Chocolate Cake

Preparation Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans.

Dry Ingredients In a large mixing bowl, sift together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, cocoa powder, sugar, and salt.

Wet Ingredients Add the eggs, milk, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract to the dry ingredients. Mix until well combined.

Adding Boiling Water Stir in the boiling water to the batter. The batter will be thin, but that's okay.

Dividing the Batter Pour the batter evenly into the prepared cake pans.

Baking the Cake Bake in the preheated oven for 30 to 35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

Cooling the Cakes Remove the cakes from the oven and let them cool in the pans for 10 minutes. Then, transfer the cakes to a wire rack to cool completely.

Making the Chocolate Ganache To prepare the chocolate ganache, heat the heavy cream in a small saucepan until it begins to simmer. Remove from heat and pour over the chopped semisweet chocolate. Let it sit for 1 minute, then stir until smooth. Add the cocoa powder, sugar, instant coffee granules (if using), and vanilla extract. Stir until well combined.

Assembling the Cake Place one cake layer on a serving plate and spread a layer of chocolate ganache over the top. Place the second cake layer on top and spread another layer of chocolate ganache over the top and sides of the cake. Refrigerate for 30 minutes to set.

Making the Chocolate Buttercream To make the chocolate buttercream, beat the softened butter in a large mixing bowl until creamy. Gradually add the powdered sugar, cocoa powder, salt, and vanilla extract, beating well after each addition. If the frosting is too stiff, add the heavy cream to achieve the desired consistency.

Frosting the Cake Remove the cake from the refrigerator and frost it with the chocolate buttercream. Use a spatula to create decorative swirls or smooth the frosting for a sleek look.

Garnish Garnish the cake with fresh berries and dust with powdered sugar, if desired.

Serve Slice and serve the delicious chocolate cake!