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Matilda Chocolate Cake Recipe - The Ultimate Moist Chocolate Cake

This Matilda-inspired chocolate cake recreates the iconic movie dessert with perfect moist texture and rich chocolate flavor. Using pantry staples and straightforward techniques, it's easy enough for baking novices yet impressive enough for any celebration.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 35 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Servings: 12 servings
Calories: 420
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Ingredients
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1¾ cups granulated sugar
  • ¾ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 2 teaspoons baking powder
  • 1½ teaspoons baking soda
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup whole milk, room temperature
  • ½ cup vegetable oil
  • 2 large eggs, room temperature
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • 1 cup boiling water
  • Chocolate frosting of your choice

Method
 

Instructions
  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans, or line with parchment paper.
  2. In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt until well combined.
  3. In a separate bowl, mix milk, vegetable oil, eggs, and vanilla extract until smooth.
  4. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and mix on medium speed until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
  5. Slowly add the boiling water to the batter and mix until smooth. The batter will be thin - this is normal!
  6. Divide batter evenly between the prepared pans. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
  7. Let cakes cool in pans for 10 minutes, then transfer to wire racks to cool completely before frosting.

Notes

Use room temperature ingredients, don't overmix the batter, and allow cake to cool completely before frosting for best results.