The Movie Moment
Who could forget the triumphant scene where Bruce Bogtrotter devours an entire chocolate cake in front of the whole school? What began as the Trunchbull's cruel punishment transformed into one of cinema's most satisfying moments of defiance. Bruce's determination, combined with the crowd's growing excitement, turned a massive chocolate cake into a symbol of resistance against tyranny.
The cake itself becomes a character in the scene—rich, imposing, and seemingly impossible to finish. But Bruce's methodical approach and the school's rallying support prove that even the most daunting challenges can be conquered one bite at a time. This isn't just any chocolate cake; it's the cake that sparked a revolution.
Ingredients
For the Chocolate Cake
- • 1¾ cups all-purpose flour
- • 2 cups granulated sugar
- • ¾ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- • 2 tsp baking soda
- • 1 tsp baking powder
- • 1 tsp salt
Wet Ingredients
- • 2 large eggs
- • 1 cup buttermilk
- • 1 cup strong black coffee, cooled
- • ½ cup vegetable oil
- • 1 tsp vanilla extract
Chocolate Buttercream
- • 1½ cups unsalted butter, room temperature
- • 1 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- • 5 cups powdered sugar
- • ½ cup whole milk
Finishing Touches
- • 2 tsp vanilla extract
- • ½ tsp salt
- • Chocolate shavings for decoration
- • Cocoa powder for dusting
Equipment Needed
Step-by-Step Instructions
Prepare for Victory
Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease three 9-inch round cake pans with butter and line with parchment paper. Dust with cocoa powder, tapping out excess. Like Bruce, we're preparing for something legendary.
Build the Foundation
In a large bowl, sift together flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. This dry mixture will create the rich, tender crumb that made the Trunchbull's cake so irresistible.
Create the Magic
In another bowl, beat eggs then add buttermilk, coffee, oil, and vanilla. The coffee enhances the chocolate flavor without making it taste like coffee—a secret that would have made even the Trunchbull smile.
Unite and Conquer
Pour wet ingredients into dry ingredients and mix on medium speed for 2 minutes until smooth. The batter will be thin—this creates that incredibly moist texture that had the whole school cheering.
The Championship Bake
Divide batter evenly among prepared pans. Bake for 30-35 minutes until a toothpick comes out clean. Cool in pans for 10 minutes, then turn out onto wire racks. Bruce's patience pays off—let them cool completely.
The Victory Frosting
Beat butter until fluffy (5 minutes). Add cocoa powder, then alternately add powdered sugar and milk. Beat in vanilla and salt for 3 more minutes until smooth and spreadable—worthy of a standing ovation.
The Triumphant Assembly
Layer the cakes with frosting between each layer, then frost the outside with elegant swirls. Top with chocolate shavings and a light dusting of cocoa powder. Serve at room temperature and watch the crowd cheer.
Pro Tips from Crunchem Hall Kitchen
- • Room temperature magic: Like Bruce's determination, room temperature ingredients create the perfect texture. Plan ahead!
- • Don't overbake: The cakes should spring back when lightly touched. Overbaking will rob you of that legendary moistness.
- • Level your layers: Use a serrated knife to level cake tops for professional-looking layers that would impress even Miss Honey.
- • Crumb coat first: Apply a thin layer of frosting to seal in crumbs, refrigerate 30 minutes, then apply the final coat for perfection.