Matildas Chocolate Cake (Printable)

A rich, moist chocolate cake with creamy cocoa frosting, perfect for celebrations and dessert lovers.

# 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 Steps:

01 - Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease and flour two 8-inch round cake pans, lining the bottoms with parchment paper for easy release.
02 - Sift together flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt in a large mixing bowl 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 thoroughly combined, approximately 2 minutes.
04 - Carefully pour in the boiling water while mixing on low speed. Continue mixing until the batter becomes thin and glossy, about 1 additional minute.
05 - Divide batter evenly between the prepared pans. Bake for 30 to 35 minutes until a wooden toothpick inserted into the center emerges clean.
06 - Allow cakes to rest in pans for 10 minutes before carefully removing. Transfer to wire racks and cool completely to room temperature before frosting.
07 - Cream softened butter in a mixing bowl until smooth and pale. Gradually sift in powdered sugar and cocoa powder, beating continuously until fully incorporated and fluffy.
08 - Mix in vanilla extract and salt. Add milk one tablespoon at a time, beating until the frosting reaches a smooth, spreadable consistency.
09 - Place one cooled cake layer on a serving plate. Spread a generous layer of frosting over the top. Position the second layer atop the first, then frost the top and sides evenly with an offset spatula.
10 - Slice and serve immediately or refrigerate until ready to serve. Allow refrigerated cake to sit at room temperature for 20 minutes before serving for optimal texture.

# Expert Suggestions:

01 -
  • The boiling water technique creates an impossibly tender crumb that practically melts on your tongue
  • This frosting is the kind people write home about, rich enough to make you close your eyes after the first bite
  • Its a birthday cake that actually delivers on the hype, no dry crumbs or disappointed guests
02 -
  • The batter will look worryingly thin after adding boiling water—this is exactly correct and necessary
  • Let the cakes cool completely or your frosting will melt into sad, chocolate streaks
  • Room temperature ingredients prevent curdling and ensure even baking
03 -
  • Weigh your ingredients if possible—baking is chemistry and cups can lie
  • Invest in good cocoa powder; it's the star of the show and deserves the spotlight

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