Matildas Chocolate Cake (Printable)

Rich, moist chocolate cake with creamy frosting. Classic homemade dessert for celebrations.

# What You'll Need:

→ Cake Batter

01 - 1.75 cups all-purpose flour
02 - 1 cup granulated sugar
03 - 0.75 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
04 - 1.5 teaspoons baking powder
05 - 1.5 teaspoons baking soda
06 - 0.5 teaspoon salt
07 - 2 large eggs
08 - 1 cup whole milk
09 - 0.5 cup vegetable oil
10 - 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
11 - 1 cup boiling water

→ Chocolate Frosting

12 - 0.9 cup unsalted butter, softened
13 - 2.8 cups powdered sugar
14 - 0.75 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
15 - 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
16 - 0.25 cup whole milk, as needed
17 - Pinch of salt

# How to Make It:

01 - Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease and flour two 8-inch round cake pans, then line with parchment paper for easy removal.
02 - Sift flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt into a large mixing bowl. Whisk thoroughly to ensure even distribution.
03 - Add eggs, milk, oil, and vanilla to the dry mixture. Beat on medium speed with an electric mixer until smooth and fully incorporated, about 2 minutes.
04 - Carefully pour in boiling water while mixing on low speed. The batter will become thin and glossy—this is normal and ensures a moist crumb.
05 - Divide batter evenly between prepared pans. Bake for 30-35 minutes until a wooden skewer inserted in the center emerges clean.
06 - Let cakes cool in pans for 10 minutes, then invert onto wire racks. Allow to cool completely before frosting, approximately 1 hour.
07 - Beat softened butter until creamy and pale, about 3 minutes. Gradually sift in powdered sugar and cocoa powder, mixing on low speed to incorporate.
08 - Add vanilla and salt. Beat in milk one tablespoon at a time until frosting reaches spreadable consistency. Whip on high for 2 minutes for extra fluffiness.
09 - Place one cooled layer on a serving plate. Spread a generous layer of frosting over the top. Position second layer and frost the top and sides evenly.
10 - Smooth frosting with an offset spatula. Decorate as desired with piping, sprinkles, or chocolate shavings. Slice and serve at room temperature.

# Expert Tips:

01 -
  • The boiling water creates an impossibly tender crumb that stays moist for days
  • This frosting recipe is foolproof enough for beginners but sophisticated enough for company
  • Everything comes together with basic pantry ingredients you probably already have
02 -
  • The batter will look worryingly thin after adding boiling water, but this is correct and necessary
  • Completely cool cakes before frosting, or your frosting will slide right off the sides
  • Room temperature ingredients prevent lumps in both batter and frosting
03 -
  • Weighing ingredients yields more consistent results than measuring cups
  • Let the frosting sit for 10 minutes after making it for easier spreading

Return