Death by Chocolate Layer Cake a Decadent Masterpiece

Death by Chocolate Cake Recipe Matilda Would Be Jealous

By Amara Vitalis July 9, 2025

Table of Contents

Recipe Introduction

Quick Hook

Ever crave a cake so good, it's almost sinful? This death by chocolate cake will get you every time. Prepare for intense chocolate flavor!

Brief Overview

Originating from the US, the concept is all about maximizing chocolate intensity. This chocolate cake recipe is medium difficulty, taking around 2 hours with chilling.

It yields 12-16 servings, perfect for a party.

Main Benefits

This ultimate chocolate dessert is seriously satisfying. It's the perfect centerpiece for birthdays or a special treat. What makes it special? The combination of ganache, buttercream, and chocolate cake makes this a unique dessert.

What Is Death By Chocolate Cake?

So, you want to know more about our death by chocolate cake , hey? Well, strap yourselves in because it’s a proper decadent chocolate cake .

Think of that scene in Matilda where Bruce Bogtrotter takes on the chocolate cake. It’s kinda like that. This version of the Matilda cake recipe is more sophisticated (and less likely to make you hurl), but it packs just as much of a rich chocolate dessert punch.

I made one for my mate Sarah's birthday last year, it was the best chocolate layer cake recipe ever, that's for sure.

It was a smash hit!

Time to Get Caking - Ingredients

Here is the Ingredient list for our fancy cakes :

2 cups all-purpose flour
¾ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
1 ½ teaspoons baking soda
1 teaspoon salt
1 ¾ cups granulated sugar
¾ cup vegetable oil
1 cup buttermilk
2 large eggs
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1 cup boiling water
2 ounces bittersweet chocolate, chopped

And that's just for the chocolate cake recipe itself!

Baking Instructions

Let's look at what steps we need to follow when making this intense chocolate flavor cake .

Prep and Preheat that oven to 350° F
Combine all the ingredients in a mixing bowl and mix well.
Pour the batter in three pans and cook.
Cool the cakes in their tins, then turn them out to cool completely.
Follow the instructions on how to make the Buttercream and frosting.

This cake creation is so easy.

The goal of the best chocolate cake is achievable!

The Ultimate Death by Chocolate Cake: Ingredients & Equipment

Alright, let’s get down to brass tacks. Wanna create a death by chocolate cake that'll knock your socks off? You'll need the right gear and goodies.

I’ve made this chocolate cake recipe more times than I can count! I'll share my secrets. Trust me, this decadent chocolate cake is worth every calorie.

Forget those fancy cakes from expensive shops!

Main Ingredients: Unleashing the Chocolate Beast

Let's talk chocolatey goodness. This recipe has multiple stages, so we will group accordingly. Here's what you'll need to build this ultimate chocolate dessert .

It’s all about that intense chocolate flavor cake !

For the Cake:

Flour: 2 cups (250g) all-purpose flour
Cocoa: ¾ cup (75g) unsweetened cocoa powder
Baking Powder: 1 ½ teaspoons
Baking Soda: 1 ½ teaspoons
Salt: 1 teaspoon
Sugar: 1 ¾ cups (350g) granulated sugar
Oil: ¾ cup (180ml) vegetable oil
Buttermilk: 1 cup (240ml)
Eggs: 2 large
Vanilla: 2 teaspoons
Boiling Water: 1 cup (240ml)
Chocolate: 2 ounces (57g) bittersweet, chopped

Key Ingredient Quality: For the chocolate, splurge a little. Good quality bittersweet chocolate makes a HUGE difference in the final flavor.

For the Ganache:

Semi Sweet Chocolate: 12 ounces (340g) , finely chopped
Heavy Cream: 1 cup (240ml)

For the Buttercream:

Butter: 1 cup (2 sticks) (227g) unsalted, softened
Powdered Sugar: 3 cups (360g)
Cocoa: ½ cup (50g) unsweetened cocoa powder
Heavy Cream: ¼ cup (60ml)
Vanilla: 1 teaspoon
Salt: Pinch

For Decoration:

Chocolate: 4 ounces (113g) semi sweet or dark, for shavings

Seasoning Notes: Elevating the Chocolate Game

Okay, the secret's in the balance. This chocolate layer cake recipe needs a kick!

