Make the Cake:

• Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans.

• In a large bowl, sift together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cocoa powder, and sugar.

• Add the eggs, milk, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract to the dry ingredients. Beat on medium speed until smooth.

• Slowly add the boiling water to the batter and mix well (the batter will be thin).

• Pour the batter evenly into the prepared cake pans. Bake for 30–35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.

• Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then turn them out onto a wire rack to cool completely.

Make the Cream Filling:

• In a mixing bowl, whip the heavy cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract together until stiff peaks form.

Make the Chocolate Frosting:

• In a medium bowl, beat together the softened butter, cocoa powder, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and 2 tablespoons of milk. Add more milk as needed until you reach your desired consistency.

Assemble the Cake:

• Place one cake layer on a serving plate. Spread the cream filling evenly over the top.

• Place the second cake layer on top and press lightly.

• Frost the top and sides of the cake with the chocolate frosting. Decorate with extra frosting or chocolate shavings.