Chocolate Cake

This chocolate cake is a classic and is sure to satisfy your chocolate cravings.

Ingredients:

For the Cake:

• 1 and 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 and 1/2 cups granulated sugar
• 3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1 and 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1 and 1/2 teaspoons baking soda
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 2 eggs
• 1 cup buttermilk
• 1/2 cup vegetable oil
• 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
• 1 cup boiling water

For the Chocolate Ganache (Optional):

• 8 ounces semisweet chocolate, chopped
• 1 cup heavy cream

Instructions:

For the Cake:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans.
2. In a large mixing bowl, sift together the flour, cocoa powder, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
3. Add the eggs, buttermilk, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract. Mix well until the batter is smooth.
4. Gradually add the boiling water and mix until the batter is smooth. The batter will be thin, but that's okay.
5. Pour the batter evenly into the prepared cake pans.
6. Bake in the preheated oven for 30 to 35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
7. Allow the cakes to cool in the pans for about 10 minutes, then remove them from the pans and let them cool completely on wire racks.

For the Chocolate Ganache (Optional):

1. Place the chopped chocolate in a heatproof bowl.
2. In a small saucepan, heat the heavy cream over medium heat until it starts to simmer. Remove from heat.
3. Pour the hot cream over the chopped chocolate and let it sit for a minute.
4. Stir the chocolate and cream together until you have a smooth and glossy ganache.

Assembly:

1. Place one of the cooled cakes on a serving plate. If you made the ganache, you can spread a layer of it on top of this cake.
2. Place the second cake on top of the first one.
3. If you made the ganache, you can pour the remaining ganache over the top cake and allow it to drip down the sides.
4. You can also decorate the cake with additional chocolate shavings, sprinkles, or any other desired toppings.