Spice Combo: Vanilla extract is a must. Don't skip it! It rounds out the chocolate. A pinch of salt enhances the sweetness.
Flavor Enhancers: Strong brewed coffee can amplify the chocolate. Add a tablespoon to the batter.
Quick Subs: No buttermilk? No worries. Mix 1 cup of milk with 1 tablespoon of lemon juice. Wait 5 minutes!

Equipment Needed: Keeping It Simple

You don’t need fancy gadgets for this best chocolate cake . Just the essentials.

Three 8 inch round cake pans. Parchment paper is your friend!
Mixing bowls. You'll need a few.
Electric mixer. Stand or hand held, your call.
Rubber spatula, whisk, saucepan, and offset spatula.

Household Alternatives: No offset spatula? A butter knife works fine. Don’t stress it! This is your rich chocolate dessert , enjoy the process.

Think of it as your own personal cake creation . I always wanted to make a Matilda cake recipe , and this is even better!.

Unleash Your Inner Baker: Death by Chocolate Cake!

Oh my gosh, are you ready for this? We are diving headfirst into the most decadent chocolate cake ever . Forget diets, forget everything.

This death by chocolate cake is all about pure, unadulterated bliss. Think Matilda cake recipe on steroids. This isn't just cake; it's an experience.

Prep Like a Pro: Essential Mise en Place

Okay, first things first. Let's get organized. It sounds boring. It's the key to success! Measure out all your ingredients before you even think about turning on the oven.

It is a lifesaver , trust me. Think of it as your baking zen. Make sure that butter is nice and soft.

It should be at room temperature, just like the eggs.

Crafting the Chocolate Dream: step-by-step

Get your oven ready and preheat to 350° F ( 175° C) . Grease and flour those cake pans. Parchment paper rounds on the bottom are a must.
Whisk together flour, cocoa, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Separately, mix sugar, oil, buttermilk, eggs, and vanilla.
Gradually add the wet stuff to the dry. Stir in 1 cup (240ml) boiling water and 2 ounces (57g) melted chocolate . The batter will be thin, do not panic!
Pour into the pans. Bake for 30- 35 minutes . A toothpick should come out clean. This is your visual cue of doneness.
Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes before inverting onto a rack.

Pro Tips and Tricks for Fancy Cakes

Honestly, the chilling time for the ganache is so important. It needs to be thick but spreadable. Not runny, not rock solid.

Also, don’t overbake the cakes! Start checking them a few minutes early. Dry cake is no one's friend. Use a serrated knife to even out layers for a chocolate layer cake recipe so it doesnt become a leaning tower!

Embrace the Chocolate: Ultimate Chocolate Dessert Awaits

This cake is seriously rich, which is why vanilla ice cream is its soulmate. Seriously it does. The coldness against the intense chocolate flavour cake is just magical.

Or, if you want to get really fancy, try a raspberry coulis. The tartness cuts through the sweetness perfectly.

Don't be scared. Give this chocolate cake recipe a go! It might seem like a lot of steps, but trust me, the end result is worth every single minute and that rich chocolate dessert taste.

Plus, imagine the look on everyone's faces when you present this Decadent Chocolate Cake . Now go forth and bake!

Recipe Notes for Your Death by Chocolate Masterpiece

Alright, so you're about to tackle this Death by Chocolate Cake ? Awesome! I am happy to share the chocolate cake recipe and I'm so excited for you.

Before you dive in, let's chat about a few things. Think of this as my little cheat sheet to help you nail it.

Serving It Up Like a Pro

Presentation is key, you know? For this decadent chocolate cake , think fancy! A simple dusting of cocoa powder on the plate adds a touch of elegance.

A dollop of vanilla ice cream? Oh my gosh, yes. And don't forget a few fresh raspberries! They cut through the richness like a dream.

And Honestly, this cake creation pairs perfectly with a strong cup of coffee or maybe even a dessert wine.

Keeping It Fresh (or Freezing for Later!)

