Ingredients
- 1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- ¾ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
- 1 ½ teaspoons baking soda
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup whole milk
- ½ cup vegetable oil
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 cup boiling water
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips (for optional filling)
Equipment Needed
- Two 9-inch round cake pans
- Mixing bowls
- Electric mixer (or whisk)
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Rubber spatula
- Cooling rack
- Saucepan (for ganache)
Step-by-Step Instructions
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and greasing your cake pans with a bit of butter or non-stick spray. This ensures the cakes come out easily once they’re baked. In a large mixing bowl, I combine the flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. I like to give it a whisk for about a minute just to ensure everything is evenly distributed and the dry ingredients are aerated. Then, I add the eggs, milk, vegetable oil, and vanilla. I mix this on medium speed for about two minutes, which helps blend everything together. (See the next page below to continue steps…)