Preheat the oven to 325°F (163°C). Grease and flour a large bundt or tube pan.
2. Cream Butter and Sugar
In a large mixing bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy, about 4 minutes.
3. Add Eggs
Beat in the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
4. Combine Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt.
5. Mix Wet and Dry Ingredients
Add the dry mixture to the butter mixture alternately with sour cream and milk, beginning and ending with the flour mixture. Mix until just combined.
6. Add Flavor and Chocolate
Stir in the vanilla extract and chocolate chips, if using.
7. Bake the Cake
Pour the batter evenly into the prepared pan and smooth the top. Bake for 75–85 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
8. Cool
Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 15 minutes, then carefully invert onto a wire rack to cool completely.
Chocolate Glaze
9. Prepare the Glaze
