Directions

Preheat oven to 375. lightly butter a 9 X 13 pan. Whisk together flour, sugar, baking soda, salt and cinnamon in a large bowl. Melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat, whisk in cocoa, than the water. Raise heat and bring to a boil, whisking occasionally. Pour over flour mixture and stir until thoroughly combined. Mix in eggs, buttermilk and vanilla. Pour into prepared pan and tap firmly on counter top to release bubbles. Bake 12 to 16 minutes. Transfer pan to a wire rack and pour icing over cake while warm. Sprinkle with pecans and let cool.

Boiled Chocolate Icing

1/2 cup unsalted butter
1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
1/2 cup heavy cream
2 tsp vanilla
2 cups confectioner’s sugar

Bring butter, cocoa and cream to a boil in a small saucepan, stirring occasionally. Remove from heat and stir in vanilla and sugar. Use while still warm.