Making the Chocolate Cake:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans or line them with parchment paper.
2. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
3. Add buttermilk, oil, eggs, and vanilla extract to the dry ingredients. Beat on medium speed until well combined.
4. Gradually stir in the hot water (or coffee). The batter will be thin—this is normal!
5. Pour the batter evenly into the prepared cake pans.
6. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
7. Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely before frosting.

Making the Cream Cheese Frosting:

1. In a large bowl, beat the cream cheese and butter until smooth and creamy.
2. Gradually add the powdered sugar, beating on low speed until combined.
3. Mix in the vanilla extract, then beat on high speed for 2 minutes until light and fluffy.

Assembling the Cake:

1. Place one cake layer on a serving plate and spread a generous amount of frosting over the top.
2. Place the second cake layer on top and frost the entire cake with the remaining cream cheese frosting.
3. Smooth out the frosting or create decorative swirls using a spatula.
4. Slice, serve, and enjoy!