Step 1

Preheat oven to 400°F. In a large bowl, sift together sugar, flour, baking soda and cinnamon. Set aside.

Step 2

In a saucepan, combine water, butter, oil and cocoa. Bring to a boil, stirring. Pour over the dry ingredients and mix well.

Step 3

In a small bowl or glass measuring cup, mix the buttermilk, egg, and vanilla. Add to the chocolate batter and mix.

Step 4

Pour into a well seasoned, greased cast iron skillet. Bake 20-25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the middle comes out clean.

Step 5

Meanwhile, prepare the frosting. Ina saucepan, combine butter, cocoa and milk. Bring to a boil slowly while stirring, careful not to scorch the milk. Remove from heat and add the powdered sugar, vanilla and pecans, stirring until smooth. Pour over the hot cake.

Step 6

Let the frosting harden before serving. Tastes best with a scoop of Bluebell Homemade Vanilla (fact).