• Preheat Oven: Set oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line two 9-inch round cake pans with parchment paper.
• Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking soda, baking powder, salt, and black cocoa powder.
• Combine Wet Ingredients: In another bowl, whisk together buttermilk, vegetable oil, eggs, and vanilla extract.
• Blend Wet & Dry: Gradually mix the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients until just combined.
• Add Coffee & Color: Stir in hot coffee and black gel food coloring until the batter is smooth.
• Bake: Divide the batter evenly between the cake pans. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
• Cool the Cake: Let cakes cool in pans for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

Making the Red Icing

• Beat Cream Cheese & Butter: In a mixing bowl, beat softened cream cheese and butter until smooth.
• Add Sugar & Vanilla: Gradually add powdered sugar and vanilla extract, mixing until creamy.
• Color the Frosting: Add red gel food coloring and mix until the desired color is achieved.

Frosting the Cake

• Layer & Frost: Place one cake layer on a serving plate and spread icing evenly. Add the second layer and frost the entire cake.
• Decorate & Serve: Smooth out the frosting and decorate as desired. Serve and enjoy!