Directions

1. 1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.
2. 2. Grease and lightly flour two 9 x 1 1/2 inch round baking pans or grease one 13 x 9 x 2 inch baking pan; set pan(s) aside.
3. 3. Stir together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt; set aside.
4. 4. With an electric mixer beat the butter (or margarine) on medium to high speed for 30 seconds. Add sugar; beat till well combined.
5. 5. Add eggs, one at a time, beating well after each. Beat in chocolate and vanilla.
6. 6. Add dry mixture and 1 1/4 cups water alternately to beaten mixture, whipping on low speed after each addition until just combined. Pour batter into the prepared pan(s).
7. 7. Bake for 30 to 35 minutes or until a wooden toothpick comes out clean. Cool cake in pan on wire racks for 10 minutes.
8. 8. Remove cake from pans. Return to wire rack until thoroughly cooled. Frost with desired frosting.
9. For chocolate cupcakes:
10. 9. Grease and lightly flour thirty 2 1/2 inch muffin cups or line with paper bake cups. Prepare cake as above. Fill each cup half full.
11. 10. Bake for 15 to 20 minutes or until a wooden toothpick inserted in center comes out clean.
12. 11. Cool on a wire rack.