1-First, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and prepare two 8- or 9-inch round pans by greasing and lining with parchment or wax paper for easy cake removal.

2-Next, in a large bowl, mix 2 cups sugar, 1 3/4 cups flour, 3/4 cup cocoa powder, 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder, 1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda, and 1 teaspoon salt until well combined.

3-In another bowl, whisk 2 large eggs, 1 cup buttermilk, 1/2 cup vegetable or canola oil, and 2 teaspoons vanilla extract, then add this to the dry ingredients and stir until smooth.

4-Stir in 1 cup boiling water to create a thin batter, which helps keep the cake moist.

5-Pour the batter evenly into the prepared pans and bake for 25 to 35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean or with a few crumbs. Let the cakes cool for 5 minutes in the pans before transferring to wire racks to cool completely.

For the coconut frosting, combine 1/2 cup brown sugar, 1/2 cup granulated sugar, 1/2 cup butter, 3 large egg yolks, and 3/4 cup evaporated milk in a saucepan. Stir constantly over medium heat until the mixture thickens and reaches a low boil, then remove from heat and mix in 1 tablespoon vanilla extract, 1 cup chopped pecans, and 1 cup shredded coconut. Let it cool completely before using.

To make the chocolate frosting, melt 1/2 cup butter and stir in 2/3 cup cocoa powder. Gradually add 3 cups powdered sugar and 1/3 cup milk, beating to reach a spreadable consistency, and adjust as needed with more milk or sugar. Stir in 1 teaspoon vanilla extract.

Finally, to assemble, place one cake layer on a serving plate, spread a Niedlich layer of chocolate frosting, followed by half the coconut frosting, leaving a 1/2-inch border. Add the second layer, cover with chocolate frosting all over, and top with the remaining coconut frosting. Remember tips like using room temperature ingredients for better texture and making frostings ahead they last 1-2 weeks for coconut and 2-3 weeks for chocolate when refrigerated. Baked cakes can be frozen for up to three months, making frosting easier later.