Chocolate cake

### Directions

#### Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Start by preheating your oven to **350°F (175°C)**. Grease and flour two **9-inch round cake pans** (or line them with parchment paper) to ensure your cakes come out easily after baking.

#### Step 2: Prepare the Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk together the **flour**, **sugar**, **cocoa powder**, **baking powder**, **baking soda**, and **salt**. This will ensure that your dry ingredients are evenly distributed and help avoid clumps in the batter.

#### Step 3: Mix the Wet Ingredients
In a separate bowl, beat together the **eggs**, **milk**, **oil**, and **vanilla extract** until the mixture is smooth and well combined. The eggs add richness, while the oil helps keep the cake moist.

#### Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
Gradually add the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and mix until just combined. Be careful not to overmix the batter, as this can result in a dense cake. The batter will be somewhat thick at this stage, but that’s perfectly fine.

#### Step 5: Add Boiling Water
This is the secret to a moist, tender chocolate cake. Slowly pour in the **boiling water** while stirring gently. The batter will thin out, but this results in an incredibly moist cake after baking. Don’t worry if it seems runny—this is normal!

#### Step 6: Bake the Cake
Divide the batter evenly between the two prepared cake pans. Smooth the tops with a spatula and bake in the preheated oven for **30-35 minutes** or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Keep an eye on the cakes towards the end to avoid overbaking, which can make them dry.

Once baked, let the cakes cool in the pans for about **10 minutes**, then remove them from the pans and transfer them to wire racks to cool completely. This prevents the cakes from becoming soggy.

#### Step 7: Prepare the Frosting
While the cakes are cooling, it’s time to make the **chocolate frosting**. In a large bowl, beat the **butter** with an electric mixer until smooth and creamy. Gradually add the **powdered sugar**, **cocoa powder**, and a pinch of salt, mixing until fully incorporated.

Add the **milk** (or heavy cream) a little at a time until the frosting reaches your desired consistency. Add the **vanilla extract** and beat for another 1-2 minutes until the frosting is light and fluffy. If the frosting is too thick, add a splash more milk; if it’s too thin, add a little more powdered sugar.

#### Step 8: Assemble the Cake
Once the cakes are completely cool, it’s time to assemble the cake. Place one layer of cake on a cake stand or serving plate. Spread a generous amount of frosting over the top, smoothing it into an even layer. Place the second cake layer on top and press down gently.

Frost the top and sides of the cake with the remaining frosting, smoothing it out with a spatula. For a more decorative touch, you can use a piping bag to add decorative swirls or rosettes to the top of the cake. If you like, you can also garnish with chocolate shavings, sprinkles, or fresh berries for an extra flair.

#### Step 9: Slice and Enjoy!
Once your cake is beautifully frosted and decorated, it’s time to slice and serve! The cake is perfect on its own, but it pairs wonderfully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream if you’re feeling indulgent.

### Tips for the Perfect Chocolate Cake

– **Don’t Overmix the Batter:** Overmixing can cause the cake to become dense. Mix until just combined for the lightest, fluffiest cake.
– **Use Good Cocoa Powder:** The quality of cocoa powder matters. Opt for high-quality **Dutch-processed cocoa powder** for a rich, deep chocolate flavor.
– **Check the Cake with a Toothpick:** The classic toothpick test is a great way to know when your cake is done. Insert a toothpick in the center of the cake—if it comes out clean, it’s ready to come out of the oven.
– **Let the Cake Cool Completely:** If you try to frost the cake while it’s still warm, the frosting will melt, and the layers could shift. Let the cakes cool completely before frosting for the best results.

### Why You’ll Love This Chocolate Cake

This **Chocolate Cake** is the epitome of what a great cake should be: **moist**, **fluffy**, and packed with intense chocolate flavor. The cake itself is rich and decadent, but not overly heavy, while the **chocolate frosting** is silky and smooth, adding just the right amount of sweetness. The combination of the two creates a perfect balance that makes each bite feel like pure bliss.

Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or simply treating yourself to something sweet, this cake is guaranteed to impress. Its rich, moist texture and decadent frosting are sure to leave everyone asking for seconds (or thirds). Plus, it’s easy enough to make any day of the week, making it the perfect go-to dessert for any occasion.

So go ahead, bake this chocolate cake, and prepare to indulge in a slice of heaven—because once you taste this cake, you won’t be able to stop at just one bite!