Best Chocolate Birthday Cake

Ingredients

• 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 2/3 cup cocoa powder
• 3/4 cup butter, softened
• 2 cups white sugar
• 3 eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 cup buttermilk

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Grease and flour two 9 inch cake pans.
2. In a medium bowl, sift together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and cocoa powder. Set aside.
3. In a large bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla. Beat in the flour mixture alternately with the buttermilk; begin and end with the flour mixture. Spread batter evenly into the prepared pans.
4. Bake in the preheated oven for 30 to 35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean. Allow to cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then turn out onto a wire rack.

Interesting Facts

• The chocolate cake was first created in 1764 by Dr. James Baker.
• Chocolate cakes are a popular dessert for birthdays, weddings, anniversaries and other special occasions.
• Chocolate cakes are often decorated with chocolate frosting, ganache and chocolate chips.