Creating Midnight Fudge Cake is a delightful journey. Follow these steps to achieve chocolate perfection:

1. Preheat the Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans.
2. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, granulated sugar, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt until well combined.
3. Add Wet Ingredients: Add the buttermilk, vegetable oil, eggs, and vanilla extract to the dry mixture. Beat on medium speed for 2 minutes until smooth.
4. Incorporate Boiling Water: Slowly stir in the boiling water. This step will create a batter that is thinner than most, which is expected.
5. Add Chocolate Chips: Fold in the semi-sweet chocolate chips to ensure they are evenly distributed.
6. Divide the Batter: Pour the batter evenly into the prepared cake pans.
7. Bake: Place the pans in the preheated oven, and bake for 30-35 minutes. Use a toothpick inserted into the center to check doneness; it should come out clean.
8. Cool the Cakes: Once baked, remove the cakes from the oven and allow them to cool in the pans for 10 minutes. Then, invert them onto wire racks to cool completely.
9. Prepare the Fudge Icing: In a saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Stir in cocoa powder and evaporated milk until combined. Remove from heat, and gradually add powdered sugar, whisking until smooth. Finally, stir in the vanilla extract.
10. Ice the Cake: Once the cakes are completely cool, place one layer on a serving platter. Spread a generous amount of fudge icing on top, then place the second layer on top. Finish by icing the top and sides of the cake.

That’s it! You’ve successfully made Midnight Fudge Cake.