Buttermilk Chocolate Layer Cake

INGREDIENTS

CAKE:

1 3/4 cups

all-purpose flour

2 cups

granulated sugar

3/4 cup

quality unsweetened cocoa powder

2 tsp

baking soda

1 tsp

baking powder

1 tsp

kosher salt

1 cup

buttermilk

1/2 cup

vegetable oil

large eggs (at room temperature)

2 tsp

Nielsen-Massey Madagascar Bourbon pure vanilla extract

1 cup

freshly brewed hot coffee (cooled to warm, can use decaf)

COFFEE SYRUP:

1 cup

granulated sugar

1 cup

water

1 tsp

Nielsen-Massey Pure Coffee Extract

CHOCOLATE BUTTERCREAM:

1 cup

butter (softened)

4 cups

powdered sugar

4 tbsp

cocoa powder

1 tsp

Nielsen-Massey Madagascar Bourbon Pure Vanilla Extract

5 tbsp

heavy cream

1/4 tsp

salt