Easy Chocolate Party Cake

Step 1

Make the batter: Preheat oven to 350° F. Using a pastry brush, lightly coat 2 (8-inch) round cake pans with  butter. Dust with flour and tap out  excess. Beat butter, flour, milk, granulated sugar, brown sugar, cocoa powder, eggs, vanilla, baking powder, baking soda, and salt together with an electric mixer on low speed until moistened. Increase mixer speed to medium and continue to beat for 3 minutes.

Step 2

Bake the cake: Divide the batter equally between the pans and spread evenly. Bake until the tops spring back when lightly touched, 25 to 30 minutes. Cool in pans on a wire rack, 10 minutes. Using a butter knife, loosen the cake layers from the pan sides. Invert cake layers onto  wire rack; cool completely.

Step 3

Frost the cake: Use a serrated knife to level the tops of the cake layers, if necessary. Place a cake layer, trimmed side down, on a cake stand. Place 1/2 cup of our Fudgy Cream-Cheese Frosting on top of the layer and spread evenly. Place the second layer on the first and cover the top and sides with the remaining icing. Serve immediately or store, refrigerated,  for up to 4 days.