Classic Chocolate Layer Cake

Ingredients

• 1  cup  unsalted butter (2 sticks), cut into pieces, plus more for the pans
• 2  cups  all-purpose flour, spooned and leveled
• 1 1/2  cups  granulated sugar
• 3/4  cup  unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1/2  cup  dark brown sugar
• 1  teaspoon  baking soda
• 1  teaspoon  kosher salt
• 2  large eggs
• 1/2  cup  sour cream
• 1  teaspoon  pure vanilla extract
• Creamy Chocolate Frosting

Method:

1. Heat oven to 350º F. Butter two 8- or 9-inch round cake pans and line the bottom of each with a round of parchment paper.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, granulated sugar, cocoa powder, brown sugar, baking soda, and salt.
3. In a small saucepan, combine the butter and 1 cup water and bring to a boil. Add to the flour mixture and, using an electric mixer, mix until combined. Beat in the eggs, one at a time, then the sour cream and vanilla.
4. Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans. Bake until a toothpick inserted in the center of each cake comes out clean, 35 to 45 minutes. Cool in the pans for 20 minutes, then turn out onto a rack to cool completely.
5. Transfer one of the cakes to a platter and spread with ¾ cup of the frosting. Top with the remaining cake and spread with the remaining frosting.

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