- 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.