1 (18 1/4 ounce) package devil's food cake mix
1 (4 ounce) box instant chocolate pudding mix
1 cup sour cream
1/2 cup water
1/2 cup vegetable oil
4 large eggs
1 tsp vanilla
1 c. chocolate chips (optional)

Preheat oven to 350°F.

Grease 2 9-inch round cake pans. Dust with flour and tap out the excess; set pans aside.

Place the cake mix, pudding mix, sour cream, water, oil, and eggs in a large mixing bowl.

Blend with an electric mixer on low speed for 1 minute. Stop and scrape down the sides 
of the bowl.

On medium low speed, continue to blend for 2-3 minutes more. The batter will be very thick 
and should look well combined.

Fold in chocolate chips, if desired.

Pour batter into prepared pans and smooth it out.

Bake for 27-32 minutes (18-22 for cupcakes) (45-55 for bundt cake).

Allow to cool in the pans on a wire rack for 20 minutes.