Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C)
Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans
In a large bowl, whisk together 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour, 2 cups sugar, 3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder, 1 1/2 tsp baking powder, 1 1/2 tsp baking soda, and 1 tsp salt
Add 2 large eggs, 1 cup milk, 1/2 cup vegetable oil, and 2 tsp vanilla extract
Mix until combined
Stir in 1 cup boiling water
Pour the batter evenly into the prepared pans
Bake for 30 to 35 minutes
Check doneness with a toothpick
Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes
Remove the cakes from the pans and cool completely on a wire rack
Frost with chocolate frosting if desired