Ingredients:
For the cake:

1 ¾ cups (220 g) all-purpose flour

¾ cup (75 g) unsweetened cocoa powder

2 cups (400 g) sugar

1 ½ teaspoons baking powder

1 ½ teaspoons baking soda

1 teaspoon salt

2 large eggs

1 cup (240 ml) milk

½ cup (120 ml) vegetable oil

2 teaspoons vanilla extract

1 cup (240 ml) hot water or hot coffee (enhances the chocolate flavor)

For the topping (easy ganache):

200 g semisweet chocolate (chopped)

200 ml whipping cream

1 tablespoon butter (optional, for frosting)

Instructions:
Prepare the oven and pan:

Preheat the oven to 175°C (350°F).

Grease and flour a 9-inch (23 cm) round pan or two 8-inch (20 cm) round pans.

Mix dry ingredients:

In a large bowl, sift together the flour, cocoa, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.

Add wet ingredients: