1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans.

2. In a large bowl, sift together flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.

3. Add milk, oil, eggs, and vanilla to the dry ingredients. Beat on medium speed for 2 minutes.

4. Stir in boiling water. The batter will be thin.

5. Pour batter evenly into prepared pans.

6. Bake for 30-35 minutes until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

7. Cool in pans for 10 minutes, then remove to wire racks to cool completely.

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour three 8-inch round cake pans.

2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.

3. In a large bowl, cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy.

4. Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.

5. Add vanilla extract and mix well.

6. Alternately add flour mixture and milk, beginning and ending with flour.

7. Divide batter evenly among prepared pans and bake for 20-25 minutes.

8. Cool in pans for 10 minutes, then remove to wire racks to cool completely.