Ingredients
Cake Ingredients
- 2 cups sugar
- 2 cups flour
- 2 sticks (1 cup) unsalted butter
- 1/4 cup cocoa powder
- 1 cup water
- 2 large eggs, lightly beaten
- 1/2 cup buttermilk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon ancho chile powder (optional)
- Pinch kosher salt
Frosting Ingredients
- 1 stick unsalted butter
- 1/4 cup cocoa powder
- 6 tablespoons whole milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 cup chopped pecans
- 1 pound powdered sugar
- Pinch kosher salt
Instructions
- Preheat and prepare pan: Preheat the oven to 400°F (204°C) and lightly grease a 9x13-inch baking pan to prevent sticking.
- Mix dry ingredients: Sift together the sugar and flour in a mixing bowl to combine and aerate them for a tender crumb.
- Make cocoa mixture: Melt the butter over low heat in a saucepan, then add the cocoa powder and water. Increase heat to high and stir continuously until the mixture comes to a gentle boil. Remove from heat.
- Combine cake batter: Pour the hot cocoa mixture over the sugar and flour, stirring with a spoon until well combined. Add the lightly beaten eggs, buttermilk, vanilla extract, baking soda, ground cinnamon, optional ancho chile powder, and a pinch of kosher salt. Mix thoroughly with a spoon until smooth and homogeneous.
- Bake the cake: Pour the batter into the prepared 9x13 pan. Place in the preheated oven and bake for about 25-30 minutes, or until a knife inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Prepare frosting: About 5 minutes before the cake is done, make the frosting by gently bringing the butter, cocoa powder, and whole milk to a boil over low heat in a saucepan. Remove from heat immediately.
- Finish frosting: Stir in the powdered sugar, vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, chopped pecans, and a pinch of kosher salt into the hot cocoa mixture. Beat the frosting well until smooth and spreadable.
- Apply frosting: Once the cake is done and still warm, spread the warm frosting evenly over the top so it absorbs and sets perfectly.
Notes
- For a spicier flavor, add the ancho chile powder; omit if you prefer a classic taste.
- Ensure the cake is warm when frosting to help the icing set properly.
- Use freshly sifted flour and sugar for best cake texture.
- Chopped pecans add a delightful crunch; you can substitute with walnuts if preferred.
- Store the cake covered at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for longer freshness.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Southern American