Step 1: Preheat and Prepare

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Grease and flour a 9-inch round cake pan or line it with parchment paper to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Mix the Wet Ingredients

3. In a large mixing bowl, cream the softened butter and sugar together using an electric mixer until light and fluffy.
4. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.
5. Stir in the vanilla extract to combine.

Step 3: Incorporate the Dry Ingredients

6. In a separate bowl, whisk together the cocoa powder, flour, baking powder, and salt until well combined.
7. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, alternating with the milk, starting and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined to avoid overmixing.

Step 4: Add the Final Touches

8. Carefully fold in the hot water into the batter until smooth. The batter will be thin, but this is essential for a moist cake.
9. If desired, fold in the chocolate chips for an extra fudgy texture.

Step 5: Bake the Cake

10. Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan and smooth the top with a spatula.
11. Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with a few moist crumbs.

Step 6: Cool and Serve

12. Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before serving or frosting.