This Ultimate Chocolate Cake Will Steal the Show

Oh goodness! This is a delicious chocolate cake! You can also make cupcakes with it if you'd prefer. This recipe makes two 9" layers, or 3, 8" layers. This is what you'll need to construct this amazing chocolate cake:

Photo byJules

Chocolate Cake:

• 1 3/4 cup flour
• 1 3/4 cup sugar
• 3/4 cup cocoa
• 2 teaspoons baking soda
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup canola oil
• 2 eggs, room temp
• 1 cup buttermilk
• 1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla
• 1 cup hot water

Chocolate Buttercream:

• 1 1/2 cups butter, softened
• 1 cup cocoa
• 5 cups powdered sugar
• 1/3 cup heavy cream or half and half

Preheat the oven to 350°F.
In a large bowl, combine the flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. If available, sift all dry ingredients together for a smoother texture.
In a separate mixing bowl, beat together the oil, eggs, buttermilk, and vanilla for about 1 minute. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined. Pour in the hot water and mix well; the batter will be thin, which helps create a moist cake.
Prepare two 9-inch cake pans by spraying with non-stick spray, or use three 8-inch pans if desired. Divide the batter evenly between the pans. Bake for 22-27 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Allow the cakes to cool fully before frosting.

For the Chocolate Buttercream:
In a mixing bowl, cream together the butter, cocoa powder, powdered sugar, and cream until light and fluffy. Add more cream or half and half as needed to reach the desired consistency. Once the cakes have cooled and are removed from the pans, spread frosting evenly between each layer and over the top and sides of the cake. Slice and enjoy!!