frosting.

Ingredients:
– 2 1/2 cups Flour
– 1 3/4 cups Granulated sugar
– 2 tsp Baking powder
– 1 tsp Baking soda
– 1/2 tsp Kosher salt
– 1/2 cup Cocoa powder
– 2/3 cup Vegetable oil
– 1 tsp Vanilla extract
– 3 Eggs
– 2/3 cup Buttermilk
– 1 cup Coffee (hot)
– 11.11 oz Butter (unsalted)
– 14.1 oz Dark chocolate (about 60%-70%)
– 1/3 cup Cocoa powder
– 1 1/3 cups Heavy cream
– 1 1/3 cups Powdered sugar
– 1/2 tsp Kosher salt
– 1 tsp Vanilla extract

How to Make Best Matilda’s Chocolate Cake

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). Prepare two 8-inch baking pans by lining them with parchment paper.

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, combine the following:
Add the flour, granulated sugar, kosher salt, baking powder, and baking soda.
Sift in the cocoa powder and mix using a whisk until combined.

Step 3: Combine Wet Ingredients

Add these wet ingredients to your dry mixture:
Pour in buttermilk, vegetable oil, vanilla extract, and eggs.
Mix until just combined; don’t overmix.

Step 4: Add Coffee

Carefully add hot coffee to the batter:
Stir until just combined; ensure no lumps remain. The batter should be smooth and runny.

Step 5: Bake the Cake

Divide the batter evenly between prepared pans:
Optionally use cake strips for even baking.
Bake in preheated oven for about 25–30 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.

Step 6: Cool Completely

Once baked, allow cakes to cool completely before frosting. This prevents melted frosting from sliding off.

Step 7: Make Chocolate Fudge Frosting

In a saucepan over medium-high heat:
Combine butter, heavy cream, dark chocolate, sifted cocoa powder, powdered sugar, and kosher salt.
Stir constantly until everything is melted and smooth.

Step 8: Cool Frosting

To expedite cooling:
Strain mixture into a bowl or baking pan.
Cover with plastic wrap directly on top of frosting to prevent skin from forming. Cool at room temperature for about half an hour before refrigerating for another hour or two.

Step 9: Assemble Cake

Once chilled:
Place a small dollop of frosting on your serving plate. Lay down the first layer of cake on top.
Spread about one-third of the frosting on top of this layer evenly with an offset spatula.

Step 10: Frost the Cake

Top with second cake layer:
Use remaining frosting to cover the whole cake.
Create a wave pattern using an offset spatula; adjust frosting as needed if it’s too much.

Now enjoy your beautifully crafted Best Matilda’s Chocolate Cake!

How to Serve Best Matilda’s Chocolate Cake

Serving the Best Matilda’s Chocolate Cake can elevate any occasion. Whether it’s a birthday party or a casual gathering, this cake is sure to impress. Here are some delightful serving suggestions to enhance your experience.

With Fresh Berries

• Strawberries: The sweetness and acidity of strawberries complement the rich chocolate flavor.
• Raspberries: Their tartness provides a refreshing contrast that balances the cake’s sweetness.

A Scoop of Ice Cream

• Vanilla Ice Cream: The creamy texture pairs perfectly with the dense chocolate layers.
• Mint Chocolate Chip: For a fun twist, this flavor adds a refreshing minty taste alongside the chocolate.

Drizzled with Caramel Sauce

• Warm Caramel: A drizzle of warm caramel sauce adds an extra layer of indulgence and richness to each slice.
• Sea Salt Caramel: For those who love sweet and salty combinations, this will take flavor to another level.

Coffee or Espresso

• Hot Coffee: A classic pairing that enhances the chocolate notes in the cake.
• Iced Espresso: Perfect for warmer days, it provides a bold coffee flavor that cuts through the richness.

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How to Perfect Best Matilda’s Chocolate Cake

To ensure you create the Best Matilda’s Chocolate Cake, consider these helpful tips for optimal results.

• Use room temperature ingredients: Let your eggs and buttermilk warm up before mixing; this helps create a smoother batter.
• Sift dry ingredients: This step aerates them, leading to a lighter cake texture. It also helps remove lumps from cocoa powder.
• Don’t overmix: Once you add hot coffee, mix just until combined. Overmixing can lead to a dense cake.
• Check for doneness early: Start checking your cakes at 25 minutes; every oven is different, and you want them moist but not underbaked.
• Cool completely before frosting: This prevents your frosting from melting and helps achieve a beautiful finish on your cake.
• Store properly: Keep any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature or in the fridge for up to three days for best freshness.

Best Side Dishes for Best Matilda’s Chocolate Cake

Pairing side dishes with the Best Matilda’s Chocolate Cake can enhance your dessert experience. Here are some delicious options:

1. Whipped Cream: Light and airy, whipped cream adds a delightful contrast to the rich cake.
2. Chocolate Covered Strawberries: These are perfect for chocolate lovers and make a beautiful presentation on the plate.
3. Fruit Salad: A mixture of seasonal fruits provides a fresh and light accompaniment that balances out the heaviness of cake.
4. Cheese Platter: A selection of soft cheeses can be an unexpected yet delicious pairing with chocolate cake.
5. Nutty Granola: Sprinkling granola on top can add crunch and complexity to each bite of cake.
6. Pecan Pie Bars: For those who enjoy more sweets, these bars offer a different texture while maintaining that dessert vibe.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Baking the Best Matilda’s Chocolate Cake can be a delightful experience, but there are common pitfalls that can affect your results. Here are mistakes to steer clear of:

• Skipping the Sifting: Not sifting your dry ingredients can lead to lumps. Always sift flour and cocoa together for a smoother batter.
• Incorrect Oven Temperature: Baking at the wrong temperature can ruin your cake. Use an oven thermometer to ensure accuracy.
• Not Letting It Cool: Frosting a warm cake can cause the frosting to melt off. Allow your cake to cool completely before decorating.
• Overmixing the Batter: Overmixing can create a tough texture. Mix until just combined for moist layers.
• Using Cold Ingredients: Cold eggs or buttermilk can affect batter consistency. Bring them to room temperature for best results.

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Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftover cake in an airtight container.
• It will remain fresh for up to 5 days.

Freezing Best Matilda’s Chocolate Cake

• Wrap individual slices tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil.
• Freeze for up to 3 months for optimal freshness.

Reheating Best Matilda’s Chocolate Cake

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and warm slices for about 10 minutes.
• Microwave: Heat on medium power for 15-20 seconds per slice.
• Stovetop: Place slices in a skillet over low heat, cover, and warm gently.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some frequently asked questions about the Best Matilda’s Chocolate Cake:

Can I use different types of chocolate?

Yes, you can experiment with milk or white chocolate, but it will change the flavor profile of the cake.

How do I make the frosting thicker?

To achieve a thicker frosting, let it cool longer in the fridge or add more powdered sugar gradually until desired consistency is reached.

What is the best way to decorate my Matilda’s Chocolate Cake?

You can use chocolate shavings, sprinkles, or fresh fruits like strawberries for decoration.

How long does it take to bake Best Matilda’s Chocolate Cake?

The baking time is approximately 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.

Can I make this cake ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can bake and frost it a day in advance. Just store it properly in the refrigerator.

Final Thoughts

The Best Matilda’s Chocolate Cake is not only rich and delicious but also versatile enough for any occasion. Feel free to customize with different flavors or toppings. It’s a great way to impress guests or indulge in some personal dessert bliss!