Tim makes this cake in a full sheet, but I only have 9x13 pans, so this is a recipe for 9x13. The frosting is for the full sheet, hence his note by that recipe.
CAKE
Preheat oven to 350 degrees
Blend the following ingredients together:
2 cups sugar
1-3/4 cups flour
3/4 cup cocoa
1-1/2 Teaspoons baking soda
1-1/2 Teaspoons baking powder
3/4 Teaspoon salt
Stir in:
1/2 cup melted salted butter
2 large eggs
1 cup buttermilk
3 Teaspoon vanilla extract
Beat on medium speed until well incorporated then turn mixer to slowest speed and add:
1 cup boiling water
Pour into buttered and floured 9 x 13 baking pan.
Bake until done? (Tim's note: I have never done one this small. I would guess about 30 min. If you gently insert a wooden tooth pick and it comes out clean it is done. Don't be alarmed if the cake appears to fall just a bit, that is normal and can be filled with frosting. You know my motto when it comes to cake. "A cake is only as good as its frosting is thick!") Cool cake completely before frosting.
FROSTING
(Tim's note: I use this recipe to frost the one of the cakes I usually make. If you make it all up you can save what you don't use in a plastic bag refrigerated for along time. Good for brownies, sugar cookies, graham crackers, and some of us consider it finger food.)
Gently blend together
2 pounds powdered sugar
3/4 cup cocoa
In small pieces add:
1/2 pound (2 squares) softened butter
Add:
3 Teaspoon vanilla extract
1-1/2 to 2 cups of heavy whipping cream (This will depend on the thickness of the cream.)
Turn to high speed and whip for approx. 3 minutes.