Best Matilda’s Chocolate Cake (Bruce Bogtrotter–Worthy!)
If you’ve ever watched Matilda or read Matilda, you probably remember one unforgettable scene: the towering, glossy, impossibly rich chocolate cake that Bruce Bogtrotter was forced to devour. That cake wasn’t just dessert — it was a chocolate legend.
This Best Matilda’s Chocolate Cake (Bruce Bogtrotter–Worthy!) recreates that iconic indulgence in the most delicious way possible. Deep, dark cocoa flavor. Ultra-moist crumb. Thick, luscious fudge frosting layered generously between soft chocolate cake rounds.
This isn’t just any chocolate cake. It’s the kind that silences a room. The kind that makes people close their eyes after the first bite. The kind that feels dramatic, decadent, and unforgettable.
Let’s make a cake worthy of that legendary moment.
Why This Is the Ultimate Chocolate Fudge Cake
This Matilda chocolate cake stands out because it delivers:
- Intensely rich chocolate flavor
- Moist, tender crumb
- Thick, glossy fudge frosting
- Bakery-style layered presentation
- Crowd-pleasing wow factor
Unlike dry or overly sweet chocolate cakes, this recipe balances bitterness from cocoa with deep sweetness from sugar and chocolate. The result is bold but not overwhelming.
What Makes This Cake So Moist?
The secret lies in three elements:
- Oil instead of butter for softness
- Hot coffee to bloom the cocoa flavor
- Buttermilk for tenderness and slight tang
These ingredients combine to create a cake that stays moist for days — just like the legendary one from the film.
Ingredients
Chocolate Cake Layers
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- ¾ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1½ teaspoons baking soda
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup buttermilk
- ½ cup vegetable oil
- 2 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 cup hot brewed coffee
Fudge Frosting
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3½ cups powdered sugar
- ¾ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- ½ cup melted dark chocolate
- ¼ cup heavy cream (adjust as needed)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Pans
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Grease and line two 9-inch round cake pans with parchment paper.
Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
- In a large bowl, whisk flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
Step 3: Add Wet Ingredients
- Add buttermilk, oil, eggs, and vanilla extract. Mix until smooth.
- Slowly pour in hot coffee and mix until fully combined. Batter will be thin — this is normal.
Step 4: Bake
- Divide batter evenly between prepared pans.
- Bake for 30–35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
- Cool completely before frosting.
Step 5: Make the Fudge Frosting
- Beat softened butter until creamy.
- Add powdered sugar and cocoa powder gradually, mixing on low speed.
- Mix in melted chocolate, vanilla, salt, and heavy cream until thick and spreadable.
Step 6: Assemble the Cake
- Place one cake layer on a serving plate.
- Spread a thick layer of fudge frosting on top.
- Add second layer and frost the top and sides generously.
- Create dramatic swirls for that iconic, over-the-top finish.
Best Matilda’s Chocolate Cake (Bruce Bogtrotter–Worthy!)
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat oven and prepare cake pans.
- Mix dry ingredients.
- Add wet ingredients and hot coffee.
- Bake 30–35 minutes.
- Prepare fudge frosting.
- Assemble and frost generously.
Notes
Tips for That Bruce Bogtrotter Look
- Frost generously — don’t be shy.
- Use an offset spatula for bold swirls.
- Chill cake 20 minutes before slicing for cleaner cuts.
- Add chocolate shavings for extra drama.
Texture & Flavor Profile
This rich moist chocolate layer cake delivers:
- Deep cocoa intensity
- Silky, creamy frosting
- Tender, soft crumb
- Slight coffee undertones
- Balanced sweetness
Every bite feels indulgent, luxurious, and unapologetically chocolate-forward.
Fun Variations
Extra Dark Version
Replace some cocoa with black cocoa for an almost Oreo-like depth.
Chocolate Ganache Finish
Pour warm ganache over the frosted cake for an ultra-glossy finish.
Chocolate Raspberry Twist
Add raspberry jam between layers for contrast.
Sheet Cake Option
Bake in a 9×13 pan for easier serving.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this cake:
- With cold milk
- With vanilla ice cream
- At birthdays
- For movie nights
- As a show-stopping holiday dessert
It’s a true celebration cake.
Storage
Store covered at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerate up to 5 days. Bring to room temperature before serving for best texture.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this ahead?
Yes! Bake layers a day ahead and frost the next day.
Can I freeze it?
Yes, unfrosted layers freeze beautifully for up to 2 months.
Why add coffee?
Coffee enhances chocolate flavor without making the cake taste like coffee.
Final Thoughts
This Best Matilda’s Chocolate Cake (Bruce Bogtrotter–Worthy!) isn’t subtle — and that’s exactly the point. It’s bold, dramatic, and irresistibly rich.
Inspired by one of the most unforgettable chocolate cake moments in pop culture, this recipe transforms that cinematic fantasy into real-life indulgence.
One slice might be enough. Or maybe not.
