Chocolate cake recipe

1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour

1 ½ teaspoons baking powder

¾ cup unsweetened cocoa powder

1 ½ teaspoons baking soda

2 cups granulated sugar

1 teaspoon salt

2 large eggs

1 cup whole milk

½ cup vegetable oil

2 teaspoons vanilla extract

1 cup boiling water

1 cup unsalted butter, softened

5 cups powdered sugar

1 ½ cups unsweetened cocoa powder

½ cup whole milk

2 teaspoons vanilla extract

½ teaspoon salt

Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round baking pans.
Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, sift together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, cocoa powder, sugar, and salt.
Wet Ingredients: Add the eggs, milk, oil, and vanilla to the dry ingredients. Beat on medium speed for about 2 minutes.
Boiling Water: Stir in the boiling water. The batter will be thin, but this is normal.
Bake: Pour the batter evenly into the prepared pans. Bake for 30 to 35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Cool: Let the cakes cool in the pans for about 10 minutes, then remove them from the pans and transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

Butter and Cocoa: In a large mixing bowl, beat the butter until creamy. Gradually add in the cocoa powder, beating until well combined.
Add Sugar and Milk: Add the powdered sugar alternately with the milk, beating to spreading consistency. Start and end with the powdered sugar.
Vanilla and Salt: Add the vanilla and salt, and beat on high for about 1 minute until light and fluffy.

Layer: Place one cake layer on a serving plate. Spread with a layer of frosting.
Stack and Frost: Place the second cake layer on top and frost the top and sides of the cake.
Decorate: Decorate as desired. You can add chocolate shavings, sprinkles, or other toppings of your choice.

Ensure all ingredients are at room temperature before starting.
If the frosting is too thick, add a bit more milk. If it’s too thin, add more powdered sugar.
For extra moistness, you can brush each cake layer with a simple syrup (equal parts sugar and water, heated until sugar dissolves) before frosting.

Enjoy!