Ultimate Chocolate Layer Cake

Ingredients:

For the cake:

2 cups all-purpose flour

2 cups granulated sugar

3/4 cup cocoa powder

2 tsp baking powder

1 1/2 tsp baking soda

1 tsp salt

1 cup buttermilk

1/2 cup vegetable oil

2 large eggs

2 tsp vanilla extract

1 cup boiling water

For the frosting:

1 cup unsalted butter, softened

3 1/2 cups powdered sugar

1 cup cocoa powder

1/2 cup heavy cream

2 tsp vanilla extract

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line three 9-inch round cake pans.

2. In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.

3. Add buttermilk, vegetable oil, eggs, and vanilla. Mix until smooth. Stir in boiling water (batter will be thin).

4. Divide the batter evenly among the prepared pans and bake for 30-35 minutes. Cool completely.

5. For the frosting, beat butter until creamy. Gradually add powdered sugar and cocoa powder. Mix in heavy cream and vanilla until smooth.

6. Assemble the cake by layering frosting between each layer and covering the outside. Smooth and decorate as desired.