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 boiling water
  • 1 cup unsalted butter
  • 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 3 cups powdered sugar
  • 1/4 cup heavy cream
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1/4 tsp salt

Instructions:

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease two 9-inch pans and line the bottoms with parchment paper.
  2. In a large bowl, sift together the flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Whisk until the color is uniform.
  3. Add the eggs, buttermilk, oil, and vanilla extract. Whisk by hand until smooth and combined, but stop as soon as the lumps are gone to avoid over-aerating.
  4. Carefully pour in the boiling water (or hot coffee) and stir gently with a spatula until the batter is thin.
  5. Distribute the batter evenly between the two prepared pans.
  6. Bake for 30–35 minutes until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.