Decadent Dark Chocolate Cake

Ingredients:

• For the Cake:
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 2 cups granulated sugar
  • 3/4 cup unsweetened dark cocoa powder
  • 2 teaspoons baking powder
  • 1.5 teaspoons baking soda
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon espresso powder (optional, enhances chocolate flavor)
  • 1 cup milk (or buttermilk)
  • 1/2 cup vegetable oil
  • 2 large eggs
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • 1 cup boiling water
• For the Chocolate Frosting:
  • 1 cup butter, softened
  • 3/4 cup unsweetened dark cocoa powder
  • 3 cups powdered sugar
  • 1/3 cup heavy cream (or milk)
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Oven and Pans:
   • Preheat your oven to 350°F (177°C).
   • Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans.

2. Mix Dry Ingredients:
   • In a large mixing bowl, sift together flour, sugar, cocoa, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and espresso powder.

3. Add Wet Ingredients:
   • Add milk, vegetable oil, eggs, and vanilla to the flour mixture and mix together on medium speed until well combined.

4. Incorporate Boiling Water:
   • Reduce the mixer speed and carefully add boiling water to the cake batter. Beat on high speed for about 1 minute to add air to the batter.

5. Bake:
   • Evenly distribute cake batter between the two prepared cake pans.
   • Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick or cake tester inserted in the center comes out clean.

6. Cool:
   • Remove from the oven and allow the cakes to cool in the pans for about 10 minutes, then remove to a wire rack to cool completely.

7. Make the Frosting:
   • While the cakes are cooling, make the frosting. Combine butter and cocoa powder in a large bowl and beat until combined.
   • Alternately add powdered sugar and heavy cream, beating on low until combined and then on high until fluffy.
   • Stir in vanilla extract.

8. Assemble and Frost the Cake:
   • Once the cakes are completely cooled, level them with a knife or cake leveler if necessary.
   • Place one layer of cake on a cake plate or stand. Apply a generous layer of frosting and smooth out.
   • Top with the second layer of cake and apply frosting to the top and sides of the cake.

9. Decorate:
   • Decorate as desired, with chocolate shavings, sprinkles, or even fresh berries.

10. Serve and Enjoy:
    • Let the cake set for about an hour to allow the frosting to firm up slightly before slicing.
    • Serve and enjoy the rich, chocolatey goodness!

This decadent dark chocolate cake is perfect for birthdays, celebrations, or any occasion that calls for a deeply satisfying chocolate dessert.