Matildas Chocolate Cake (Printable)
A rich, moist chocolate cake with creamy frosting, ideal for celebrations and special desserts.
# Ingredient List:
→ Cake Batter
01 - 1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
02 - 1 cup granulated sugar
03 - ⅔ 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 - 3 cups powdered sugar
14 - ⅔ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
15 - 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
16 - ¼ cup whole milk, as needed
17 - Pinch of salt
# Steps:
01 - Preheat oven to 350°F. Generously grease two 8-inch round cake pans and line bottoms with parchment paper.
02 - Sift flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt into a large mixing bowl. Whisk to ensure even distribution.
03 - Add eggs, milk, oil, and vanilla extract to the dry mixture. 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 thin and glossy. The batter will appear quite liquid.
05 - Divide batter evenly between prepared pans. Bake for 30 to 35 minutes until a wooden skewer inserted in the center comes out clean.
06 - Let cakes rest in pans for 10 minutes. Run a knife around edges, then invert onto wire racks. Cool completely before frosting, about 1 hour.
07 - Beat softened butter in a large bowl until creamy and light. Gradually sift in powdered sugar and cocoa powder, mixing on low speed to incorporate.
08 - Add vanilla and salt. Increase mixer speed to medium-high. Beat in milk one tablespoon at a time until frosting reaches smooth, spreadable consistency.
09 - Place first cake layer on serving plate. Spread about one-third of frosting evenly over top. Position second layer atop frosting.
10 - Spread remaining frosting over top and sides of cake. Use an offset spatula to create smooth, even surfaces. Decorate as desired. Slice and serve.
# Expert Advice:
01 -
- The boiling water trick creates the most impossibly tender crumb you have ever experienced
- This frosting recipe came from my aunt who refused to share it until I was married
02 -
- The batter will look terrifyingly thin after adding boiling water but this is exactly right and necessary
- Room temperature ingredients prevent the dreaded curdled batter situation
03 -
- Weigh your pans with batter before baking to ensure perfectly even layers
- Freeze unfrosted layers wrapped tightly for up to three months for emergency celebrations