Ultimate Chocolate Layer Cake

This ultra-moist chocolate layer cake is stacked with rich frosting for a bakery-style dessert that truly feels like pure dessert heaven.

Ingredients

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 cups granulated sugar
• 3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• 2 tsp baking powder
• 1 1/2 tsp baking soda
• 1 tsp salt
• 2 large eggs
• 1 cup buttermilk
• 1/2 cup vegetable oil
• 2 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 cup hot coffee
• 2 cups chocolate buttercream frosting

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease and line two 8-inch round cake pans.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
3. Add the eggs, buttermilk, oil, and vanilla extract, then mix until smooth. Slowly pour in the hot coffee and stir until you have a thin, glossy batter.
4. Divide the batter evenly between the pans and bake for 28-32 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with a few moist crumbs.
5. Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
6. Place one cake layer on a plate, spread a generous layer of chocolate buttercream on top, then add the second layer.
7. Frost the top and sides of the cake evenly, then chill for 20 minutes before slicing for clean, beautiful pieces.

Tip: For the deepest chocolate flavor, use hot brewed coffee in the batter—it won’t taste like coffee, but it makes the chocolate taste extra rich.