Chocolate Cake

Ingredients

• 1¾ cups all-purpose flour
• 2 cups granulated sugar
• ¾ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• 2 teaspoons baking soda
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1 teaspoon fine salt
• 2 large eggs
• 1 cup buttermilk
• ½ cup neutral oil (canola or vegetable)
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 1 cup hot coffee or hot water

Chocolate Frosting

• ½ cup (1 stick) butter, softened
• ⅔ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• 3 cups powdered sugar
• ⅓–½ cup milk, as needed
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Pinch of salt

Directions

1. Heat oven to 350°F. Grease and flour two 9-inch round pans (or one 9×13-inch pan).
2. In a large bowl whisk together flour, sugar, cocoa, baking soda, baking powder, and salt.
3. Beat in eggs, buttermilk, oil, and vanilla until smooth.
4. Slowly stir in the hot coffee (batter will be thin). Pour into the prepared pan(s).
5. Bake 30–35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with just a few moist crumbs.
6. Cool completely in the pans on a rack before frosting.
7. For the frosting, beat butter until creamy. Add cocoa, then powdered sugar, milk, vanilla, and salt; beat until smooth and spreadable, adding a splash more milk if needed.
8. Frost and layer the cooled cake. Store covered at room temperature or in the fridge.