Description
This indulgent, rich, and chocolatey cake is a Texas classic! With its moist, tender crumb and decadent chocolate frosting, it’s the perfect dessert for gatherings, parties, or any special occasion. It’s simple to make and guaranteed to impress!
Ingredients
Scale
For the cake:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 1 cup water
- 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/2 cup buttermilk
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
For the frosting:
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 4 cups powdered sugar
- 1/2 cup chopped pecans (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Make the cake: In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking soda, and salt.
- In a saucepan, combine butter, water, and cocoa powder. Bring to a boil, stirring constantly until the butter melts and the mixture is smooth.
- Pour the hot cocoa mixture into the dry ingredients and stir to combine.
- Add buttermilk, eggs, and vanilla extract to the mixture and stir until well combined.
- Pour the batter into the prepared baking dish and spread it out evenly.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean.
- While the cake is baking, prepare the frosting: In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Stir in cocoa powder and milk. Bring to a simmer, then remove from heat.
- Gradually stir in powdered sugar and vanilla extract, mixing until smooth and creamy.
- Once the cake is done, remove it from the oven and let it cool for about 5 minutes.
- Pour the frosting over the warm cake, spreading it evenly. Sprinkle with chopped pecans (optional).
- Let the cake cool completely before cutting into squares and serving.
Notes
- This cake is best served slightly warm, but it can also be enjoyed at room temperature or chilled.
- If you’re not a fan of pecans, feel free to leave them out or substitute with other nuts or no nuts at all.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20-25 minutes