1-Preheat oven and prepare pans: Getting started with this Hersheys Perfectly Chocolate Cake is as simple as preheating your oven let’s dive into the steps that make this recipe a breeze. Begin by setting your oven to 350°F (180°C) and preparing two 8-inch round cake pans with parchment paper and non-stick spray. This ensures your cake releases easily and bakes evenly every time.

2-Mix dry and wet ingredients: In a large bowl, mix the dry ingredients: 2 cups granulated sugar, 1 ¾ cups + 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour, ¾ cup unsweetened cocoa powder, 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder, 1 ½ teaspoons baking soda, and 1 teaspoon salt. Once combined, add the wet ingredients 2 large eggs, 1 cup buttermilk, ½ cup vegetable or canola oil, and 2 teaspoons vanilla extract and stir until smooth. The batter will be thin after adding 1 cup boiling water or hot coffee, which is normal and helps create that moist texture.

3-Bake the cake: Pour the batter into your prepared pans and bake for 30 to 35 minutes, checking with a toothpick for doneness.

4-Cool and frost: Let the cakes cool in the pans briefly before transferring to wire racks. For the frosting, combine ½ cup melted butter with ⅔ cup unsweetened cocoa powder, then mix in 3 cups powdered sugar, ⅓ cup milk, and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract until fluffy. Assemble by layering the cakes with frosting in between and on top.