how to make cocoa chocolate cake

Making a cocoa chocolate cake is a delightful process that results in a rich, decadent dessert perfect for any occasion. Here's a step-by-step guide to crafting this indulgent treat:

### Ingredients:

#### For the cake:
- 1 and 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 2 teaspoons baking soda
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 cup hot water

#### For the frosting:
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 3 cups powdered sugar
- 1/3 cup milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

### Instructions:

#### 1. Preheat the oven:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans or line them with parchment paper.

#### 2. Mix dry ingredients:
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, sugar, baking soda, baking powder, and salt until well combined.

#### 3. Combine wet ingredients:
In a separate bowl, beat the eggs, buttermilk, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract until smooth.

#### 4. Combine wet and dry ingredients:
Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.

#### 5. Add hot water:
Pour in the hot water and mix until the batter is smooth. The batter will be thin, but that's normal.

#### 6. Bake the cakes:
Divide the batter evenly between the prepared cake pans. Bake in the preheated oven for 30 to 35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

#### 7. Cool the cakes:
Allow the cakes to cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then remove them from the pans and transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.

#### 8. Make the frosting:
While the cakes are cooling, prepare the frosting. In a medium bowl, beat together the softened butter and cocoa powder until smooth.

#### 9. Add powdered sugar and milk:
Gradually add the powdered sugar and milk, alternating between the two, until the frosting reaches your desired consistency. Beat in the vanilla extract.

#### 10. Frost the cake:
Once the cakes are completely cooled, place one cake layer on a serving plate and spread a layer of frosting over the top. Place the second cake layer on top and frost the top and sides of the cake with the remaining frosting.

#### 11. Serve and enjoy:
Slice the cake and serve it on its own or with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra treat. Enjoy your delicious cocoa chocolate cake!

With these simple steps, you can create a moist and chocolatey cake that's sure to impress everyone who tries it!
how to make chocolate cake,chocolate cake,chocolate cake recipe,moist chocolate cake,how to make a chocolate cake,how to make chocolate cake at home,easy chocolate cake,how to make cake,chocolate,how to make,best chocolate cake,moist chocolate cake recipe,how to make hershey's cocoa chocolate cake,cake,how to make moist chocolate cake,how to make vegan chocolate cake,chocolate cake recipes,how to make german chocolate cake