Step 1

Preheat oven to 180 C (350 F) standard / 160 C (320 F) fan-forced. Grease and line two 8-inch round cake pans with baking or parchment paper.

Step 2

In a large mixing bowl, add flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, sugars and salt. Briefly whisk or stir using a spatula.

Step 3

In a separate mixing bowl, add oil, vanilla, eggs, buttermilk and sour cream. Whisk with a fork just to break up the egg yolks.

Step 4

Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients. Start stirring, while slowly adding in the hot water or hot coffee (see notes). Continue to mix until all the ingredients are incorporated.

Step 5

Divide the mixture evenly into prepared cake pans and bake for approximately 30-35 minutes or until a skewer inserted comes out clean or with only a few moist crumbs.

Step 6

Leave for 10 minutes before gently removing the cakes, and placing them on a wire rack to cool completely.