For the Cake:
1. Preheat Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans.
2. Prepare Dry Ingredients:
- In a large bowl, sift together the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Whisk to combine.
3. Mix Wet Ingredients:
- In another bowl, whisk together the granulated sugar and eggs until well combined. Add in the milk, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract. Mix until smooth.
4. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients:
- Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, mixing until just combined. Avoid overmixing.
5. Add Boiling Water:
- Stir in the boiling water. The batter will be thin, but that’s okay. It will result in a moist cake.
6. Bake:
- Pour the batter evenly into the prepared cake pans. Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
7. Cool:
- Allow the cakes to cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
For the Chocolate Frosting:
8. Beat Butter:
- In a large bowl, beat the softened butter until creamy and smooth.
9. Add Cocoa and Sugar:
- Sift in the cocoa powder and add the powdered sugar. Mix on low speed until combined.
10. Add Milk and Vanilla:
- Add the milk and vanilla extract, then beat on medium-high speed until smooth and fluffy.
11. Frost the Cake:
- Once the cakes are completely cooled, frost the top of one cake layer, place the second layer on top, and frost the top and sides of the entire cake.
12. Decorate (Optional):
- Decorate with additional chocolate shavings, sprinkles, or other toppings if desired.
13. Slice and Enjoy:
- Slice and enjoy your delicious homemade chocolate cake!
This classic chocolate cake is moist, rich, and perfect for any occasion. Customize it with your favorite frosting and decorations to make it even more special!