‘ve long been searching for the perfect chocolate cake recipe and I think I’ve finally found it. I used a frosting recipe that my mom made up. When I was little, I had her write down her approximate measures so that I could make it myself and I taped it on a little sticky note inside the spice cabinet in her kitchen. Several weeks ago, I needed the recipe so I called her and she said, “Oh, I’ve never written it down.” I said, “Yes, but I did! Check inside the spice cabinet. It should be taped on the door.” And it was still there. 🙂

This is what you need:

• 1-3/4 cups flour
• 2 cups sugar
• 3/4 cup cocoa powder
• 2 teaspoons baking soda
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 2 eggs
• 1 cup strong black coffee, cooled
• 1 cup buttermilk
• ½ cup vegetable oil
• 1 teaspoon vanilla

Chocolate Frosting:

• 2 cups powered sugar
• 1/2 cup shortening
• 1 teaspoon vanilla
• 1/4 cup milk
• 1-3 tablespoons cocoa

This is how you make it: 

1. Combine flour, sugar, cocoa, baking soda, baking powder, and salt in a large mixing bowl.
2. Add eggs, coffee, buttermilk, oil, and vanilla.
3. Beat at medium speed for 2 minutes. Batter will be thin.
4. Pour batter into greased & floured 9×13 pan.
5. Bake at 350 for 35-40 minutes. (25 minutes if using 2 9-inch cake pans instead.)
6. Combine frosting ingredients and mix. Spread frosting on cooled cake.

Original recipe found here.