Matildas Chocolate Cake (Print)

Rich, moist chocolate cake with creamy cocoa frosting, perfect for celebrations

# Ingredient List:

→ Cake Batter

01 - 1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
02 - 1 cup granulated sugar
03 - ¾ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
04 - 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
05 - 1 ½ teaspoons baking soda
06 - ½ teaspoon salt
07 - 2 large eggs
08 - 1 cup whole milk
09 - ½ cup vegetable oil
10 - 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
11 - 1 cup boiling water

→ Chocolate Frosting

12 - 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
13 - 2 ¾ cups powdered sugar
14 - ¾ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
15 - 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
16 - ¼ cup whole milk, as needed
17 - Pinch of salt

# How-To Steps:

01 - Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease and flour two 8-inch round cake pans, then line the bottoms with parchment paper for easy release.
02 - Sift together flour, granulated sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt into a large mixing bowl. Whisk to ensure even distribution.
03 - Add eggs, milk, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract to the dry ingredients. Beat on medium speed with an electric mixer until smooth and thoroughly combined, about 2 minutes.
04 - Carefully pour in boiling water while mixing on low speed. Continue mixing until batter becomes glossy and thin, about 1 minute. The batter will be quite runny.
05 - Divide batter evenly between the prepared pans. Bake for 30-35 minutes until a wooden toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs.
06 - Let cakes cool in pans for 10 minutes before running a knife around the edges. Invert onto wire racks and cool completely, about 1 hour, before frosting.
07 - Beat softened butter in a large bowl until creamy and light. Gradually sift in powdered sugar and cocoa powder, beating on low speed until incorporated. Scrape down the bowl as needed.
08 - Add vanilla extract and salt. Beat in milk 1 tablespoon at a time until frosting reaches smooth, spreadable consistency. Increase speed to high and whip for 2 minutes until fluffy.
09 - Place one cooled cake layer on a serving plate. Spread about one-third of the frosting evenly over the top. Position the second layer on top.
10 - Spread remaining frosting over the top and sides of the cake. Use an offset spatula to create smooth, even surfaces. Decorate as desired and slice to serve.

# Expert Suggestions:

01 -
  • The boiling water trick creates the most incredibly moist crumb you have ever experienced
  • This cake actually gets better after sitting for a day, making it perfect for make ahead situations
02 -
  • The batter will look worryingly thin after adding boiling water, but this is exactly right and necessary
  • Let the cakes cool completely before frosting, or your frosting will melt into a sad mess
03 -
  • Invest in good quality cocoa powder because it makes all the difference in the final flavor
  • Measure flour by spooning into measuring cups and leveling off, never scoop directly

Go Back