Ingredients
1 cup butter, cubed1/4 cup baking cocoa1 cup water2 cups all-purpose flour2 cups sugar1 teaspoon baking soda1/2 teaspoon salt1/2 cup buttermilk2 large eggs, room temperature, beaten1 teaspoon vanilla extract3 to 4 drops red food coloring, optionalFROSTING:1/2 cup butter, cubed1/4 cup baking cocoa1/4 cup buttermilk3-3/4 cups confectioners’ sugar1 teaspoon vanilla extractDash salt3/4 cup chopped almonds, optional
Preparation
In a large saucepan, bring butter, cocoa and water just to a boil. Cool.
Meanwhile, preheat oven to 350°. In a large bowl, combine the flour, sugar, baking soda and salt. Add cocoa mixture and buttermilk; mix well. Beat in the eggs, vanilla and, if desired, food coloring. Pour into a greased and floured 15x10x1-in. baking pan.
Bake until set, 20 minutes. For frosting, melt butter with cocoa and buttermilk. Stir in the confectioners’ sugar, vanilla and salt. Spread over warm cake. Garnish with nuts if desired.
