Step 1: Preheat and Prep
Let’s dive in—crank your oven to 350°F (175°C) and feel the kitchen hum with promise. Grab three 8-inch round cake pans—grease them well with butter or spray, then line the bottoms with parchment (I love that extra slip!). Take a sec to breathe—this is gonna be a fudgy wonder, and you’re already on your way.

Step 2: Whisk the Dry Mix
In a big bowl, whisk 2 cups all-purpose flour, 1 1/3 cups granulated sugar, 1 cup brown sugar, 1 cup cocoa powder, 2 1/2 tsp baking soda, 2 tsp baking powder, and 1 tsp salt—give it a good stir (I love that cocoa cloud poofing up!). It’s all dry and ready—set it aside and feel the chocolate vibes starting. This is the base of our fudgy dream!

Step 3: Blend the Wet Magic
In another bowl, whisk 1 1/4 cups room-temp buttermilk, 3/4 cup room-temp coffee, 2/3 cup vegetable oil, 3 room-temp eggs, and 1 tbsp vanilla extract—mix until it’s smooth and glossy (I grin every time I see it swirl!). Keep going ‘til it’s a happy, velvety blend—my heart’s racing already. This is where the moistness comes alive!

Step 4: Combine and Pour
Pour your wet mix into the dry, stirring gently with a spatula or mixer on low until just combined—watch for flour pockets but don’t overmix (I love seeing it turn into batter!). Divide it evenly between your three pans—tap them on the counter to pop any bubbles (it’s so satisfying!). Pop them in the oven for 25-30 minutes—check with a toothpick ‘til it’s got a few crumbs, then cool in the pans for 10 minutes before moving to wire racks—I’m drooling just thinking about it!

Step 5: Melt the Fudge Base
In a microwave-safe bowl or double boiler, melt 2 cups chocolate chips, 1/4 cup honey, and 1/4 cup heavy cream—heat in bursts or stir over steam ‘til it’s smooth and shiny (I love that glossy swirl!). Let it cool a bit—set it aside and feel the fudge vibes building. This is the start of frosting heaven!

Step 6: Whip the Frosting
In a big bowl or stand mixer with paddle attachment, beat 2 cups room-temp unsalted butter ‘til it’s smooth and creamy—take your time (I love that velvety feel!). Add 2 cups powdered sugar, 1 cup cocoa powder, and 1/2 tsp salt—beat ‘til it’s all blended (my kitchen’s a cocoa cloud!). Pour in the melted chocolate mix and 1 tsp vanilla extract—beat ‘til it’s fudgy and dreamy—I’m grinning ear to ear!

Step 7: Assemble the Layers
Place one cake layer on a serving platter—spread a big scoop of frosting over it, smoothing with a spatula (I swoop it even and feel like an artist!). Stack the second layer on top—add another frosting layer, then top with the third—frost the sides and top with the rest, making it sleek and gorgeous (I save a little for fun!). It’s a chocolate tower, and I’m in love already.

Step 8: Decorate and Serve
Get fancy if you want—sprinkle chocolate shavings, sprinkles, or whatever you love (I go wild with shavings for that wow!). Slice it up and serve—room temp or chilled, that first bite’s gonna melt your heart, I swear. Pair it with coffee or dig in—it’s fudgy joy, and you made it happen!