Add the butter, maple syrup, vanilla, and eggs to your bowl. Stir this together.
Add your cocoa powder, salt, and baking powder.
Stir together well. A hand mixer is very helpful to get it to mix smoothly.
Add half the flour, then milk, then the other half of the flour. Beat well.
Pour the cake into two 8" round or 8 x 8" square pans. A 9 x 13 would work, or it should make 18-24 cupcakes.
Bake at 350ºF for 25-30 minutes (test for doneness by sticking a toothpick in the center -- if it comes out clean, it's done).
After the cake cools, frost or top as desired and serve!