CHOCOLATE DREAM CAKE AKA BEST CHOCOLATE CAKE EVER

Steps:

• 1. Allow butter and eggs to stand at room temperature for 30 minutes.
• 2. Meanwhile, lightly grease bottoms of two 8x8x2-inch square or 9x1-1/2-inch round cake pans. Line bottom of pans with waxed paper. Grease and lightly flour waxed paper and sides of pans. Or grease one 13x9x2-inch baking pan. Set pan(s) aside.
• 3. In a mixing bowl, stir together the flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, baking powder; and salt; set aside.
• 4. In a large mixing bowl, beat butter with an electric mixer on medium to high speed for 30 seconds.
• 5. Gradually add sugar, about 1/4 cup at a time, beating on medium speed until well combined (3 to 4 minutes). Scrape sides of bowl; continue beating on medium speed for 2 minutes.
• 6. Add eggs, one at a time, beating after each addition (about 1 minute total). Beat in vanilla.
• 7. Alternately add flour mixture and milk to beaten mixture, beating on low speed just until combined after each addition.
• 8. Beat on medium to high speed for 20 seconds more. Spread batter evenly into the prepared pan(s). Bake in a 350 degree F oven for 35 to 40 minutes for 8-inch pans and the 13x9x2-inch pan, 30 to 35 minutes for 9-inch pans, or until a wooden toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
• 9. Cool cake layers in pans for 10 minutes. Remove from pans. Peel off waxed paper. Cool thoroughly on wire racks. Or place 13x9x2-inch cake in pan on a wire rack; cool thoroughly.
• 10. OPTION: Frost with Chocolate-Sour Cream Frosting.