Matildas Chocolate Cake (Print Version)
Rich, moist chocolate cake with creamy cocoa frosting. Classic homemade goodness perfect for celebrations.
# What You Need:
→ Cake Batter
01 - 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
02 - 1 cup granulated sugar
03 - 3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
04 - 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
05 - 1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda
06 - 1/2 teaspoon salt
07 - 2 large eggs
08 - 1 cup whole milk
09 - 1/2 cup vegetable oil
10 - 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
11 - 1 cup boiling water
→ Chocolate Frosting
12 - 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
13 - 3 cups powdered sugar
14 - 3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
15 - 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
16 - 1/4 cup whole milk, as needed
17 - Pinch of salt
# Directions:
01 - Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease and flour two 8-inch round cake pans, lining the bottoms with parchment paper for easy removal.
02 - In a large mixing bowl, sift together the flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Whisk to ensure even distribution.
03 - Add eggs, milk, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract to the dry mixture. Beat on medium speed with an electric mixer until smooth and well combined, about 2 minutes.
04 - Carefully pour in the boiling water while mixing on low speed. The batter will become thin and glossy—this is normal for achieving the desired moist texture.
05 - Divide batter evenly between prepared pans. Bake for 30–35 minutes until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean or with moist crumbs.
06 - Let cakes cool in pans for 10 minutes, then invert onto wire racks to cool completely before frosting.
07 - Beat softened butter in a large bowl until creamy and pale. Gradually sift in powdered sugar and cocoa powder, mixing on low speed to incorporate.
08 - Add vanilla extract and salt. Beat in milk one tablespoon at a time until frosting reaches smooth, spreadable consistency.
09 - Place one cooled cake layer on a serving plate. Spread a generous layer of frosting over the top. Position second layer on top, then frost the top and sides evenly.
10 - Smooth frosting with an offset spatula. Decorate as desired. Slice and serve immediately or refrigerate for later serving.
# Expert Tips:
01 -
- The boiling water creates an incredibly tender crumb that stays moist for days
- This frosting strikes that perfect balance between rich and barely sweet
02 -
- The batter will look worryingly thin after adding boiling water but this is exactly right
- Room temperature ingredients prevent curdling and ensure even baking
03 -
- Wrap your cake pans with bake even strips for perfectly flat layers
- Freeze unfrosted layers wrapped tightly for up to three months