2 cups all-purpose flour
¾ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
2 cups granulated sugar
2 teaspoons baking soda
1 teaspoon baking powder
1 teaspoon salt
Wet Ingredients:
2 large eggs
1 cup buttermilk
½ cup melted butter or vegetable oil
1 cup hot coffee (or hot water)
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
Optional Frosting:
Chocolate buttercream
Ganache glaze
Cream cheese chocolate frosting
Simple dusting of powdered sugar
Step 1: Prepare the Oven & Pans
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease two 9-inch cake pans or one 9×13 baking dish. Line pans with parchment paper for easy removal.
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk flour, cocoa powder, sugar, baking soda, baking powder, and salt until well combined. This creates an even cocoa distribution and prevents lumps.
Step 3: Add the Wet Ingredients
Add the eggs, buttermilk, melted butter (or oil), and vanilla extract. Mix until the batter is smooth and thick.
Step 4: Add the Hot Coffee
Slowly pour in the hot coffee while mixing on low speed. The batter will look thin—this is exactly what makes the cake incredibly moist and tender. Coffee enhances the chocolate flavor, but you can use hot water instead.
Step 5: Bake the Cake
Pour the smooth batter into prepared pans. Bake for 28–35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs.
Step 6: Cool Completely
Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool fully before frosting.
Step 7: Frost or Serve as Desired
Cover with buttercream, drizzle with chocolate glaze, or enjoy plain with powdered sugar.
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