Let’s bake this iconic cake:

Make the Cake:

1. Preheat and Prep Pans: Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C). Line two 8-inch round baking pans with parchment paper rounds, then spray lightly with non-stick cooking spray. Set aside.
2. Combine Dry Ingredients: Stir together sugar, flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt in a large bowl. A whisk works well here.
3. Combine Wet Ingredients: In a separate medium bowl (or directly add to the dry as the recipe suggests, though separate is safer for combining), whisk together the room temperature eggs, buttermilk, oil, and vanilla extract.
4. Combine Wet and Dry: Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and mix (using a mixer on low or by hand with a whisk) until well combined.
5. Add Hot Liquid: Carefully stir in the boiling water (or hot coffee). The batter will be very thin – this is correct!
6. Bake: Pour the thin batter evenly into the prepared pans. Bake for 30 to 35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean.
7. Cool: Let the cakes cool in the pans on a wire rack for about 10-15 minutes before inverting them onto the rack to cool completely. Remove the parchment paper.

Make the Frosting:

1. Combine Butter and Cocoa: In a large bowl, combine the melted butter and cocoa powder. Whisk until smooth.
2. Alternate Sugar and Milk: Gradually add the powdered sugar alternately with the milk, beating with an electric mixer (or vigorously by hand) after each addition until smooth.
3. Add Vanilla and Finish: Beat in the vanilla extract. Continue mixing for several minutes until the frosting is smooth and fluffy. If it’s too thick, add a tiny bit more milk; if too thin, add more sifted powdered sugar.

Assemble the Cake:

1. First Layer: Place one cooled cake layer on a serving tray or cake stand.
2. Frost Middle: Spread a generous amount of frosting evenly over the top of the first layer.
3. Second Layer: Carefully place the second cake layer on top.
4. Frost Exterior: Frost the top and sides of the cake with the remaining frosting. Swirls or smooth finishes both look great!
5. Serve: Cut and serve.

It’s a satisfyingly simple process for such a delicious cake!