Old-Fashioned Chocolate Layer Cake

1. Preheat Oven and Prepare Pans

Preheat your oven to 350 degrees. Grease two 9-inch round cake pans, line them with parchment paper, then grease the parchment and flour the pans.

2. Prepare Chocolate Mixture

Combine the chopped chocolate, cocoa powder, and hot water in a medium heatproof bowl. Stir until the mixture is melted and smooth. Add 0.5 cup of the sugar and stir until it thickens and becomes glossy. Set this aside to cool.

3. Combine Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt.

4. Combine Wet Ingredients

In a small bowl, combine the buttermilk and vanilla extract.

5. Whip Eggs and Sugar

Using a stand mixer fitted with the whisk attachment, whip the eggs, yolks, and the remaining 1.25 cups of sugar on high speed until the mixture is light and fluffy.

6. Add Chocolate Mixture

Switch to the paddle attachment and add the cooled chocolate mixture, mixing until thoroughly combined.

7. Incorporate Butter

With the mixer on low, add the softened butter one piece at a time, allowing each piece to be fully incorporated before adding the next.

8. Mix Dry and Wet Ingredients

Add the flour mixture in three additions, alternating with two additions of the buttermilk mixture. Start and end with the flour mixture, mixing just until combined.

9. Divide and Bake

Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans, using a rubber spatula to smooth the tops. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with only a few crumbs attached.

10. Cool Cakes

Let the cakes cool in the pans for about 10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.