Great Wall of Chocolate Cake Recipe

Ingredients

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 ¾ cups granulated sugar
• ¾ cup unsweetened cocoa powder (high-quality for best flavor)
• 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
• 1 ½ teaspoons baking soda
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 2 large eggs
• 1 cup whole milk
• ½ cup vegetable oil
• 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
• 1 cup boiling water
• 1 cup unsalted butter (softened)
• 3 ½ cups powdered sugar
• ½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• ¼ cup heavy cream (more if needed for consistency)
• 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare two 9-inch round cake pans by greasing them and lining the bottoms with parchment paper.
2. Mix dry ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt until evenly combined.
3. Add wet ingredients: Add eggs, milk, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract to the dry ingredients. Beat on medium speed for about 2 minutes until well blended.
4. Incorporate boiling water: Carefully stir in the boiling water. The batter will be thin. Pour the batter evenly into the prepared pans.
5. Bake the cakes: Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Allow the cakes to cool in the pans for 10 minutes before transferring them to wire racks.
6. Prepare the frosting: In a bowl, beat the softened butter until creamy. Gradually add the powdered sugar and cocoa powder. Mix until combined, then add heavy cream and vanilla extract.
7. Assemble the cake: Place one cake layer on a serving plate. Spread a generous layer of frosting on top. Add the second cake layer and frost the top and sides of the cake.
8. Decorate: For an extra touch, consider shaving dark chocolate on top or adding chocolate ganache around the edges.