• Preheat the oven to 350 degrees, grease and flour two 8 inch round cake pans
• In the bowl of your mixer add the dry ingredients, flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda and salt. Hand whisk for at least 30 seconds so the ingredients are well combined.
• In a separate bowl, add the eggs, buttermilk and vanilla. Stir with a fork to combine.
• With the mixer on low speed gradually add the slices of butter, a few pieces at a time. Increase the mixer to medium speed and beat until the dry ingredients look crumbly and moistened by the butter. Scrape the bottom and sides of the bowl.
• Add ½ of the egg mixture, beating at medium ( do not beat above medium ) for 1 ½ minutes, the batter will become thick and fluffy. Scrape the sides and bottom of the bowl. Add the remaining egg mixture in 2 pourings, beating for 20 seconds after each addition.
• Fold in the chocolate chips. Divide cake batter between the two prepared 8 inch round cake pans.
• Bake at 350 degrees for 30 - 35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with just a few crumbs attached.
• Let the cake cool in the pans 10 minutes, then turn out.
• Makes 7 cups batter
• Will hold up to fondantThis recipe works well for cupcakes, they will have very little dome.

For the Chocolate Buttercream

• Add butter and mix on low to medium speed until smooth. Add vanilla and blend into the butter. Add powdered sugar, salt, and cocoa powder.
• Add most of the milk. Begin mixing at low speed so you won't have a cloud of powdered sugar in your kitchen.
• Continue to mix adding remaining milk as needed. It may take 5 to 6 minutes to reach the smoothness and consistency you like. It will take longer if using a hand mixer. As you mix the frosting will become very smooth. You can add additional milk (1 Tablespoon at a time) if the frosting is too thick or additional powdered sugar if too soft.
• This recipe makes approximately 7 cups of frosting.

For the Vanilla Chocolate Chip Filling

• Cream the (slightly softened) butter until smooth. Blend in the vanilla.
• Add the powdered sugar and milk.
• Mix at medium speed until well incorporated and fluffy, about 1-2 minutes. If it needs thickening, add a bit more powdered sugar. If it needs thinning, add a bit more milk.
• Fold in desired amount of mini chocolate chips.