This is the recipe we frequently use for family gatherings. It pairs great with vanilla ice cream.

Ingredients

  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 2 cups granulated sugar
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 2 sticks margarine
  • 4 heaping tablespoons cocoa powder
  • 1 cup boiling water
  • 1/2 cup buttermilk
  • 2 large eggs, beaten
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Icing

  • 1 3/4 sticks margarine
  • heaping 1/4 cup cocoa powder
  • 6 tablespoons whole milk
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • large pinch salt
  • 1 pound minus 1/2 cup powdered sugar
  • 1/2 cup finely chopped pecans (optional)

Directions

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease an 18x13 sheet pan.
  2. In mixing bowl, combine flour, sugar, and salt.
  3. In saucepan, melt margarine. Add cocoa powder and stir to combine. Add boiling water, and allow to boil for 30 seconds. Remove from heat and pour over flour mixture. Stir to combine.
  4. In a separate bowl, combine buttermilk, eggs, baking soda, and vanilla. Stir to combine.
  5. Pour buttermilk mixture into flour mixture and stir until smooth.
  6. Pour batter into prepared sheet pan and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
  7. While cake is baking, prepare icing. In a saucepan, melt margarine. Add cocoa powder and stir to combine. Turn off heat and add milk, vanilla, and salt. Stir to combine. Gradually add powdered sugar and stir until smooth. Add pecans, if using.
  8. Remove cake from oven and pour icing over hot cake. Allow to cool completely before serving.