Creating the incredible Blackout Chocolate Cake is fairly simple when you follow these steps:

1. Preheat Your Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans.
2. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, granulated sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Sift these ingredients to ensure they’re well blended.
3. Combine Wet Ingredients: In another bowl, beat together the eggs, milk, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract until smooth.
4. Combine Mixtures: Gradually add the wet mixture to the dry ingredients, mixing until just combined. Avoid overmixing.
5. Add Boiling Water: Carefully stir in the boiling water. This will thin the batter, but it’s normal.
6. Divide Batter: Pour the batter evenly into the prepared cake pans.
7. Bake: Place the pans in the oven and bake for 30-35 minutes. A toothpick inserted into the center should come out clean.
8. Cool: Once baked, remove from the oven and let the cakes cool in their pans for about 10 minutes. Then, transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
9. Prepare Optional Ganache: If you’re making a chocolate ganache, bring the heavy cream to a simmer. Pour it over the chocolate chips and let it sit for 5 minutes. Stir until smooth.
10. Frost the Cake: Once the cakes are completely cooled, frost the top of one layer, and then stack the second layer on top. Frost the sides and top as desired.
11. Add Final Touches: If using ganache, pour it over the top, allowing it to drip down the sides. Dust with powdered sugar if desired.

By adhering to these steps, you will create an impressive Blackout Chocolate Cake that is both delicious and beautiful.