Classic Chocolate Fudge Cake

Ingredients

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 cups granulated sugar
• 3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1 1/2 tsp baking powder
• 1 1/2 tsp baking soda
• 1 tsp salt
• 2 eggs
• 1 cup buttermilk
• 1 cup hot coffee
• 1/2 cup vegetable oil
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 cup dark chocolate, melted (for frosting)
• 1/2 cup butter, softened (for frosting)
• 2 cups powdered sugar (for frosting)
• 1/4 cup heavy cream (for frosting)

Instructions

1. 1Preheat oven to 175°C (350°F) and grease two 9-inch round cake pans.
2. 2Whisk together flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt in a large bowl.
3. 3Add eggs, buttermilk, oil, and vanilla extract; beat on medium speed for 2 minutes.
4. 4Stir in the hot coffee last — the batter will be thin, that's normal.
5. 5Divide batter evenly between the pans and bake for 30-35 minutes, until a toothpick comes out clean.
6. 6Cool cakes in the pans for 10 minutes, then turn out onto a wire rack to cool completely.
7. 7For the frosting, beat softened butter until fluffy, then mix in melted chocolate.
8. 8Alternate adding powdered sugar and cream, beating until smooth and spreadable.
9. 9Frost the first layer, stack the second on top, then frost the top and sides.
10. 10Slice and serve at room temperature.