1️⃣ Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round baking pans.

2️⃣ Make the Cake Batter: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together sugar, flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.

3️⃣ Mix Wet Ingredients: Add eggs, milk, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract. Beat on medium speed for 2 minutes.

4️⃣ Incorporate Boiling Water: Stir in the boiling water slowly (batter will be thin). Pour the batter evenly into the prepared cake pans.

5️⃣ Bake: Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let cakes cool for 10 minutes, then remove from pans and cool completely on wire racks.

6️⃣ Prepare the Cream Cheese Filling: Beat together cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy.

7️⃣ Make the Chocolate Cream Cheese Buttercream: Beat butter and cream cheese until light and fluffy. Gradually add cocoa powder and powdered sugar, beating well. Stir in vanilla extract and add milk (1 tablespoon at a time) until the frosting reaches the desired consistency.

8️⃣ Assemble the Cake:

Cut each cooled cake layer horizontally to create four thin layers.

Place one cake layer on a serving plate and spread 1/3 of the cream cheese filling over the top.

Repeat with the remaining cake layers and filling.

Frost the entire cake with chocolate cream cheese buttercream.

9️⃣ Decorate and Serve: Garnish with chocolate shavings, sprinkles, or fresh berries if desired. Slice and enjoy!