Place a bit more than 3 cups of flour in a sifter.
Sift the flour into a large bowl.
Spoon sifted flour into a one cup measuring cup. Level the top of flour.
Add 3 level cups of sifted flour back into your sifter.
Add the cocoa powder.
Add baking soda.
Add salt.
Add baking powder.
Sift ingredients back into a large bowl.
Add sugar.
Whisk dry ingredients together until fully combined.
In another large mixing bowl, add the mayonnaise.
Add vanilla flavoring.
Add the milk or water.
Mix together on lower speed until smooth.
Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet until combined.
Do not over beat the mixture.
Prepare 2 8inch sized cake pans with baking spray.
Place a parchment paper circle in the bottom of each pan.
Divide the batter evenly between the two pans.
Bake at 350F degrees for 30 minutes or until done. Test with toothpick for doneness.
Remove from oven. Place on wire racks to cool for 10-15 minutes.
Remove from pans, return to wire racks. Let cool completely before frosting.

Prepare the frosting:
Place powdered cocoa in a large mixing bowl.
Add the softened butter.
Cream together on a lower speed until nice and smooth.
Add the vanilla flavoring.
Add 1 cup of confectioner’s sugar to the bowl.
Add 1 Tablespoon of regular milk to the bowl.
Mix together until combined.
Repeat this process until you’ve added all 6 cups of confectioners sugar and milk as needed.
Mix together until you have a smooth, spreadable consistency.
Spread frosting on cool layers.
Decorate as desired.
Enjoy!