This rich chocolate butter cake is a delightful dessert perfect for any occasion. Its moist texture and deep chocolate flavor make it a crowd-pleaser.
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Ensure your oven is fully preheated before placing the cake inside to ensure even baking.
In a small saucepan, heat the hot water and butter together until the butter is melted.
Stir occasionally to prevent the butter from sticking to the pan.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, sugar, baking soda, salt, and cocoa powder.
Sift the dry ingredients together to remove any lumps and ensure a smooth batter.
Add the melted butter mixture to the dry ingredients and mix until combined.
Mix gently to avoid overworking the batter, which can make the cake dense.
Add the eggs and vanilla extract to the batter and mix until smooth.
Crack the eggs into a separate bowl first to ensure no shells get into the batter.
Pour the batter into a greased and floured 13x9-inch baking pan.
Tap the pan gently on the counter to release any air bubbles in the batter.
Bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Check the cake a few minutes before the timer ends to avoid overbaking.
Allow the cake to cool completely before slicing and serving.
Place the cake on a wire rack to cool evenly and prevent sogginess.