Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Adjust oven rack to middle position and preheat oven to 350°F. Spray two 8-inch round cake pans with baking spray. Set aside.
- In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, stir the sugar, flour, cocoa, baking powder, baking soda, and salt together on low speed for 30 seconds.
- Add the eggs, buttermilk, oil and vanilla; increase speed to medium and beat for 2 minutes.
- Reduce speed to the lowest speed and slowly add the boiling water. Stir on low for 1 minute.
- Pour the batter evenly between the prepared cake pans and bake for 25-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the middle comes out clean. Cool 10 minutes in the pan on a cooling rack, then remove from the pans. Return the cakes to the cooling rack to completely cool.
- For the Chocolate Frosting: In a medium saucepan set over medium heat, whisk the sugar, flour, cornstarch, salt, and cocoa together.
- Slowly add the milk, while whisking briskly, and beat until smooth. Cook, whisking constantly until mixture boils.
- Reduce heat to medium-low, and continue cooking and whisking until mixture is very thick, about 4-8 minutes. Transfer the mixture to a wide bowl, and place plastic-wrap directly on the surface of the chocolate/milk mixture. Set aside to cool completely, about 2 hours.
- Once the chocolate/milk mixture has cooled, fit a stand mixer with the paddle attachment and add the butter to mixing bowl. Beat the butter on medium-high speed until lighter in color and fluffy, about 5 minutes.
- Reduce speed to medium speed and add the cooled chocolate/milk mixture and vanilla. Beat together until incorporated.
- Increase the speed to medium-high and beat until frosting is light and fluffy, about 3-5 minutes. Add the melted (and cooled) chocolate, and beat until melted chocolate is incorporated.
- Frost the cake with the completed chocolate frosting, cut into slices, and serve.
Notes
This cake can be made in various sizes: an 8-inch layer cake, a 9x13-inch cake, a Bundt cake, or cupcakes. Adjust baking times accordingly. Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, in the refrigerator for up to 5 days, or in the freezer for up to 3 months.
