Gather high-quality cocoa powder, flour, sugar, eggs, butter, baking powder, vanilla extract, and buttermilk.
Preheat oven, grease cake pans, and dust with cocoa powder. Sift dry ingredients and combine wet ingredients.
Gradually add dry ingredients to wet, mixing until smooth. Avoid overmixing to maintain a tender texture.
Divide batter evenly between pans and bake until a toothpick inserted comes out clean. Allow cakes to cool completely.
Whip up a rich chocolate frosting using butter, powdered sugar, cocoa powder, and vanilla extract.
Place one cake layer on a serving plate, spread frosting evenly, then add the second layer. Frost the top and sides generously.
Slice, serve, and savor every decadent bite of this irresistible chocolate masterpiece. Perfect for any occasion!