Ingredients
For the Cake
- 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder (preferably Dutch-processed)
- 2 teaspoons baking soda
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup buttermilk, room temperature
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 2 large eggs, room temperature
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 cup hot water
For the Frosting
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- 3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 3 1/2 cups powdered sugar
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- A pinch of salt
For the “Dirty” Decoration
- 1/2 cup chocolate cookie crumbs (such as Oreo cookies, crushed without the filling)
- 1/4 cup dark chocolate shavings or curls Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans.
- In a large bowl, sift together the flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking soda, baking powder, and salt.
- Add the buttermilk, vegetable oil, eggs, and vanilla extract to the dry ingredients. Mix on medium speed until well combined.
- Reduce the mixer speed to low and carefully add the hot water to the batter. Beat on high speed for about 1 minute to add air to the batter.
- Divide the batter evenly between the prepared cake pans.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Allow the cakes to cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and cocoa powder until smooth.
- Gradually add the powdered sugar, one cup at a time, alternating with the heavy cream. Beat on low speed until incorporated, then on high speed until light and fluffy.
- Stir in the vanilla extract and a pinch of salt. If the frosting is too thick, add a little more heavy cream, one tablespoon at a time.
- Once the cakes have cooled, place one cake layer on a serving plate.
- Spread a layer of frosting on top of the first cake layer.
- Place the second cake layer on top and frost the top and sides of the cake with the remaining frosting.
- Sprinkle the chocolate cookie crumbs around the base of the cake and lightly press some crumbs onto the sides to create a “dirty” look.
- Decorate the top with dark chocolate shavings or curls.