Chocolate Cake

 Okay.  This is going to be the go-to birthday cake from now on!  Moist, chocolatey goodness.  it is the 'Hershey's Perfectly Chocolate Cake' recipe.  It's a serious rival of Portillo's chocolate cake.

Chocolate Cake

Cake

2 c. sugar

1 3/4 c. flour

3/4 c. cocoa powder

1 1/2 t. baking powder

1 1/2 t. baking soda

1 t. salt

2 eggs

1 c. milk

1/2 c. veg oil

2 t. vanilla extract

1 c. boiling water

Grease and flour 2 9-inch round baking pans.  (I didn't have 9-inch so used 2 8-inch.  The batter rose during baking and it was a full pan!  I would probably do 3 8-inch layers next time.)

Combine sugar, flour, cocoa, baking powder, baking soda, and salt in a bowl.  Add the eggs, milk, oil, and vanilla.  Beat on medium speed for 2 minutes.  Add the boiling water (batter will be thin).  Pour batter into the prepared pans.

Bake at 350 degrees for 30-35 minutes or until wooden pick inserted in center comes out clean.  Cool 10 minutes and then remove from pans and let cool completely on a cooling rack.  

Once cooled frost cake.

Frosting

1 stick butter (1/2 c.) melted

2/3 c. cocoa powder

3 c. powdered sugar

1/3 c. milk

1 t. vanilla extract

Melt butter.  Stir in the cocoa.  Alternately add powdered sugar and milk, beating to spreading consistency.   Add small amount additional milk if needed.  Stir in the vanilla.  Makes about 2 cups frosting.