Rich Chocolate Cake

INGREDIENTS:

For the Cake:

1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour

¾ cup unsweetened cocoa powder (use high-quality cocoa for best results)

2 cups granulated sugar

1 ½ tsp baking powder

1 ½ tsp baking soda

1 tsp salt

2 large eggs , room temperature

1 cup whole milk (or buttermilk for extra tenderness)

½ cup vegetable oil (or melted butter for richness)

2 tsp vanilla extract

1 cup boiling water (or hot coffee for enhanced chocolate flavor)

For the Chocolate Ganache (Optional):

1 cup heavy cream

8 oz semi-sweet chocolate chips (or chopped chocolate)

DIRECTIONS:

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) . Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans or line them with parchment paper for easy removal.

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt until well combined.

Step 3: Add the Wet Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract.

Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, mixing until smooth and fully combined.

Step 4: Incorporate the Hot Water …