Chocolate Cake

Prep Time: 20 minutes Cook Time: 30-35 minutes Total Time: 50-55 minutes Yields: One 9-inch round cake

Ingredients:

For the Chocolate Cake:

• 1 and 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 and 3/4 cups granulated sugar
• 3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1 and 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1 and 1/2 teaspoons baking soda
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 2 large eggs
• 1 cup buttermilk
• 1/2 cup vegetable oil
• 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
• 1 cup boiling water

For the Chocolate Frosting:

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 2/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• 3 cups powdered sugar
• 1/3 cup milk
• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans.
2. For the Chocolate Cake:
   • In a large mixing bowl, sift together the flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
3. Add the eggs, buttermilk, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract to the dry ingredients. Mix well until the batter is smooth and well combined.
4. Gradually stir in the boiling water. The batter will be thin; this is normal.
5. Pour the batter evenly into the prepared cake pans.
6. Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cakes comes out clean. Be careful not to overbake.
7. Allow the cakes to cool in the pans for about 10 minutes, then remove them from the pans and transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
8. For the Chocolate Frosting:
   • In a medium bowl, sift the cocoa powder to remove any lumps.
9. In a separate large bowl, cream the softened butter.
10. Gradually add the sifted cocoa powder, powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract to the creamed butter. Beat until the frosting is smooth and has a spreadable consistency. If the frosting is too thick, you can add a little more milk; if it’s too thin, you can add more powdered sugar.
11. Once the cakes are completely cool, spread a layer of chocolate frosting on top of one of the cake layers.
12. Place the second cake layer on top and frost the top and sides of the entire cake.
13. Decorate the cake as desired. You can use chocolate shavings, sprinkles, or other decorations to enhance its appearance.
14. Slice and serve your homemade chocolate cake. It’s perfect for birthdays, special occasions, or when you simply crave a delicious chocolate treat.
15. Store any leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature for a day or two, or in the refrigerator for an extended period.

Enjoy this moist and decadent chocolate cake with rich chocolate frosting. It’s a classic dessert that’s sure to satisfy any chocolate lover’s cravings.