- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9-inch round cake pan or line it with parchment paper for easy removal of the cake once it’s baked.
- In a medium-sized bowl, sift together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. This helps evenly distribute the dry ingredients and ensures your cake will rise perfectly.
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until the mixture becomes light and fluffy. This should take about 3–5 minutes with an electric mixer or a whisk. The butter and sugar will combine into a pale, airy mixture, which helps create a tender crumb in the cake.
- Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract. The eggs provide structure and richness, while the vanilla adds a lovely aromatic flavor to the cake batter.
- Gradually add the sifted dry ingredients to the wet mixture in batches, alternating with the milk and sour cream. Start and end with the dry ingredients. Mix gently to combine, being careful not to overmix, as this could result in a dense cake. The milk and sour cream add moisture and tenderness, making the cake soft and luscious.
- If desired, fold in the chocolate chips for added indulgence. The chips will melt slightly during baking, giving you pockets of gooey chocolate in every bite.
- Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan and spread it evenly. Tap the pan lightly on the counter to release any air bubbles and smooth the surface.
- Bake the cake for 25–30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs. The cake should be golden brown on top, and the edges should pull slightly away from the sides of the pan. If needed, bake for a few more minutes, checking every 2 minutes after the initial time to ensure it doesn’t overbake.
- Remove the cake from the oven and allow it to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Then, turn it out onto a wire rack to cool completely. This ensures that the cake maintains its shape and prevents it from becoming soggy from trapped steam.
- Once the cake has cooled, you can enjoy it as is, or frost it with your favorite frosting. Cream cheese frosting, chocolate ganache, or a simple dusting of powdered sugar would all be delicious options!
- Why this recipe is a hit:
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