Preparation Steps
- Cake:- Preheat oven to 350 F (180C).
- In a large saucepan, bring to a boil the water, cocoa, oil and butter or margarine.
- Mix the flour, sugar, salt and soda in a large mixing bowl.
- Whisk in the hot mixture and mix well.
- To this add the buttermilk, vanilla and the beaten eggs; continue mixing.
- Pour the batter into a greased and floured 9"x13" oblong baking pan.
- Bake in the preheated oven for approximately 20 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean when inserted in the middle.
- Remove from the oven and frost while still warm.
- Frosting:- In a large pan set over medium heat, melt the butter and the cocoa powder and milk.
- Stir in the sugar and vanilla; whisk until smooth.
- Add the chopped nuts if desired; stir well and spread on the warm cake.
- Let cake cool before serving.