If you’ve ever watched the movie Matilda, you probably remember that iconic scene where Bruce Bogtrotter is forced to eat an entire chocolate cake in front of the whole school. The cake looked so rich, moist, and decadent that honestly, most of us were drooling instead of feeling sorry for him!
Well, good news — you can recreate a cake just like that at home with this fudgy chocolate cake recipe. It’s rich, indulgent, and everything a true chocolate lover dreams of. Whether you want a birthday cake, a weekend treat, or a showstopper dessert, this one never disappoints.
Why You’ll Love This Chocolate Cake
Better than Bruce’s cake — though maybe don’t eat the whole thing in one sitting! 😉
Super moist & fudgy — thanks to butter, dark chocolate, and coffee
Full chocolate flavor — no bland cocoa-only cake here!
Beginner-friendly recipe — no fancy techniques required.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- Flour 220g
- Cocoa powder 2 tbsp
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- Butter 180g
- Dark chocolate 200g
- Milk 100 ml
- Sugar 300g
- 1 tbsp coffee + 1/2 cup hot water
- Neutral oi l75ml
- Vanilla 2 teaspoons
- 3 medium eggs
How to Make the Best Chocolate Cake
- In a bowl, whisk together flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and baking powder. Set aside.
- In a heatproof bowl, gently melt the butter and dark chocolate until smooth. Stir in the milk to cool it slightly.
- Whisk in the sugar, then beat in the eggs one at a time until the mixture is glossy and well combined.
- Pour in the oil and vanilla extract. Beat until smooth.
- Fold in the dry ingredients until just combined. Don’t overmix!
- Add the hot coffee and beat one last time. This step intensifies the chocolate flavor and keeps the cake moist.
- Pour the batter into a greased and lined 9-inch round cake pan (or two smaller pans). Bake at 175°C (350°F) for 35–40 minutes, or until a skewer comes out with just a few moist crumbs.
- Cool completely before frosting — or enjoy it plain for that rich, Bruce-style indulgence.
Tips for the Perfect Chocolate Cake
- Use good-quality dark chocolate for the best flavor.
- Don’t skip the coffee — it won’t make the cake taste like coffee, just super chocolatey.
- For extra indulgence, add a layer of chocolate ganache or buttercream.
Want a Matilda-inspired moment? Bake it as a single tall cake and slice yourself a big, Bruce-sized piece!
A Slice of Nostalgia
Remember Bruce, sitting in the spotlight with chocolate smudged across his face, finishing that enormous slice of cake? This recipe gives you that exact gooey, rich, can’t-stop-eating-it vibe — but in a much more enjoyable way. Unlike Bruce, you’ll actually want to keep going back for more!
Final Thoughts
This fudgy chocolate cake recipe is the kind of dessert that makes people close their eyes after the first bite. It’s rich, indulgent, and absolutely unforgettable. Whether you’re baking it for a party or just for yourself (no shame, Bruce would approve!), it’s guaranteed to impress.
So preheat that oven, melt that chocolate, and treat yourself to the cake of your Matilda dreams.