Pioneer Woman's Sheet Cake

Remember the cookbook my daughter gave me for Christmas?  I've been loving it.  One of my favorites to make is the Chocolate Sheet Cake.  It is so quick to make, around 30 minutes.  I love that it's frosted while the cake is still hot.  It's also made with pretty basic ingredients.  I don't always have buttermilk on hand, but when I do I'm making this cake.  The recipe calls for chopped pecans in the frosting.  We're not big nut-eaters around my house so I've made it plain, with mini m & m's but tonight I made it with Andes mint baking pieces.  We loved the mint!

Pioneer Woman's Chocolate Sheet Cake
2 cups flour
2 cups sugar
1/4 tsp salt
1/2 cup buttermilk
2 eggs
1 tsp vanilla
1 tsp baking soda
1/2 pound butter (2 sticks)
4 heaping T cocoa powder

In a large bowl combine flour, sugar and salt. Stir together and set aside.  In a medium saucepan melt the butter and add the cocoa powder.  Whick together to combine.  Meanwhile bring 1 cup of water to a boil.  When the butter is melted, pour the boiling water in the pan.  Allow to bubble for a moment and then turn off the heat.  In another bowl mix the buttermilk, eggs, vanilla and baking soda.  Mix and set aside.  Pour the chocolate mixture into the flour mixture.  Stir together.  Then add the egg mixture.  Stir together until smooth.  Pour into an ungreased jelly roll pan.  Bake at 350 degrees for 20 minutes.  While the cake is baking, make the icing.

Icing
1 3/4 sticks butter
4 heaping T cocoa powder
6 T milk
1 tsp vanilla extract
4 cups powdered sugar
1/2 cup finely chopped pecans, optional

In a medium saucepan over medium heat melt the butter.  Add the cocoa powder and stir until smooth.  Stir in the milk and vanilla.  Add the powdered sugar and stir well to combine.  Add chopped nuts (or not if you don't like nuts).  Right after taking the cake from the oven, pour the warm frosting over the top of the cake.  Try not to spread too much, just pour it evenly.   If omiting nuts and adding other toppings, sprinkle them on top now.

This may sounds like a lot of steps and/or dishes to use.  I simplify a bit by using the same saucepan.  I don't even rinse it out.  I also boil my water in a glass dish in the microwave and then use it for the buttermilk and egg mixture.  It really is fast, easy and delicious!