Ingredients
Method
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x13-inch baking pan with butter or cooking spray and set aside.
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt until well combined.
- In a medium saucepan, combine the butter and water over medium heat. Stir until the butter melts completely, then bring the mixture to a boil. Remove from heat immediately.
- Pour the hot butter mixture over the dry ingredients and whisk until smooth. The batter will be thick but should come together easily.
- Whisk in the eggs, buttermilk, and vanilla extract until the batter is smooth and well incorporated.
- Pour the batter into the prepared pan and spread it evenly. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- In a medium saucepan, combine the butter and milk over medium heat. Bring to a boil, then remove from heat. Whisk in the cocoa powder, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and salt until smooth and glossy.
- Pour the warm frosting over the warm cake immediately after it comes out of the oven. Use a spatula to spread it evenly across the surface. Allow the cake to cool completely before slicing and serving.
Notes
Use good quality cocoa powder for best flavor, don't overmix the batter, use room temperature ingredients, test for doneness at 25 minutes, and frost the cake while warm for a fudgy texture that soaks into the cake.