Mix together flour, sugar, cocoa, baking soda, baking powder, and salt in a stand mixer using a low speed until combined.
Add eggs, buttermilk, warm water, oil, and vanilla.
Beat on a medium speed until smooth.
Divide batter among the three pans.
Bake for 30-35 minutes until the cake meets the toothpick test (stick a toothpick in and it comes out clean).
Chocolate Cream Cheese Buttercream Frosting
Ingredients
1½ (375 ml)cups butter, softened
8 oz cream cheese, softened
1½ cups unsweetened cocoa powder
3 teaspoons vanilla extract
7-8 cups powdered sugar about ¼ cup milk (as needed)
Instructions
In a large bowl, beat together butter and cream cheese until fluffy. Use a hand mixer or stand mixer for best results Add in cocoa powder and vanilla extract. Beat until combined. Beat in powdered sugar, 1 cup at a time. Add milk as necessary to make a spreadable consistency. The frosting should be very thick and will thicken even more if refrigerated. Notes In the photos above, an extra dark cocoa powder was used in the frosting. Extra dark cocoa will result in a much darker, almost black frosting.