Introduction

Sometimes life serves surprises in the most unexpected forms—and sometimes, those surprises come in the shape of a cake. When my husband sent me a cake to announce our divorce, I never imagined that baking a simple dessert in response would change everything. This isn’t just any cake; it’s a symbol of resilience, humor, and a little sweet revenge… that ended up rekindling a lost connection. Here’s how you can recreate this story-worthy cake in your own kitchen.

Ingredients

2 cups all-purpose flour

1 ½ cups granulated sugar

¾ cup unsweetened cocoa powder

1 ½ tsp baking powder

1 ½ tsp baking soda

1 tsp salt

2 large eggs

1 cup whole milk

½ cup vegetable oil

2 tsp vanilla extract

1 cup boiling water

For the frosting:

1 cup unsalted butter, softened

4 cups powdered sugar

½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder

¼ cup heavy cream

2 tsp vanilla extract

Optional “message” decoration:

Edible gel pens or piping bag with chocolate

Instructions

Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease two 9-inch round cake pans and lightly dust with flour.

Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.

Combine Wet Ingredients: In another bowl, beat together eggs, milk, oil, and vanilla extract.

Incorporate Boiling Water: Slowly pour boiling water into the wet mixture while stirring—this creates a moist, tender cake.

Combine Wet and Dry: Gently fold the wet mixture into the dry ingredients until smooth.

Bake: Pour the batter evenly into the prepared pans. Bake for 30–35 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean. Let the cakes cool completely.

Prepare Frosting: Beat butter until creamy. Gradually add powdered sugar and cocoa powder. Mix in cream and vanilla until smooth and spreadable.

Assemble and Decorate: Spread frosting between layers and over the top and sides. Use piping or edible pens to write a witty, heartfelt, or mysterious message—like “The Best is Yet to Come.”

Serving and Storage Tips

Serving: Slice with a sharp knife for clean layers. This cake pairs perfectly with coffee, tea, or a glass of sparkling wine.

Storage: Keep in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate for up to a week. You can also freeze slices individually for later enjoyment.

Variations