Matilda's Chocolate Cake Recipe (Bruce Bogtrotter Chocolate Cake)
If you've ever watched Matilda, you probably remember the legendary chocolate cake from the unforgettable Bruce Bogtrotter scene. Rich, moist, and covered in a silky chocolate ganache, Matilda's Chocolate Cake has become one of the most iconic desserts in movie history.
This homemade Matilda Chocolate Cake recipe features three layers of decadent chocolate cake made with cocoa powder, buttermilk, and coffee for maximum flavor. Finished with a luscious chocolate ganache frosting, it's the ultimate cake for birthdays, celebrations, or whenever you're craving an over-the-top chocolate dessert.
Why You'll Love This Matilda Chocolate Cake
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Rich chocolate flavor in every bite
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Moist and tender cake layers
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Silky homemade chocolate ganache frosting
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Perfect for birthdays and special occasions
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Inspired by the famous Bruce Bogtrotter cake scene from Matilda
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Easy to make ahead of time
Ingredients
For the Chocolate Cake
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2⅔ cups all-purpose flour (320g)
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3 cups granulated sugar (600g)
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135g unsweetened cocoa powder
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1 tablespoon baking soda (17g)
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1½ teaspoons baking powder (6g)
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1½ teaspoons salt (5g)
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3 large eggs
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1 tablespoon vanilla extract
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1½ cups buttermilk
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¾ cup vegetable or canola oil
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1½ cups hot coffee
For the Chocolate Ganache
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8 ounces chocolate, chopped (half dark chocolate and half milk chocolate recommended)
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6 tablespoons butter
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1¼ cups granulated sugar
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1¼ cups heavy cream
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2 teaspoons vanilla extract
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Pinch of salt
How to Make Matilda's Chocolate Cake
Step 1: Prepare the Cake Pans
Preheat your oven to 350°F.
Grease and flour three 8-inch round cake pans and set aside.
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking soda, baking powder, and salt.
Step 3: Add the Wet Ingredients
Add the eggs, vanilla extract, buttermilk, and oil. Mix until combined.
Slowly pour in the hot coffee and stir until the batter is smooth. The batter will be thin, which helps create an incredibly moist cake.
Step 4: Bake
Divide the batter evenly among the prepared cake pans.
Bake for 30 to 35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Allow the cakes to cool completely before assembling and frosting.
How to Make Chocolate Ganache Frosting
Step 1: Heat the Cream
In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine the heavy cream and sugar.
Heat until hot and steaming but do not boil.
Step 2: Melt the Chocolate
Place the chopped chocolate, butter, vanilla extract, and salt into a heat-safe bowl.
Pour the hot cream mixture over the chocolate and allow it to sit for 2 minutes.
Whisk until smooth and glossy.
Step 3: Chill
Transfer the ganache to the refrigerator until thickened enough to spread.
Do not allow it to harden completely.
Step 4: Assemble the Cake
Place the first cake layer on a serving plate and spread a layer of ganache.
Repeat with the remaining cake layers.
Cover the entire cake with the remaining ganache and smooth the sides.
Tips for the Best Matilda Chocolate Cake
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Use hot coffee to intensify the chocolate flavor.
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Allow the cake layers to cool completely before frosting.
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Use high-quality chocolate for the richest ganache.
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Chill the cake for 30 minutes before slicing for cleaner cuts.
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For an even richer cake, use dark chocolate in the ganache.
What to Serve with Matilda Chocolate Cake
This rich chocolate cake pairs perfectly with:
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Vanilla ice cream
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Fresh strawberries
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Homemade whipped cream
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Cold milk
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Hot coffee
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White Hot Chocolate
Storage
Store covered at room temperature for up to 3 days.
For longer storage, refrigerate for up to 5 days. Allow slices to come to room temperature before serving for the best texture.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is it called Matilda Chocolate Cake?
This cake is inspired by the famous oversized chocolate cake featured in the movie Matilda during the Bruce Bogtrotter scene.
Does the coffee make the cake taste like coffee?
No. The coffee enhances the chocolate flavor without making the cake taste like coffee.
Can I make this cake ahead of time?
Yes. The cake layers can be baked a day in advance and assembled when ready to serve.
Can I freeze Matilda Chocolate Cake?
Absolutely. Wrap individual slices tightly and freeze for up to 3 months.
More Dessert Recipes You'll Love
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Berrylicious Strawberry Crunch Cheesecake
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Chocolate Chess Pie
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Chocolate Pie
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Brownies
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Chocolate Fudge
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White Hot Chocolate Recipe
Final Thoughts
This Matilda Chocolate Cake recipe is every chocolate lover's dream. With moist chocolate cake layers and rich homemade ganache frosting, it's the perfect recreation of the iconic Bruce Bogtrotter cake from Matilda. Whether you're baking for a birthday party or simply satisfying a chocolate craving, this show-stopping dessert is guaranteed to impress.
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