This is an excellent basic recipe for a chocolate cake using cocoa.

Cocoa Delicious Cake

2 cups all-purpose flour
2/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
1 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon baking powder

3/4 cup butter, softened
1 2/3 cups granulated sugar
3 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 1/3 cups water

1. Heat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour one 13 x 9 x 2-inch baking pan.
2. In medium bowl, mix together flour, cocoa, baking soda, salt and baking powder; set aside.
3. In large bowl, combine butter, sugar, eggs and vanilla; beat on high speed of mixer 3 minutes. Alternately add flour mixture with water to butter mixture, beating until blended. Pour batter into prepared pan.
4. Bake 30 to 35 minutes or until wooden pick inserted in center comes out clean. Cool 10 minutes; remove from pan to wire rack. Cool completely.
5. Frost as desired.

Makes 12 servings.