Everyday Cocoa Cake

Directions

1. 1
   Preheat oven to 350F.
2. 2
   Butter a 9- by 2-inch round cake pan and dust with flour, knocking out excess.
3. 3
   Whisk together flour, cocoa, baking soda, and salt.
4. 4
   Beat together butter and brown sugar with an electric mixer until pale and fluffy.
5. 5
   Add eggs 1 at a time, beating well after each addition, then beat in vanilla.
6. 6
   Add flour mixture and water alternately in batches, beginning and ending with flour and mixing just until combined.
7. 7
   Pour batter into cake pan and bake in middle of oven until springy to the touch and a tester inserted in center comes out clean, 55 minutes to 1 hour.
8. 8
   Cool in pan 1 hour.
9. 9
   Invert onto a rack, then turn right side up and dust with confectioners sugar.