Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Spray two 8-inch round baking pans with cooking spray, set aside. Make sure your pans are at least 2″ high otherwise use 9-inch pans.
In a large bowl, whisk together the dry ingredients.
Mix in the eggs, vanilla, and oil. Slowly pour in the hot water and beat just until smooth.
Divide the batter between the prepared baking pans as evenly as possible. {each filled pan weight 2 pounds, 4 3/4 ounces}
Bake the cakes for 36 to 38 minutes, until a toothpick comes out clean when inserted into the center of the cake. Cool the cakes in the pan for 15 minutes, then remove from the pans and cool completely on a cooling rack
If you are making a 4-layer cake, carefully slice each cake in half with a bread knife.
Frost with your favorite Chocolate Fudge Frosting or Buttercream Frosting. Decorate your cake however you desire, sprinkles, frosting roses, etc. Slice and serve