
Rich, deeply chocolatey, and completely free of eggs, this layer cake is the kind of showstopper that makes people ask for the recipe before they've even finished their slice. The secret to its tender, moist crumb is a clever combination of unsweetened applesauce, buttermilk, and a splash of white vinegar — ingredients that work together to give the batter lift and structure without a single egg in sight. A cup of hot water stirred into the batter at the end might look alarming, but it's exactly what makes the layers so impossibly soft. The frosting is a silky, buttered cocoa dream — beaten until fluffy, then loosened with heavy cream until it's perfectly spreadable and rich enough to hold its own against the cake. With 12 generous servings, this is built for birthdays, celebrations, or any occasion where you need to feed a crowd and leave a real impression. The whole process is straightforward: mix, bake, cool, frost — no special techniques required, just a little patience while the layers cool completely before you assemble. Whether you're baking for someone with an egg allergy or simply ran out and refused to make a grocery run, this cake delivers every time.
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Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease two 9-inch round cake pans, line the bottoms with parchment paper, and grease the parchment.
In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, granulated sugar, cocoa powder, baking soda, baking powder, and salt until evenly combined.
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