Matilda’s Chocolate Cake: Decadence Worthy of a Movie Scene
If you grew up watching Matilda, you probably remember the chocolate cake scene—pure indulgence, rich layers, and enough gooey ganache to make anyone crave a bite. Now, thanks to @bakewithosli, you can recreate that exact dreamy dessert in your own kitchen. This cake isn’t just a treat—it’s an event.
With ultra-moist layers, dark cocoa flavor, and a silky chocolate ganache, this cake is perfect for birthdays, special occasions, or whenever you’re in the mood to wow. And yes, it tastes even better than it looks. Let’s just say—Bruce Bogtrotter would be proud.
Ingredients
For the Chocolate Cake:
- 2 ⅔ cups all-purpose flour (320 g)
- 3 cups sugar (600 g)
- 135 g unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 tablespoon baking soda (17 g)
- 1½ teaspoons baking powder (6 g)
- 1½ teaspoons salt (5 g)
- 3 large eggs
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- 1½ cups buttermilk
- ¾ cup canola or vegetable oil
- 1½ cups hot coffee – freshly brewed for the richest flavor
For the Ganache:
- 8 ounces chocolate – use a mix of dark and milk for depth
- 6 tablespoons butter (85 g)
- 1¼ cups sugar (250 g)
- 1¼ cups heavy cream (300 ml)
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract (10 ml)
- Pinch of salt
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Mix the Dry Ingredients
- In a large bowl, whisk together sugar, flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, baking powder, and salt.
2. Add the Wet Ingredients
- Stir in the eggs, vanilla, buttermilk, and oil until combined, then slowly mix in the hot coffee.
3. Bake the Cakes
- Divide the batter evenly between the pans and bake for 30–35 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean.
Ganache Instructions
4. Heat the Cream Mixture
- In a saucepan over medium heat, heat the heavy cream and sugar until just below boiling.
5. Melt the Chocolate
- Place the chocolate in a bowl and pour the hot cream mixture over it.
- Stir until smooth and glossy.
6. Assemble the Cake
- Once cakes are completely cool, stack and ice them with the ganache, letting it drip down the sides.
Pro Tips & Suggestions
- For a deeper flavor, use espresso instead of regular coffee.
- Chill your layers before frosting for a clean, smooth finish.
- Add a pinch of sea salt on top for a sweet-savory contrast.
- Make it ahead—this cake tastes even better the next day!
About the Creator
This recipe is by Osli, the talented baker behind @bakewithosli. Known for dreamy, cinematic bakes with bold flavor, Osli turns nostalgic treats into modern masterpieces with ease and style.
Osli | @bakewithosli