Incredibly Moist Chocolate Layer Cake - Valentine's Treat - Chef Melt

Ingredients

• 1 teaspoon salt
• 3/4 cup (62g) unsweetened natural cocoa powder
• 2 teaspoons baking soda
• 1 3/4 cups (219g) all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 2 teaspoons espresso powder (optional)
• 1/2 cup (120ml) vegetable oil
• 1 cup (240ml) strong hot coffee
• 2 large eggs, room temperature
• 1 cup (240ml) buttermilk, room temperature
• 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
• 1 3/4 cups (350g) granulated sugar
• 3/4 cup (65g) unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
• 1 1/4 cups (282g) unsalted butter, softened
• 3-5 tablespoons heavy cream
• 3 1/2 cups (420g) confectioners' sugar
• Semi-sweet chocolate chips (optional)