Quick-and-Easy Chocolate Cake

MAKES 1 (9 X 13-INCH) CAKE

Making this Quick-and-Easy Chocolate Cake is almost as effortless as opening a box of mix, but the flavor is unsurpassed. Talk about no stress! You may determine that you prefer this over a boxed cake mix every time!

Nonstick cooking spray

1 cup boiling water

⅔ cup unsweetened cocoa powder

2 cups all-purpose flour

2 cups sugar

2 teaspoons baking powder

1½ teaspoons baking soda

¼ teaspoon salt

2 large eggs

1 cup whole milk

⅔ cup canola or vegetable oil

2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract

Preheat the oven to 350ºF. Spray a 9 x 13-inch baking dish with nonstick cooking spray.

In a small bowl, whisk together the boiling water and cocoa powder until smooth; set aside.

In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Using a handheld mixer on low speed, beat in the eggs, milk, oil, vanilla, and the cocoa mixture. Scrape sides of the bowl well and beat for 2 minutes on medium speed. Pour the batter into the prepared baking dish.

Bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until a wooden pick inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean. Place the cake on a wire rack to cool. Proceed with the poke cake recipe directions.