Preparation Steps

• Preheat the oven to 350°F. Prepare two 9-inch cake pans by spraying them with baking spray or buttering and lightly flouring them.
• Add flour, sugar, cocoa, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and espresso powder to a large bowl or the bowl of a stand mixer. Whisk to combine.
• Add milk, vegetable oil, eggs, and vanilla to the flour mixture and mix together on medium speed until well combined.
• Reduce speed and carefully add boiling water to the cake batter until well combined.
• Distribute cake batter evenly between the two prepared cake pans.
• Bake for 30-35 minutes, until a toothpick or cake tester inserted in the center comes out clean.
• Remove from the oven and allow to cool for about 10 minutes, then remove from the pans and cool completely before frosting.