Ingredients:

  • 2.5 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1.5 cups granulated sugar
  • 1 tsp baking soda
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 2 tbsp unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 1 cup buttermilk
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1.5 cups vegetable oil
  • 1 tsp distilled white vinegar
  • 2 tsp vanilla extract
  • 2 tsp gel food coloring
  • 1 lb full-fat cream cheese
  • 0.5 cup unsalted butter
  • 4 cups powdered sugar
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1 pinch salt

Instructions:

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease three 8-inch round cake pans with parchment paper.
  2. Sift together the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, baking soda, salt, and cocoa powder in a large bowl to ensure no clumps remain.
  3. In a separate bowl, whisk together the vegetable oil, buttermilk, eggs, vinegar, and vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth and emulsified.
  4. Slowly pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients, stirring with a spatula or whisk just until combined; do not overmix.
  5. Stir in the gel food coloring of your choice until the batter reaches a saturated, uniform color.
  6. Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans and bake for 40 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
  7. Cool cakes completely on a wire rack.
  8. Prepare the frosting by beating softened cream cheese and unsalted butter together until smooth.
  9. Gradually mix in the sifted powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt until the frosting is silky and fluffy.
  10. Frost the cooled cake layers evenly.