Description
This classic American sheet cake combines a velvety buttermilk crumb with a rich, poured fudge icing. Using a boiling water method to bloom the cocoa and finished with toasted pecans, it offers an incredibly moist texture that feels like a warm embrace.
Ingredients
- 1 cup butter
- 1 cup water
- 4 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 cups white sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup buttermilk
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup butter (for icing)
- 4 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder (for icing)
- 6 tablespoons buttermilk (for icing)
- 1 pound confectioners’ sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (for icing)
- 1 cup chopped pecans
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease and flour a 9×13 inch baking pan.
- In a saucepan, melt 1 cup of butter over medium heat, stir in water and 4 tablespoons of cocoa powder, bring to a gentle simmer, then remove from heat to cool slightly.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together buttermilk and baking soda, then add eggs and vanilla until well combined.
- Slowly stream the cooled cocoa mixture into the buttermilk mixture while stirring gently.
- In a large bowl, sift together flour, sugar, cinnamon, and salt, then pour in the liquid ingredients and stir until just blended.
- Pour batter into the prepared pan and bake for 30 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
- While baking, prepare the icing by melting the remaining butter, cocoa, and buttermilk in a saucepan, then whisk in confectioners’ sugar, vanilla, and pecans.
- Immediately pour the hot icing over the hot cake fresh from the oven and allow it to soak in before serving.
Notes
For the best results, ensure the icing is poured immediately while the cake is at its hottest point; this thermal shock creates the perfect fudgy transition layer between the icing and the crumb. Sifting the dry ingredients is essential to prevent cocoa or cinnamon clumps in the delicate batter.
- Prep Time: 15 mins
- Cook Time: 30 mins
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American