www.vcsweets.net
Step 1: Sift the dry ingredients. In a large mixing bowl, sift together the flour, sugar, cinnamon, and salt. Set aside.
Step 2: Make the cocoa mixture. In a medium saucepan, melt the butter on medium low heat. Once melted, add in the cocoa powder, stirring to combine. Add in the hot water and bring mixture to a boil. Boil for 30 seconds. Remove from heat.
Step 3: Mix the cocoa mixture with the flour mixture. Pour the cocoa mixture over the flour mixture, whisking to combine. Allow the mixture to cool for 5 minutes.
Step 4: Combine the buttermilk and eggs. Add the baking soda to the buttermilk and stir together until frothy. Beat the eggs and add them and the vanilla extract to the buttermilk mixture and whisk to combine.
Step 5: Combine the wet ingredients. Pour the buttermilk mixture over the flour mixture and mix with a handheld mixer on low.
Step 6: Bake. Pour the cake batter into the prepared cake pan and bake for 30 minutes. Start making the frosting when the cake has 5 minutes left of baking time.
Step 7: Make the fudge frosting. Melt the butter over medium low heat. Once melted, add in the cocoa powder, stirring until combined. Add in the milk and allow the mixture to come to a boil. Remove from heat and pour over the sifted powdered sugar. Add in the vanilla extract and mix on low with a handheld mixer until smooth. Fold in half of the pecans.
Step 8: Decorate. Allow the cake to cool for 10 minutes then quickly pour the warm frosting over the warm cake allowing it to spread into an even layer. Lastly, sprinkle the top of the cake with chopped pecans!!