Sift all dry ingredients (flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking soda) together
Ensure all ingredients are at room temperature
Combine dry ingredients with buttermilk, oil, eggs, vanilla, and hot water
Mix batter gently without over mixing
Spray cake tins and line the bottom with parchment paper
Pour batter into 2 - 5x4 inch cake tins
Bake at 350F (180C) for 40-45 minutes
Allow cake to cool completely in the pan before removing
Refrigerate the cake to mature the flavor before icing if desired
Ice the cake and serve
