Decadent Chocolate Cake with Rich Chocolate Buttercream

Ingredients:

• 1 1/2 cups (300g) granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup (110g) packed light-brown sugar
• 3/4 cup (70g) unsweetened cocoa powder (ensure to scoop and level for accurate measurement)
• 1 tsp baking soda
• 3/4 tsp salt
• 1 cup (235ml) boiling water
• 3/4 cup (175ml) vegetable or canola oil
• 1/4 cup (56g) unsalted butter, melted
• 2 large eggs
• 3 large egg yolks
• 1 Tbsp vanilla extract
• 2 cups (256g) all-purpose flour (spooned and leveled)
• 1/2 cup (116g) sour cream
• 1/3 cup (80ml) milk

Directions:

1. Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare two 9-inch round cake pans by greasing them, lining the bottoms with parchment paper, and then greasing the paper. For more even cakes, consider using baking strips around the pans.
2. In a large, heat-proof mixing bowl, whisk together both sugars, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add the boiling water to the cocoa mixture, whisking continuously until well combined. Let this mixture cool for about 5 minutes.
3. With an electric mixer on low speed, blend in the oil and melted butter until just combined. Add in the eggs, egg yolks, and vanilla, mixing just until incorporated. Gradually mix in the flour until just combined, followed by the milk and sour cream, mixing until smooth.
4. Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans. Bake in the preheated oven until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs, approximately 29 to 34 minutes.
5. Allow the cakes to cool in the pans for 5 minutes, then run a knife around the edges and invert them onto a wire rack to cool completely.
6. If necessary, trim the tops of the cakes to level them. Place one cake layer on your serving plate and spread frosting over the top. Add the second layer and apply frosting to the top and sides of the cake.
7. Store the finished cake in an airtight container to keep it fresh.

Enjoy your lusciously layered Chocolate Cake with Chocolate Buttercream Frosting, a true delight for chocolate lovers!

Remember, this cake pairs wonderfully with a variety of garnishes, from chocolate shavings to fresh berries, allowing you to customize it to your taste.