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Slice of old fashioned chocolate cake on a vintage floral plate with a fork

Old Fashioned Chocolate Cake

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5 from 19 reviews

  • Author: Teresa Flagler
  • Total Time: 45 mins
  • Yield: 15 servings
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Description

This classic 9×13 sheet cake features an incredibly moist crumb infused with a hint of cinnamon and topped with a rich, boiled chocolate fudge icing. By pouring the warm frosting over the hot cake, you create a seamless, decadent dessert that is perfect for potlucks and family gatherings.

Ingredients

  • 1 cup butter
  • 1 cup water
  • 8 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder, divided
  • 1/2 cup plus 1/3 cup buttermilk, divided
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 2 large eggs, beaten
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract, divided
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 2 cups white sugar
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1 pound confectioners’ sugar
  • 1 cup chopped pecans

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C) and grease and flour a 9×13 inch baking pan.
  2. In a saucepan over medium heat, melt 1 cup of butter and stir in water and 4 tablespoons of cocoa powder; bring to a boil then remove from heat to cool slightly.
  3. In a medium bowl, combine 1/2 cup buttermilk with baking soda, then stir in the beaten eggs and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract before whisking in the cooled cocoa mixture.
  4. In a large bowl, sift together flour, white sugar, cinnamon, and salt; create a well and stir in the chocolate mixture by hand until blended.
  5. Pour batter into the prepared pan and bake for 30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
  6. While the cake is in its final minutes of baking, melt 1/2 cup butter with 4 tablespoons cocoa powder and 1/3 cup buttermilk in a saucepan; remove from heat and whisk in confectioners’ sugar, 1 teaspoon vanilla, and chopped pecans.
  7. Pour the warm icing directly over the hot cake immediately after removing it from the oven and spread gently to the edges.

Notes

To ensure a perfectly smooth icing, always sift your confectioners’ sugar before adding it to the saucepan to prevent stubborn lumps. For a deeper chocolate flavor, you can replace the water in the cake batter with hot brewed coffee without changing the overall texture.

  • Prep Time: 15 mins
  • Cook Time: 30 mins
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

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Find it online: https://cakehalf.com/old-fashioned-chocolate-cake/