2 sticks unsalted butter

2-1/2 cups sugar

1-1/4 cups cocoa powder

2 teaspoons vanilla

5 large eggs

1/2 cup water

1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder

1/2 teaspoon salt

1 1/4 cups flour

Preheat your oven to 350 degrees.  Melt butter in a large saucepan over medium heat.  Stir in cocoa powder and sugar, stirring and cooking until well combined. Remove saucepan from heat.  Stir in vanilla. Add eggs, one at a time, stirring well to combine before adding the next. Stir in water.  Whisk baking powder, salt, and flour together in a small bowl and then stir into chocolate mixture. Pour into a greased 9×13″ baking pan and bake for 25 to 30 minutes, until a toothpick inserted in the middle comes out clean.

Cool and frost, if desired.