<human>:  How do I make a chocolate cake from scratch?
<bot>: 
1. Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (177 degrees Celsius).
2. Grease and flour a 9-inch round cake pan.
3. Combine 1¾ cups of all-purpose flour, ⅔ cup of unsweetened cocoa powder, 1 teaspoon of baking soda, and ¼ teaspoon of salt in a bowl and stir until blended.
4. In a separate bowl, mix 1 cup of vegetable oil, 1¼ cups of white sugar, 2 eggs, and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract.
5. Slowly add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, stirring constantly.
6. Pour the cake batter into the greased and floured pan.
7. Bake the cake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean.
8. Cool the cake in the pan before removing and serving.