Ingredients
For the Cake
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- ¾ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1½ teaspoons baking soda
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup buttermilk
- ½ cup vegetable oil
- 2 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 cup hot brewed coffee (or hot water)
For the Chocolate Frosting
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3½ cups powdered sugar
- ½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- ½ cup heavy cream (plus more if needed)
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prepare the Cake Batter
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and greasing and flouring two 9-inch round cake pans. This ensures the cakes will release easily after baking.
In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Mixing the dry ingredients well helps distribute everything evenly and prevents lumps.
In another bowl, combine the buttermilk, vegetable oil, eggs, and vanilla extract. Mix until smooth.
Now add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and mix just until combined. Do not overmix.
Finally, slowly stir in the hot brewed coffee. The batter will be thin — this is completely normal and exactly what you want. The hot liquid helps bloom the cocoa and intensify the chocolate flavor.
