Pre-heat the oven to 350 degrees and begin boiling just over a cup of water (to make coffee). While the oven is pre-heating prep 2-round cake pans (8" or 9")
Sift or mix together, sugar, flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, baking powder and salt in a large bowl.
Add eggs, buttermilk (or soured milk), coffee, oil (or oil/applesauce mixture) and vanilla and beat on medium speed until combined. Batter will be VERY thin.
Pour batter evenly between the two pans.
Bake 30 to 35 minutes until a toothpick placed in the center comes out clean.
Cool for 10 minutes and remove from pans. Cool completely on a wire rack.