Instructions:
Step 1
Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans.
Step 2
In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking soda, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt.
Step 3
In a separate bowl, mix the buttermilk, vegetable oil, eggs, and vanilla extract until well combined.
Step 4
Gradually blend the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined.
Step 5
Slowly stir in the boiling water until the batter is smooth. The batter will be thin.
Step 6
Evenly distribute the batter into the prepared cake pans. Bake in the preheated oven for about 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Step 7
Once baked, let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes. Then, remove them from the pans and transfer to wire racks to cool completely.
Step 8
In a bowl, cream the softened butter with an electric mixer. Gradually add the powdered sugar, cocoa powder, milk, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt. Mix until smooth and fluffy.
Step 9
Once the cakes are completely cool, frost the top of one layer, place the second layer on top, and frost the entire cake.
Step 10
For a firmer texture, place the frosted cake in the freezer for a short time.
Enjoy! Slice and serve your delicious chocolate cake!
Pro Tips
Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure that your eggs and buttermilk are at room temperature for better incorporation, resulting in a lighter cake.
Measure Flour Correctly: Use the spoon-and-level method to measure your flour. This prevents packing and ensures the right amount is used, keeping your cake from being dense.
Don’t Overmix: Mix the batter just until combined. Overmixing can lead to a tougher texture.
Check for Doneness: Use a toothpick to test for doneness. If it comes out clean or with a few crumbs, the cake is ready.
Cool Completely: Allow the cakes to cool completely before frosting to prevent melting the frosting.
Variations
Chocolate Chip Surprise: Fold in 1 cup of chocolate chips into the batter for extra chocolatey goodness.
Mocha Delight: Add 1 tablespoon of instant coffee granules to the boiling water for a rich mocha flavor.
Nutty Addition: Incorporate ½ cup of chopped walnuts or pecans into the batter for added crunch and flavor.
Layered Elegance: Create a layered cake by splitting each cake in half and adding frosting between the layers for a show-stopping dessert.
Flavored Frosting: Experiment with different frosting flavors, such as mint or orange zest, to give a unique twist to your chocolate cake.
Gluten-Free Option: Substitute the whole wheat flour with a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend for a gluten-free version.