Step 1: Preheat the Oven & Prep Your Pans
First, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 8-inch round cake pans or line them with parchment paper for easy removal after baking.

Step 2: Combine the Dry Ingredients
In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. This is your dry mix, and it’s key to the cake’s light, airy texture.

Step 3: Cream the Butter and Sugar
In a large mixing bowl, beat together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy—about 3 minutes with an electric mixer on medium speed. You’ll know it’s ready when the mixture becomes pale and airy.

Step 4: Add the Eggs and Vanilla
Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract, ensuring everything is fully incorporated.

Step 5: Mix in the Dry Ingredients
Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet ingredients in batches, alternating with the buttermilk. Start with a little bit of the dry mix, then add some buttermilk, and repeat until everything is just combined. Be careful not to overmix.

Step 6: Add the Hot Water
Now, pour in the hot water and mix gently. The batter will be thin, but that’s okay! The hot water helps the cake stay moist and brings out the chocolate flavor.

Step 7: Bake the Cakes
Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans and smooth the tops. Bake in the preheated oven for about 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Step 8: Prepare the Mint Frosting
While the cakes are cooling, make the mint frosting. In a large bowl, beat the softened butter with a hand mixer until smooth. Gradually add the powdered sugar, one cup at a time, until the mixture is thick and fluffy. Add the heavy cream and mint extract, and beat until the frosting reaches your desired consistency. Add food coloring if you’d like a pop of minty green!

Step 9: Frost the Cake
Once the cakes are completely cool, spread a layer of frosting on top of one cake layer. Place the second layer on top and frost the top and sides with the remaining mint frosting. Don’t worry if the frosting isn’t perfectly smooth—it’ll still taste amazing!

Step 10: Garnish & Serve
For an extra touch, sprinkle the top of the cake with chocolate shavings, chocolate chips, or fresh mint leaves. Serve and enjoy!