Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C)

Grease your baking pan and line with parchment paper, leaving overhang for easy removal

Toss 2 tablespoons of flour with the chocolate chips in a small bowl to prevent sinking

In a large bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt

Set aside the dry mixture

Using a stand mixer or hand mixer, beat softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy (about 3-4 minutes)

Scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed

Beat in eggs one at a time, incorporating fully after each addition

Mix in vanilla extract

Add vegetable oil and mix until combined

Gradually add milk, alternating with the dry ingredients mixture

Fold in the flour-coated chocolate chips gently

Pour batter into prepared pan(s)

Smooth the top with a spatula

Bake for 45-50 minutes for a 9x13 pan (or 30-35 minutes for round pans)

Test with a toothpick - it should come out clean with a few moist crumbs

Cool in pan for 15 minutes

Transfer to a wire rack to cool completely