Preparation Steps

• Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 8-inch round cake pans.
• In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, salt, and sugar.
• In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs, vegetable oil, and buttermilk.
• Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and mix until just combined. Stir in the hot water until the batter is smooth.
• Pour the batter evenly into the prepared cake pans.
• Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a wooden skewer inserted into the center comes out clean.
• Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes before inverting them onto a wire rack to cool completely.
• While the cakes are cooling, prepare the frosting. In a large bowl, beat the softened butter until creamy. Gradually add the cocoa powder and powdered sugar, alternating with the milk, beating until smooth and fluffy.
• Stir in the vanilla extract.
• Once the cakes are completely cool, frost the top of one cake layer. Place the second cake layer on top and frost the top and sides of the entire cake.