Target: 6 × 4 inches · landscape

Cocoa Layer Cake with Chocolate Buttercream

135 min · 12 slices

Ingredients

□ 2 cups all-purpose flour

□ 1 3/4 cups granulated sugar

□ 3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder

□ 1 1/2 tsp baking powder

□ 1 1/2 tsp baking soda

□ 1 tsp fine salt

□ 2 large eggs, at room temperature

□ 1 cup whole milk

□ 1/2 cup neutral oil

□ 1 cup boiling water

□ 1 1/2 cups unsalted butter, powdered sugar, cocoa powder, and vanilla extract

1. Heat oven to 350 F; line two 8-inch pans and whisk dry ingredients.

2. Whisk in eggs, milk, and oil, then boiling water only until glossy.

3. Bake 28 minutes until springy; cool layers completely on a rack.

4. Whip chocolate buttercream, fill and frost cake, then set 15 minutes before slicing.

Cook’s note: Cool the layers fully before frosting or the buttercream will slide and melt.