Preheat oven to 350 Degrees. Grease and flour 3- 9” round cake pans.
Blend together the sugar, flour, cocoa, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. (I use a whisk)
Whisk together the eggs, milk, oil, and vanilla extract in a separate bowl.
Add wet ingredients to the dry ingredients an mix at low speed for 5 minutes.
Slowly pour the hot water into the batter, continuing to mix.
Divide batter between the 3 pans and bake until the center feels firm to the touch (I use a spoon), about 30 - 35 minutes.
Layers can cool in pans, be made a day ahead and refrigerated.