🍫 Classic Chocolate Cake

🥄 Ingredients (8–10 servings)

For the cake:

• 1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
• 2 cups sugar
• ¾ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• 2 tsp baking powder
• 1 ½ tsp baking soda
• 1 tsp salt
• 2 large eggs
• 1 cup whole milk
• ½ cup vegetable oil
• 2 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 cup boiling water

For the frosting (chocolate buttercream):

• ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
• 2/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• 3 cups powdered sugar
• 1/3 cup milk
• 1 tsp vanilla extract

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👩‍🍳 Instructions

1. Prep

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Grease and flour two 8-inch round cake pans (or line with parchment).

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2. Make the cake

1. In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, cocoa, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
2. Add eggs, milk, oil, and vanilla. Beat on medium speed for 2 minutes.
3. Stir in boiling water (batter will be thin—that’s okay!).

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3. Bake

• Divide batter evenly between pans.
• Bake 30–35 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean.
• Cool in pans for 10 minutes, then transfer to wire racks to cool completely.

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4. Make the frosting

1. Beat butter until creamy.
2. Add cocoa powder and powdered sugar alternately with milk.
3. Beat until smooth, then stir in vanilla.

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5. Assemble

• Frost between layers and over the top and sides of the cake.
• Optional: garnish with chocolate shavings, sprinkles, or fresh berries.

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💡 Tips

• Use high-quality cocoa for deep chocolate flavor 🍫
• Soak a layer with espresso or milk for extra moistness
• Cake tastes even better after a few hours or overnight