Simple Chocolate Layer Cake

A moist cocoa layer cake with quick chocolate buttercream—no specialty tools required.

Cake

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 3/4 cups sugar
• 3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• 2 teaspoons baking soda
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 2 eggs
• 1 cup buttermilk
• 1/2 cup oil
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 1 cup hot coffee

Frosting

• 1 cup butter, softened
• 3 1/2 cups powdered sugar
• 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1/4 cup milk
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract

Steps

1. Heat the oven to 350°F. Grease and line two 9-inch cake pans.
2. Whisk the dry cake ingredients together. Mix in the eggs, buttermilk, oil, and vanilla, then stir in the hot coffee until smooth.
3. Divide the batter between the pans and bake 30–35 minutes, until a toothpick comes out clean. Cool completely.
4. Beat the frosting ingredients until fluffy. Stack and frost the cooled layers.

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