Can I taste the coffee in the finished cake?

No. The coffee in this recipe functions as a flavor enhancer rather than a flavor contributor. The compounds in strong coffee share chemical similarities with the flavor compounds in cocoa and their presence makes the chocolate flavor taste deeper, more complex, and more completely developed without adding any perceptible coffee flavor to the finished cake. Even people who dislike coffee will not detect it in this cake.

Why is the fudge frosting made in a saucepan rather than a mixer?

The saucepan method produces a fundamentally different frosting texture and character than a conventional beaten buttercream. Melting all ingredients together creates a glossy and cohesive fudge frosting that is silky and smooth with a richer and more concentrated chocolate flavor than a beaten buttercream can achieve. The frosting sets to a glossy and firm finish that is distinctively beautiful and appropriate to the iconic visual of the Matilda cake.

Can I make this cake a day ahead?

Yes. The unfrosted cake layers can be baked, cooled completely, wrapped in plastic wrap, and refrigerated for up to 2 days before assembly. The fudge frosting can be made and refrigerated in its bowl up to 2 days ahead. Assemble the cake on the day of or the morning of the celebration for the freshest and most beautiful presentation.

Matilda Chocolate Cake Easy Fudge Frosting Iconic Recipe

Name: Matilda Chocolate Cake The Most Iconic and Indulgent Chocolate Cake You Will Ever Bake
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: PT-497460H25M10S
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: All-Purpose Flour; Dutch-Process Cocoa Powder; Baking Powder and Baking Soda; Granulated Sugar; Kosher Salt; Vegetable Oil; 3 large Eggs room temperature; Buttermilk room temperature; Sour Cream room temperature; Hot Strong Coffee; Pure Vanilla Extract; Best-Quality Dark Chocolate chopped for frosting; Unsalted Butter for frosting; Heavy Cream for frosting; Dutch-Process Cocoa Powder sifted for frosting; Powdered Sugar sifted for frosting; Kosher Salt for frosting

Description

The most iconic and indulgent Matilda Chocolate Cake made with moist one-bowl Dutch cocoa powder chocolate cake layers baked with buttermilk and hot coffee and smothered in a silky glossy chocolate fudge frosting made by melting dark chocolate butter heavy cream cocoa and powdered sugar together. A completely spectacular celebration cake.

Ingredients

Scale

All-Purpose Flour

Dutch-Process Cocoa Powder

Baking Powder and Baking Soda

Granulated Sugar

Kosher Salt

Vegetable Oil

3 large Eggs room temperature

Buttermilk room temperature

Sour Cream room temperature

Hot Strong Coffee

Pure Vanilla Extract

Best-Quality Dark Chocolate chopped for frosting

Unsalted Butter for frosting

Heavy Cream for frosting

Dutch-Process Cocoa Powder sifted for frosting

Powdered Sugar sifted for frosting

Kosher Salt for frosting

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F. Prep two 8-inch pans with parchment and cooking spray.

2. Whisk flour, sugar, salt, baking powder, baking soda, and sifted cocoa in a large bowl.

3. Add buttermilk, oil, vanilla, sour cream, and eggs. Whisk until almost combined.

4. Add hot coffee and whisk until smooth and no flour lumps remain. Batter will be thin.

5. Divide evenly between pans. Use cake strips if available.

6. Bake 30 minutes until toothpick comes out clean. Cool completely.

7. Place dark chocolate, butter, heavy cream, sifted cocoa, powdered sugar, and salt in a saucepan.

8. Heat over medium stirring constantly until completely smooth. Do not boil.

9. Strain into a large bowl or flat pan. Press plastic wrap directly on surface.

10. Cool at room temperature 30 minutes then refrigerate 1 to 2 hours until spreadable.

11. Place first cake layer on stand. Spread 1/3 of frosting evenly on top.

12. Place second layer on top. Frost top and sides with remaining frosting.

13. Create wave pattern with offset spatula. Serve at room temperature.

Prep Time: 30 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Category: Dessert, Cake
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 slice
Calories: 580
Sugar: 48g
Sodium: 310mg
Fat: 32g
Saturated Fat: 17g
Unsaturated Fat: 13g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 68g
Fiber: 5g
Protein: 8g
Cholesterol: 95mg

Keywords: matilda chocolate cake, matilda chocolate fudge cake, iconic chocolate layer cake recipe, chocolate fudge frosting cake