Wellesley Fudge Cake

1 . Stage

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round pans.

2 . Stage

Sift flour, baking soda, and salt together three times.

3 . Stage

Heat water, 1/2 cup sugar, and chocolate in a small saucepan, stirring constantly, for 2 minutes. Remove from the heat and let cool to lukewarm.

4 . Stage

While the chocolate mixture is cooling, beat remaining 1 1/4 cup sugar and butter in a mixing bowl with an electric mixer until light and fluffy. Add eggs, one at a time, beating thoroughly after each addition. Add 1/2 of the flour mixture and beat until smooth. Add remaining flour mixture in two batches, alternating with milk, beating until smooth after each addition.

5 . Stage

Mix in cooled chocolate and vanilla until well combined. Pour batter into the prepared pans.

6 . Stage

Bake in the preheated oven until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean, 35 to 40 minutes.