Easiest Chocolate Cake

Directions

1. 1.

   Preheat the oven to 350°F. Butter and flour two 8- or 9-inch round cake pans, or place liners in 2 muffin pans for 24 cupcakes. Set aside.

2. 2.

   In a large bowl, sift the dry ingredients together. Set aside.

3. 3.

   In a medium bowl, mix the vanilla extract, oil, vinegar, and cold water.

4. 4.

   Slowly whisk the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients, being careful not to overmix. The mixture will be quite wet, but this is okay.

5. 5.

   Pour the batter into the prepared pans and bake until a tester inserted in the center comes out clean, about 30 minutes. For cupcakes, the baking time is 24 to 26 minutes.

6. 6.

   Cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then invert onto a wire rack to cool.