1 c. butter
2 c. sugar
3 eggs
3 c. sifted flour
1/2 c. cocoa
2 tsp. baking soda
1 tsp. salt
1 tsp. vanilla
2 c. buttermilk

Beat butter until smooth. Beat in sugar until fluffy, beat in eggs, one at a time. Sift dry ingredients together. On low speed of mixer beat flour mixture with butter mixture alternately with buttermilk. Add vanilla. Pour into 3 (9") greased and floured cake pans. Bake at 350 degrees for 35 to 40 minutes. Ice with Chocolate Butter Cream Frosting.