Instructions

1. 1

   Preheat the oven to 350°F and grease two 8-inch cake pans. Line the bottoms with parchment paper so the layers release cleanly after baking.

2. 2

   In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt until no cocoa lumps remain.

3. 3

   Add the eggs, buttermilk, oil, and vanilla. Mix until the batter looks smooth and glossy. Slowly pour in the hot coffee while stirring. The batter will become thin, which helps create a moist chocolate fathers day cake.

4. 4

   Divide the batter evenly between the pans. Bake for 30 to 35 minutes, or until the tops spring back lightly when touched and a toothpick comes out with only a few soft crumbs.

5. 5

   Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack. The layers should feel barely warm before frosting so the buttercream does not melt.

6. 6

   For the frosting, beat the butter until fluffy and pale. Add powdered sugar and cocoa powder gradually, then mix in the cream, vanilla, and salt until smooth and spreadable.

7. 7

   Place one cake layer on a serving plate and spread a thick layer of frosting over the top. Add the second layer and frost the top and sides with swooping motions for a relaxed finish.

8. 8

   Decorate with cookies, candy, pretzels, or caramel drizzle. A common tip is to pile toppings more heavily in the center so the cake keeps a cleaner shape when sliced.