For Decoration:

Chocolate shavings or curls

Fresh berries (optional)

Instructions:

Prepare the Cake:

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

Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, sift together the flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.

Add Wet Ingredients: Add the eggs, buttermilk, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract to the dry ingredients. Beat on medium speed until well combined.

Add Hot Water: Gradually add the hot water to the batter, mixing on low speed until smooth. The batter will be thin.

Bake: Pour the batter evenly into the prepared cake pans. Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Remove from oven and let cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

Prepare the Cream Cheese Frosting:

Beat Cream Cheese and Butter: In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and butter until smooth and creamy.

Add Powdered Sugar: Gradually add the powdered sugar, one cup at a time, beating on low speed until fully incorporated.

Add Vanilla and Cream: Add the vanilla extract and heavy cream. Beat on high speed until the frosting is light and fluffy.

Assemble the Cake:

Layer and Frost: Place one cake layer on a serving plate. Spread a generous amount of cream cheese frosting on top. Place the second cake layer on top and frost the top and sides of the cake with the remaining frosting.

Decorate: Garnish with chocolate shavings or curls and fresh berries if desired.