If you're not planning on devouring the entire ultimate chocolate dessert in one sitting (hard to believe, I know!), here's the lowdown.

Pop any leftovers into an airtight container and it’ll be good in the fridge for up to 3 days. Want to freeze it? You can freeze individual slices of rich chocolate dessert ! Wrap them tightly in cling film, then foil.

They'll last for up to 2 months. Just let them thaw in the fridge overnight before you dig in. To reheat, just leave the cake at room temperature for about 30 minutes before serving.

Mixing It Up (Because Why Not?)

Feeling adventurous? Me too! For a mocha twist on this intense chocolate flavor cake , add 2 tablespoons of instant espresso powder to the dry ingredients.

Seriously, it's divine. Or, if you're feeling really wild, swap the dark chocolate for white chocolate for the ganache and buttercream.

I call it a Death by White Chocolate , and it's a total sacrilege, but also totally delicious. Got allergies? Easy peasy! For a dairy-free version, use vegan butter, plant based milk for the buttermilk, and dairy-free chocolate.

So you can enjoy the best chocolate cake as well

Chocolate Cake Recipe: Knowledge is Power

Okay, so this chocolate layer cake recipe is indulgent , let's be real. A slice packs around 650-750 calories. Yes, that's a lot.

But hey, life is too short to skip dessert, right? There are also around 8g of protein, 40-50g of fat, 70-80g of carbs, and 50-60g of sugar per slice.

It's a treat, not a health food. But chocolate does have antioxidants. And happiness counts for something, doesn't it?

Making a fancy cakes like this might seem intimidating, but you've got this! Don't be afraid to experiment and make it your own.

I think you are going to have your version of Matilda cake recipe . Just remember to have fun and enjoy the process (and the death by chocolate cake , of course!).

Happy baking!

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this "death by chocolate cake" recipe really as rich as it sounds? I'm a bit of a lightweight when it comes to dessert!

Oh, absolutely! This cake is not for the faint of heart, think Bruce Bogtrotter's cake scene in Matilda, but elevated. It's intensely chocolatey with cake, ganache, and buttercream a triple threat!

If you're worried about the richness, serve smaller slices and pair it with something tart like fresh raspberries or a raspberry coulis to balance it out.

Can I make the chocolate ganache for this "death by chocolate cake" ahead of time?

You sure can, mate! The chocolate ganache can be made up to 2 days in advance. Just store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. When you're ready to use it, bring it to room temperature and whisk until smooth and spreadable.

If it's too thick, you can gently warm it in the microwave in short bursts, stirring in between, until it reaches the right consistency.

My buttercream always ends up a bit grainy. What am I doing wrong with the chocolate buttercream for this death by chocolate cake?

Ah, the dreaded grainy buttercream! The most common culprits are using cold butter or adding the powdered sugar all at once. Ensure your butter is properly softened but not melted! and gradually add the powdered sugar, mixing well after each addition. Also, make sure your cocoa powder isn't lumpy.

Sifting it before adding it to the butter mixture can help.

How do I store this decadent "death by chocolate cake" once it's assembled? Does it need to be refrigerated?

Due to the buttercream and ganache, this cake is best stored in the refrigerator. Cover it loosely with plastic wrap or place it in a cake carrier. It will keep for up to 3-4 days.

Let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before serving to soften the frosting a bit nobody wants to bite into a rock hard slice!

Can I adapt this "death by chocolate cake" recipe to be gluten-free or vegan?

Absolutely! For gluten-free, simply substitute the all-purpose flour with a good quality gluten-free all-purpose flour blend. For a vegan version, use vegan butter, buttermilk (made with plant based milk and lemon juice), and vegan chocolate.

There are tons of great vegan chocolate options available these days you won't even notice the difference!

I only have two 8 inch cake pans. Can I still make this death by chocolate cake, or do I absolutely need three?

Two pans will work fine! You'll just need to bake the cake in two batches. Divide the batter evenly between the two pans, bake as directed, and then bake the remaining batter in one of the pans after the first batch has cooled. Just keep an eye on the baking time as it might need a few extra minutes.

Cake strips can also help the cake bake more evenly.