A luscious and intensely dark chocolate layer cake with a creamy chocolate frosting to match.

Luscious Dark Chocolate Cake

Cake:

2 cups granulated sugar
1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
3/4 cup unsweetened dark cocoa powder
1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda
1 teaspoon salt
2 large eggs
1 cup milk
1/2 cup vegetable oil
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1 cup boiling water

Dark Chocolate Frosting:

1/2 cup butter
2/3 cup unsweetened dark cocoa powder
3 cups powdered sugar
1/3 cup milk
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

1. Heat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round baking pans.
2. For Cake: In a large bowl, combine sugar, flour, cocoa, baking powder, baking soda and salt. Add eggs, milk, oil and vanilla; beat on medium speed of mixer 2 minutes.
3. Stir in boiling water (batter will be thin). Pour batter into prepared pans.
4. Bake 30 to 35 minutes or until wooden pick inserted in center comes out clean. Cool 10 minutes; remove from pans to wire racks. Cool completely.
5. For Dark Chocolate Frosting: Melt butter in medium saucepan; stir in cocoa. Add powdered sugar, milk and vanilla and beat to spreading consistency. In needed, add small amount of milk 1 teaspoon at a time.

Makes 12 servings.