Preheat oven to 180 degrees. Grease an 8 inch or 9 inch pan and set aside.
In a bowl, beat the butter and sugar till fluffy.
Add one egg at a time and beat till combined. Beat in the vanilla.
Sift together the dry ingredients in another bowl.
Add half the dry ingredients and half the milk and beat till combined.
Now add the remaining half dry ingredients and the evaporated milk and combined. Fold in the chocolate or nuts if using.
Pour into prepared pan and bake for 40-50 minutes, till skewer comes clean.
Flip onto rack to cool completely. Slice and enjoy.