Fantastic Chocolate Cake

This recipe came from an old church cookbook where all the ladies in the community shared their favorite recipes. This one supposedly originated from Peru. I tell you it is a fantastic chocolate cake recipe. I love chocolate but must admit I don't usually like chocolate cake. I'm more of a brownie girl. However, I've made this one many times and it never lasts long. It's also an easy made-from-scratch recipe.

Fantastic Chocolate Cake
by Chelsey W.
1 c buttermilk or (1c milk with 1tsp vinegar added to it)
1 c oil
2 eggs
1 tsp vanilla
3 c flour
2 c sugar
1/2 c cocoa powder
3 tsp baking soda
1/2 tsp salt
1 c Hot water
Mix together buttermilk, oil, eggs, and vanilla. In another bowl sift together all the other dry ingredients. Add the dry ingredients to the wet ones and beat well. Add the hot water and beat for 2 more min. Batter will be thin. Bake in a greased 9x13 cake pan at 350 degrees for 40-45 minutes until done and an inserted toothpick comes out clean. May also be baked in 2 or 3 layer pans for a shorter time.


Chocolate Frosting
1/2 c margarine or butter, softened
1/3 c cocoa powder
3 c powdered sugar
1/4 c milk
1 tsp vanilla

Mix together the margarine and cocoa. Gradually add in powdered sugar. Add milk to thin it out and then vanila. Whip until creamy and smooth.