1-First, preheat your oven to 350°F (177°C) and grease one or two cake pans with parchment paper for easy removal later. This step sets the stage for even baking and helps the cake come out just right.

2-Next, in a large bowl, whisk together all the wet ingredients except the hot coffee or water. This includes the milk, sugars, eggs, vinegar, vanilla extract, and oil mix until smooth to build a solid base.

3-Then, sift the dry ingredients and gently add them to the wet mixture. Give it a quick whisk to combine without overmixing, which keeps the cake light and fluffy.

4-Mixing and Baking Steps: Pour in the hot coffee or boiling water and whisk again; the batter will be thin, but that’s what makes it so moist. Divide the batter evenly into your prepared pans for layers.

5-Bake a sheet cake for 35-45 minutes or layer cakes for 32-37 minutes, checking with a toothpick for doneness. Once baked, cool in the pan for 10-20 minutes before turning out onto a rack.

6-For the frosting, beat the softened butter until smooth, then mix in cocoa powder, powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract to reach your preferred thickness. Frost the cooled cake and add any decorations you like.