Baking Midnight Fudge Cake is a delightful process that brings your kitchen to life. Follow these simple steps for a perfect result:

1. Preheat Oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease two 9-inch round cake pans.
2. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt until well combined.
3. Mix Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, mix the buttermilk, vegetable oil, eggs, and vanilla extract. Stir until well blended.
4. Combine Mixtures: Slowly add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, mixing until just combined.
5. Add Boiling Water: Carefully stir in the boiling water; the batter will be thin, but this is normal for a fudgy cake.
6. Optional Chocolate Chips: Fold in semi-sweet chocolate chips if desired for an extra chocolatey indulgence.
7. Pour Batter: Divide the batter evenly between the prepared cake pans.
8. Bake: Place in the preheated oven and bake for 40-45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
9. Cool the Cakes: Remove from the oven and allow to cool in their pans for about 15 minutes, then turn onto cooling racks to cool completely.
10. Frost the Cake: Once the cakes are completely cool, spread chocolate frosting generously between the layers and on top.

With these easy-to-follow steps, creating a Midnight Fudge Cake that impresses everyone is entirely achievable!