Tool

• 9" round baking pans

• Mixing bowls

• Electric mixer

• Wire cooling rack

Ingredients

For the cake

• 2 cups all‑purpose flour (240g)

• 2 cups granulated sugar (400g)

• ½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder (50g)

• 1½ teaspoons baking powder

• 1½ teaspoons baking soda

• ½ teaspoon kosher salt

• 1 cup whole milk (240mL)

• 2 large eggs

• ½ cup vegetable oil (120mL)

• 1 tablespoon vanilla extract

• 1 cup boiling water or hot coffee (240mL)

For the chocolate buttercream

• 1½ cups unsalted butter, room temperature (338g)

• ¼ cup unsweetened cocoa powder (25g)

• ¼ teaspoon salt

• 1 teaspoon vanilla

• 6 cups powdered sugar (680g)

• 3–4 tablespoons whole milk (45–60mL)

Direction

For the cake

• Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease two 9‑inch pans and line bottoms with parchment. Cake strips optional for even baking.

• Sift flour, sugar, cocoa, baking soda, baking powder, and salt into a large bowl; whisk to combine.

• In a separate bowl, whisk milk, eggs, oil, and vanilla.

• Add wet mixture to dry mixture; whisk until combined.

• Pour in boiling water or hot coffee; whisk until smooth. (Batter will be runny.)

• Divide batter evenly between pans.

• Bake 35 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.

• Cool cakes in pans on a wire rack for 15 minutes.

• Invert cakes, remove parchment, and cool completely.

For the chocolate buttercream

• Beat butter on medium until soft and creamy (about 2 minutes).

• Add cocoa powder and salt; mix on low until combined.

• Gradually add powdered sugar, alternating with small amounts of milk.

• Add vanilla; scrape bowl.

• Beat on medium‑low until light and fluffy (about 1 minute).

For the assembly

• Place first cooled cake layer on a stand.

• Spread 1 cup frosting evenly over the top.

• Add second layer; frost top and sides.

• Reserve some frosting for piping if desired.

Notes

• Always cool cake layers fully before frosting to prevent melting or sliding.

• Chill frosted cake for 30 minutes to quickly set the buttercream.

• Cake can be stored at room temperature until serving.

Nutrition

Calories: 763kcal Carbohydrates: 114g Protein: 5g Fat: 35g Saturated Fat: 17g Polyunsaturated Fat: 6g Monounsaturated Fat: 9g Trans Fat: 1g Cholesterol: 91mg Sodium: 361mg Potassium: 161mg Fiber: 3g Sugar: 93g Vitamin A: 788IU Calcium: 81mg Iron: 2mg