- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans, lining the bottoms with parchment paper for easy removal.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, sift together the flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking soda, baking powder, and salt.
- Add Wet Ingredients: Add eggs, buttermilk, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract to the dry ingredients. Mix until well combined. Carefully stir in the boiling water last. The batter will be thin, but this ensures a moist cake.
- Bake: Pour the batter evenly into the prepared pans. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Make the Frosting: While the cakes cool, prepare the frosting. Beat the softened butter and cocoa powder together until smooth. Gradually add powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract, beating until the frosting reaches your desired consistency. Add a pinch of salt to cut the sweetness and enhance the chocolate flavor.
- Assemble the Cake: Once the cakes have cooled, level them with a knife or cake leveler if needed. Place one cake layer on your serving plate and spread a layer of frosting on top. Add the second layer and apply a crumb coat (a thin layer of frosting to seal in crumbs). Chill for about 30 minutes, then finish frosting the cake.
- Decorate: Use any remaining frosting to create decorative swirls or patterns on the cake. For an extra touch of elegance, you can garnish with chocolate shavings, sprinkles, or even fresh berries.
This chocolate cake stands as a testament to the power of simple ingredients coming together to create something truly magical. With its moist crumb and rich, creamy frosting, it’s a recipe that’s sure to win hearts and bring smiles to any table it graces. So, preheat your oven, and get ready to bake your way into chocolate bliss.