Ingredients:
For the Cake:
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 3/4 cups sugar
3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
2 tsp baking powder
1 1/2 tsp baking soda
1 tsp salt
2 large eggs
1 cup buttermilk
1/2 cup vegetable oil
2 tsp vanilla extract
1 cup hot water
For the Cream Cheese Frosting:
8 oz cream cheese, softened
1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
4 cups powdered sugar
1 tsp vanilla extract
1/4 cup heavy cream
For Decoration:
Chocolate shavings or curls
Fresh berries (optional)
Instructions:
Prepare the Cake:
Preheat Oven:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans.
Mix Dry Ingredients:
In a large bowl, sift together the flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
Add Wet Ingredients:
Add the eggs, buttermilk, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract to the dry ingredients.
Beat on medium speed until well combined.
Add Hot Water:
Gradually add the hot water to the batter, mixing on low speed until smooth. The batter will be thin.
Bake:
Pour the batter evenly into the prepared cake pans.
Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Remove from oven and let cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
Prepare the Cream Cheese Frosting:
Beat Cream Cheese and Butter:
In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and butter until smooth and creamy.
Add Powdered Sugar:
Gradually add the powdered sugar, one cup at a time, beating on low speed until fully incorporated.
Add Vanilla and Cream:
Add the vanilla extract and heavy cream.
Beat on high speed until the frosting is light and fluffy.
Assemble the Cake:
Layer and Frost:
Place one cake layer on a serving plate.
Spread a generous amount of cream cheese frosting on top.
Place the second cake layer on top and frost the top and sides of the cake with the remaining frosting.
Decorate:
Garnish with chocolate shavings or curls and fresh berries if desired.
Serve:
Slice and enjoy your Creamy Luxurious Black