Step 1: Prepare the Cake

1. Preheat the Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that your cake bakes evenly.
2. Grease and Flour Pans: Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans. This will help prevent the cake from sticking to the pans.
3. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, sift together 1 3/4 cups of flour, 1 3/4 cups of sugar, 3/4 cup of cocoa powder, 1 1/2 teaspoons of baking powder, 1 1/2 teaspoons of baking soda, and 1 teaspoon of salt. Mixing these dry ingredients thoroughly is crucial for an even cake texture.
4. Add Wet Ingredients: Add 2 large eggs, 1 cup of whole milk, 1/2 cup of vegetable oil, and 2 teaspoons of vanilla extract to the dry ingredients. Using an electric mixer, mix on medium speed for about 2 minutes until everything is well combined.
5. Incorporate Boiling Water: Carefully stir in 1 cup of boiling water. This step may seem unusual, but it helps create a moist cake. The batter will be thin, which is perfectly normal.
6. Bake the Cake: Pour the batter evenly into the prepared cake pans. Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Once baked, let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then remove them from the pans and allow them to cool completely on wire racks.

Step 2: Prepare the Fudge Frosting

1. Melt Butter: In a medium saucepan, melt 1/2 cup of unsalted butter over low heat. This will form the base of your fudge frosting.
2. Stir in Cocoa Powder: Once the butter is melted, stir in 2/3 cup of unsweetened cocoa powder until smooth. This creates a rich chocolate flavor for your frosting.
3. Add Sugar and Milk: Remove the saucepan from heat and gradually stir in 3 cups of powdered sugar, alternating with 1/3 cup of whole milk. Mix until the frosting is smooth and creamy.
4. Incorporate Vanilla: Finally, stir in 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract until fully incorporated.

Step 3: Assemble the Cake

1. Frost the First Layer: Once the cakes are completely cooled, place one layer on a serving plate. Spread a generous amount of fudge frosting on top of the first layer.
2. Add the Second Layer: Carefully place the second cake layer on top of the frosted layer. Frost the top and sides of the entire cake with the remaining fudge frosting.
3. Decorate (Optional): For an extra touch, you can decorate the cake with chocolate shavings, sprinkles, or chopped nuts. This adds texture and visual appeal to your Fudge Frosted Fantasy.

Step 4: Serve

1. Slice and Enjoy: Cut the cake into slices and serve. Enjoy the rich, chocolatey goodness of your Fudge Frosted Fantasy with family and friends!