1. Preheat Oven:
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare two 9-inch round cake pans by greasing them and lining them with parchment paper for easy removal later.

2. Combine Dry Ingredients:
In a large mixing bowl, sift together the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. This step helps ensure a light, fluffy cake.

3. Add Wet Ingredients:
To your dry mixture, add the eggs, whole milk, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract. Using an electric mixer, beat the mixture on medium speed for 2 minutes. You want to achieve a smooth, well-combined batter.

4. Add the Heat:
Carefully stir in the boiling water or hot coffee. Your batter will be thin, but that’s perfectly fine—it helps keep the cake moist!

5. Bake the Cake:
Pour the batter evenly into the prepared cake pans. Bake in the oven for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean, signaling your cake is ready.

6. Cool Down:
Once baked, let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes. Then, transfer them gently to a wire rack to cool completely—patience will pay off!

7. Frost and Serve:
Once your cakes are completely cool, frost them with your favorite chocolate frosting or a simple dusting of powdered sugar for a sweet finish. Slice, serve, and enjoy!