Chicago Chocolate Cinnamon Cake

I got this recipe when we lived in Chicago. It was one of the first made-from-scratch cakes I ever made. I still enjoy it!

2 cups flour

2 cups sugar

1 cup butter

1/4 cup cocoa

1 cup water

1/2 cup buttermilk

1 teaspoon soda

1 teaspoon cinnamon

1 teaspoon vanilla

2 eggs

1 teaspoon salt

Glaze:

1/2 cup butter

1/4 cup cocoa

6 tablespoons milk

1 teaspoon vanilla

3-3/4 cups powdered sugar

1 cup chopped pecans, optional

Mix flour and sugar in large bowl. Bring 1 cup butter, 1/4 cup cocoa and water to a boil in saucepan. Pour over flour mixture and mix well. Add buttermilk, soda, cinnamon, one teaspoon vanilla, eggs and salt and mix well. Pour into greased and floured 9-by-13-inch pan. Bake 30 to 35 minutes at 350 degrees, or until toothpick inserted in center comes out clean.

For glaze: Bring 1/2 cup butter, 1/4 cup cocoa, milk and 1 teaspoon vanilla to a boil in a saucepan; remove from heat. Add powdered sugar gradually, mixing until of spreading consistency. Stir in pecans, if desired. Pour over warm cake.

For a printable version of this recipe, go here.