Step 1

Preheat oven to 350º F. Prepare two 9-inch cake pans by spraying with baking spray or buttering and lightly flouring.

Step 2

For the chocolate cake: Add flour, sugar, cocoa, baking powder, baking soda, salt and espresso powder to a large bowl or the bowl of a stand mixer.

Step 3

Whisk through to combine or, using your paddle attachment, stir through flour mixture until combined well.

Step 4

Add milk, vegetable oil, eggs, and vanilla to flour mixture and mix together on medium speed until well combined.

Step 5

Reduce speed and carefully add boiling water to the cake batter until well combined.

Step 6

Distribute cake batter evenly between the two prepared cake pans.

Step 7

Bake for 30-35 minutes, until a toothpick or cake tester inserted in the center of the chocolate cake comes out clean.

Step 8

Remove from the oven and allow to cool for about 10 minutes, remove from the pan and cool completely.

Step 9

Frost cake with Chocolate Buttercream Frosting.