Dreamy Moist Matilda Cake – Just Like the Movie (But Better!)

Inspired by the iconic slice from the classic film, this Dreamy Moist Matilda Cake is everything a chocolate lover could dream of: rich, dense, deeply chocolaty, and impossibly moist. But here’s the twist—it’s made with a lighter approach, offering all the indulgence with a smarter set of ingredients. Whether you’re baking for a celebration or simply treating yourself, this cake brings decadent joy without the usual heaviness.

Why You’ll Love This Cake

Deep Chocolate Flavor – Intense cocoa and chocolatey goodness in every bite.
Ultra-Moist Texture – Applesauce and Greek yogurt help create that melt-in-your-mouth moisture.
Party-Perfect – Looks like a showstopper, tastes like one too, and fits into your balanced lifestyle.
Make-Ahead Friendly – Stays moist for days, and the flavor gets even better!

Ingredients

For the Cake:

  • 1 cup unsweetened applesauce
  • ½ cup nonfat plain Greek yogurt
  • ¾ cup granulated sugar substitute (like erythritol or monk fruit)
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • ½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 1 cup whole wheat pastry flour or oat flour
  • 1½ tsp baking soda
  • ¼ tsp salt
  • ½ cup brewed coffee or hot water (to deepen chocolate flavor)

For the Frosting:

  • 4 oz light cream cheese, softened
  • ¼ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
  • ½ cup powdered sugar substitute
  • 2 tbsp skim milk or unsweetened almond milk
  • ½ tsp vanilla extract
  • Pinch of salt

Instructions

Preheat & Prepare Pan

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease or line an 8-inch round cake pan with parchment paper.

Mix Wet Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together applesauce, yogurt, sugar substitute, eggs, and vanilla until smooth.

Add Dry Ingredients

Sift in cocoa powder, flour, baking soda, and salt. Mix just until combined.

Add Coffee & Bake

Stir in hot coffee or water until the batter is smooth. Pour into the prepared pan and bake for 28–32 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out mostly clean with a few moist crumbs.

Cool

Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

Make the Frosting

In a medium bowl, beat together cream cheese, cocoa powder, sugar substitute, milk, vanilla, and salt until fluffy and spreadable.

Frost the Cake

Once the cake is cool, spread frosting evenly over the top. Garnish with a dusting of cocoa or a few chocolate shavings if desired.

Nutritional Information (Per Slice)

  • Calories: 180
  • Fat: 6g
  • Carbohydrates: 25g (Net carbs: ~20g)
  • Protein: 6g
  • Fiber: 4g
  • Sugar: 5g (from natural and sugar substitute sources)

Tips for Success

  • Don’t skip the coffee: It enhances the chocolate flavor without adding any noticeable coffee taste.
  • Chill the cake before serving: This makes the frosting set beautifully and improves texture.
  • Double it for layers: Want to go full Matilda-style? Bake two cakes and layer with frosting between!

Why This Recipe Works

By using unsweetened applesauce, Greek yogurt, and cocoa powder, this cake maintains a luscious, chocolatey texture while staying mindful of your goals. The result is a dessert that’s decadent, moist, and surprisingly light—perfect for celebrations or cozy nights in.

The Dreamy Moist Matilda Cake proves you don’t have to sacrifice taste for balance. With rich flavor, velvety frosting, and an irresistibly moist crumb, it’s the chocolate cake of your dreams—only lighter. Serve it up, savor it slowly, and let every bite bring you a bit of joy, just like in the movies.

Dreamy Moist Matilda Cake – Just Like the Movie (But Better!)

Servings

10

servings
Prep time

15

minutes
Cooking time

30

minutes
Calories

180

kcal

This indulgent yet lighter chocolate cake is inspired by the legendary Matilda slice—rich, deeply chocolaty, and ultra-moist, thanks to smart swaps like applesauce and Greek yogurt. Topped with a creamy cocoa frosting, it’s the ultimate dessert that satisfies your cravings without overloading on sugar or calories. Perfect for celebrations, special treats, or just a cozy night in.

Ingredients

  • For the Cake:

  • 1 cup unsweetened applesauce

  • ½ cup nonfat plain Greek yogurt

  • ¾ cup granulated sugar substitute (like erythritol or monk fruit)

  • 2 large eggs

  • 1 tsp vanilla extract

  • ½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder

  • 1 cup whole wheat pastry flour or oat flour

  • 1½ tsp baking soda

  • ¼ tsp salt

  • ½ cup brewed coffee or hot water (to deepen chocolate flavor)

  • For the Frosting:

  • 4 oz light cream cheese, softened

  • ¼ cup unsweetened cocoa powder

  • ½ cup powdered sugar substitute

  • 2 tbsp skim milk or unsweetened almond milk

  • ½ tsp vanilla extract

  • Pinch of salt

Instructions

  • Preheat & Prepare Pan
    Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease or line an 8-inch round cake pan with parchment paper.
  • Mix Wet Ingredients
    In a large mixing bowl, whisk together applesauce, yogurt, sugar substitute, eggs, and vanilla until smooth.
  • Add Dry Ingredients
    Sift in cocoa powder, flour, baking soda, and salt. Mix just until combined.
  • Add Coffee & Bake
    Stir in hot coffee or water until the batter is smooth. Pour into the prepared pan and bake for 28–32 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out mostly clean with a few moist crumbs.
  • Cool
    Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
  • Make the Frosting
    In a medium bowl, beat together cream cheese, cocoa powder, sugar substitute, milk, vanilla, and salt until fluffy and spreadable.
  • Frost the Cake
    Once the cake is cool, spread frosting evenly over the top. Garnish with a dusting of cocoa or a few chocolate shavings if desired.

Notes

  • Don’t skip the coffee: It enhances the chocolate flavor without adding any noticeable coffee taste.
    Chill the cake before serving: This makes the frosting set beautifully and improves texture.
    Double it for layers: Want to go full Matilda-style? Bake two cakes and layer with frosting between!

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