Matildas Chocolate Cake (Printable View)
Rich, moist chocolate cake with creamy frosting. Perfect for celebrations.
# What You’ll Need:
→ Cake Batter
01 - 2 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 (2 sticks) 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
# Cooking Steps:
01 - Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease and flour two 8-inch round cake pans, lining 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, ensuring no lumps remain.
03 - Add eggs, milk, oil, and vanilla extract to the dry ingredients. Beat on medium speed with an electric mixer until thoroughly combined and smooth.
04 - Carefully pour in boiling water while mixing on low speed. Continue mixing until batter becomes glossy and thin consistency is achieved.
05 - Divide batter evenly between prepared pans. Bake for 30-35 minutes until a toothpick inserted in center emerges clean.
06 - Let cakes cool in pans for 10 minutes before inverting onto wire racks. Cool completely to room temperature before frosting.
07 - Beat softened butter in a large bowl until creamy and light. Gradually sift in powdered sugar and cocoa powder, mixing on low speed until incorporated.
08 - Add vanilla extract and salt. Beat in milk one tablespoon at a time until frosting reaches smooth, spreadable consistency.
09 - Place first cake layer on serving plate. Spread generous layer of frosting over top. Position second layer and frost top and sides evenly, smoothing with an offset spatula.
10 - Decorate as desired with additional frosting swirls, chocolate shavings, or fresh berries. Slice and serve at room temperature.
# Expert Tips:
01 -
- The boiling water trick creates the most impossibly moist crumb youve ever tasted
- This frosts like a dream and stays fresh for days thanks to its dense texture
02 -
- That terrifyingly watery batter is exactly right—the boiling water activates the cocoa and creates incredible moisture
- Cooling cakes completely before frosting is non-negotiable or you will end up with chocolate soup
03 -
- Weighing your flour instead of measuring by cup ensures consistent results every single time
- Room temperature ingredients mix together seamlessly—cold ingredients create stubborn lumps