Irresistible Bold Flavors for Wellesley Fudge Cake

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

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

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.

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.

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

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