Classic Chocolate Layer Cake

INGREDIENTS

1. 1cup unsalted butter (2 sticks), cut into pieces, plus more for the pans
2. 2cups all-purpose flour, spooned and leveled
3. 1 1/2cups granulated sugar
4. 3/4cup unsweetened cocoa powder
5. 1/2cup dark brown sugar
6. 1teaspoon baking soda
7. 1teaspoon kosher salt
8. 2large eggs
9. 1/2cup sour cream
10. 1teaspoon pure vanilla extract
11. Creamy Chocolate Frosting

DIRECTIONS

1. Heat oven to 350º F. Butter two 8- or 9-inch round cake pans and line the bottom of each with a round of parchment paper.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, granulated sugar, cocoa powder, brown sugar, baking soda, and salt.
3. In a small saucepan, combine the butter and 1 cup water and bring to a boil. Add to the flour mixture and, using an electric mixer, mix until combined. Beat in the eggs, one at a time, then the sour cream and vanilla.
4. Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans. Bake until a toothpick inserted in the center of each cake comes out clean, 35 to 45 minutes. Cool in the pans for 20 minutes, then turn out onto a rack to cool completely.
5. Transfer one of the cakes to a platter and spread with ¾ cup of the frosting. Top with the remaining cake and spread with the remaining frosting.