Easiest Chocolate Cake

Directions

1. 1
   Preheat the oven to 350°F. Butter and flour two 8- or 9-inch round cake pans, or place liners in 2 muffin pans for 24 cupcakes. Set aside.
2. 2
   In a large bowl, sift the dry ingredients together. Set aside.
3. 3
   In a medium bowl, mix the vanilla extract, oil, vinegar, and cold water.
4. 4
   Slowly whisk the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients, being careful not to overmix. The mixture will be quite wet, but this is okay.
5. 5
   Pour the batter into the prepared pans and bake until a tester inserted in the center comes out clean, about 30 minutes. For cupcakes, the baking time is 24 to 26 minutes.
6. 6
   Cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then invert onto a wire rack to cool.