Chocolate Birthday Cake

Ingredients

For the Cake:

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

For the Chocolate Frosting:

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 2 cups powdered sugar
• 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1/4 cup whole milk
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Pinch of salt

Optional Decorations:

• Chocolate shavings, sprinkles, or birthday candles

Instructions

For the Cake:

Step 1: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans.

Step 2: In a large bowl, sift together flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.

Step 3: Add eggs, milk, oil, and vanilla extract to the dry ingredients. Mix until well combined.

Step 4: Gradually add boiling water, stirring continuously. The batter will be thin, but that's okay.

Step 5: Pour the batter evenly into the prepared pans.

Step 6: Bake for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

Step 7: Allow the cakes to cool in the pans for 10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

For the Chocolate Frosting:

Step 8: In a large bowl, beat the softened butter until creamy.

Step 9: Sift in powdered sugar and cocoa powder. Add milk, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt. Beat until smooth and creamy.

Step 10: Once the cakes are completely cooled, frost the top of one cake layer. Place the second layer on top and frost the entire cake.

Step 11: Decorate with chocolate shavings, sprinkles, or birthday candles as desired.

Step 12: Slice and enjoy this delicious chocolate birthday cake with friends and family!