Classic Chocolate Cake {not from a box}

I have to admit that in the past I have always made chocolate cake from a box mix. I had convinced myself that it was too much trouble to make a cake from scratch and since I have never been a huge fan of cake anyway, I guess I felt like the mix was fine. Well, I can now tell you that my thinking has changed! I have found a very EASY recipe that is AMAZINGLY good, so, yes I am now officially a fan of chocolate cake...big time! Luckily, I have a family of 5 always hungry boys who LOVED this cake too, or I am sure that I would have had a very hard time not eating more than I should!

Initially, I was willing to give this recipe a try because it used items that I had on hand and it looked simple. There was no sifting of dry ingredients or bringing eggs to room temperature--I mean that seems too fussy, right?!  I love that this moist and fudgy cake comes together fast and effortlessly with fabulous results!  Trust me this chocolate cake is great and whoever you make it for will love you forever!  I really don't think I will ever go back to chocolate cake from a boxed mix again:)  I am including two recipes for chocolate frosting, one is a classic buttercream, and one is a chocolate cream cheese frosting.  Both are fantastic, but  I usually make the butter cream, because my husband prefers it.  Which do you like best?

Classic Chocolate Cake--not from a box!
submitted by Melanie~The Sisters Cafe

2 cups sugar
1 3/4 cup flour
3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa
1 1/2 tsp baking powder
1 1/2 tsp baking soda
1 tsp salt
2 eggs
1 cup buttermilk {I've used 1% with great results too}
1/2 cup melted butter {or canola oil is fine}
2 tsp good quality vanilla
1 cup boiling water

Preheat oven to 350.
Butter and flour cake pans or line muffin pan for cupcakes.
Combine sugar through salt in a large mixing bowl.
Make a well and add remaining ingredients, except the boiling water.
Mix on medium speed for about 2 minutes.
Then stir in one cup boiling water.
Batter will be smooth and very runny.
Pour into prepared pans.
Cook for 30-35 minutes.

Classic Buttercream Frosting
1 1/2 stick of butter
1/4 cup of milk
1/3 cup of unsweetened cocoa
pinch of salt
4 cups of powdered sugar
2 tsp vanilla

In a microwave safe bowl, heat butter and milk together in the microwave until the butter is melted, about 45 seconds.  Add cocoa and stir to mix.  Pour mixture into mixer bowl.

Add pinch of salt, powdered sugar and vanilla.  Mix together on high for 3-4 minutes until shiny.

Chocolate Cream Cheese Frosting
1/2 cup butter, room temperature
8 oz cream cheese from fridge
1 tsp vanilla
1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa
4 cups powdered sugar
4-6 TBS heavy cream or milk

In the bowl of a stand mixer, blend butter then add cream cheese, blend until combined.
Add vanilla and cocoa, blend until combined
Add powdered sugar blend on low until combined, increase speed to medium and beat until fluffy.
Slowly add cream or milk to desired spread-ability.
Beat until nice and fluffy.

Recipe Source: Adapted from Nine & Sixteen