Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare two 9-inch round cake pans by greasing and lining them with parchment paper. This helps prevent sticking and makes cake removal a breeze!
Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt until well-combined. This ensures an even distribution of flavors and leavening agents.
Wet Ingredients: In another bowl, combine the eggs, granulated sugar, brown sugar, milk, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract. Whisk until the mixture is smooth and homogenous.
Combine Mixes: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring gently until just blended. Avoid over-mixing to maintain that tender crumb texture.
Add Boiling Water: Carefully stir in the boiling water into the batter. It will look quite thin, but this is crucial for achieving that moist cake!
Bake: Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans. Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let the cakes cool in the pans for about 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
Make the Ganache: In a small saucepan, heat the cream until it simmers. Remove from heat and pour it over the chopped chocolate in a heatproof bowl. Allow it to sit for 2-3 minutes before stirring until silky smooth. Optionally, add butter for extra shine.
Assemble the Cake: Place one cake layer on a serving plate and spread a generous amount of ganache over the top. Carefully place the second layer on top and cover the entire cake with the remaining ganache. Smooth it out to your preference!
Garnish: Feel free to garnish with chocolate curls, berries, or sprinkles for an added touch of flair!